Warm Springs Preserve

At the base of Bald Mountain, along the confluence of the Big Wood River and Warm Springs Creek, Warm Springs Preserve is a cherished community gathering space. The Preserve, a former golf course, was slated for development and used informally as a dog park. The City of Ketchum led a campaign to raise a total of $9.5 million for the Preserve. With support from the Wood River Land Trust, Spur Community Foundation, and donations from over 900 members….the Preserve is now protected for all to enjoy. In April 2022, the City paid $8 million to purchase the property from Bob Brennan and put $1 million in reserve for repairs to the extremely outdated irrigation system. The acquisition also makes an additional 15-acres of beautiful riparian woodlands along the southern floodplain of Warm Springs Creek just above the confluence of the Big Wood River available to the Ketchum community. The Preserve is used by a variety of users, from dog walkers, disc golf players, Nordic skiers and more. Due to the historic use of the property, the City committed to the community to restore the environment where possible, to diversify access and enhance basic facilities. To enhance this beloved landscape, the vision plan takes careful consideration of the community’s dreams for the Preserve, and takes those ideas into an inclusive, accessible and restorative place to gather. Now, the opportunity is to restore the creek so it functions naturally; offering better improved habitat for wildlife and better access for our community.