A Living Laboratory From A Former Golf Course
Set in Ketchum, Idaho, the landscape design for Warm Springs Preserve transforms a 65-acre stretch that had long been a golf course into a public community landscape. What had been a private, single-use golf facility will become a universally accessible and sustainable public space for the Ketchum community. The design incorporates considerable landscape renewal, taking into account floodplain and ecosystem restoration.
To address the ecological restoration needs of this site and preserve the 65 acres of open space for generations to enjoy, the landscape architect collaborated with leading experts in river and floodplain ecosystem restoration and geomorphology. Together, we have been working closely with the City of Ketchum, the Wood River Land Trust and Friends of the Warm Springs Preserve to conduct a public design process with community engagement opportunities to inform the master plan.
The design team conducted three public open houses and utilized other innovative engagement methods to gather input, in addition to extensive field work at the site. The abundance of feedback and comments was synthesized into a design for an inclusive, accessible, restorative open space that enhances both human and environmental aspects of the ecosystem.
The conceptual design for Warm Springs Preserve envisions a rich matrix of experiential spaces and dynamic ecologies that span the unique topographies and micro-climates throughout the Preserve. As we continue to integrate these ideas into the design, the community’s vision is coming to life: a preserve that provides a variety of recreational opportunities for the community, incredible universal access trails paired with functional ecosystem restoration.
The final design includes: ample off-leash dog access, creek and habitat restoration, new water-conscious irrigation system, walking trails, informal gatherings and activities, Nordic ski and snowshoe trails, and public restrooms.
Warm Springs Preserve
Landscape Designer: Superbloom
Collaborators: Rio Applied Science & Engineering, Ecosystem Sciences
Client: City of Ketchum, Wood River Land Trust
Image Credits: Superbloom