The Ketchum City Council gave its unanimous support Monday to a proposed park that would be adjacent to the Ketchum-Sun Valley Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Named Farnlun Park, the long and narrow strip of land bordered by Meadow Circle, River Ranch Road and the Wood River Trail bike path was deeded to the city by Petra Morrison, whose family has resided in the Wood River Valley for over 100 years.
Morrison, who was raised and lives on a piece of property in what has become the Weyyakin subdivision, was joined at the meeting by three more generations of her family. Her grandparents, carrying the Farnlun name, also bought the Warm Springs Ranch at the turn of the 20th century.
Though the land is available now, creation of the park will have to wait until the city can find the funds or until money is donated.
Private contributions could prove to be the answer, and Ketchum Parks Superintendent Jen Smith said an unnamed neighbor has expressed interest in "participating financially" with the park's construction and the purchase of amenities.
In the meantime, City Attorney Stephanie Bonney said the land can be reserved for recreation until the funds are procured.
This park is one of a number that have been proposed for the city this summer. At the beginning of the month, the council also gave its support to a small dirt bike track, to be built near Atkinson Park, and a whitewater park that, if approved by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, could be created in the Big Wood River near the Hulen Meadows Pond.
The new Community Children's Garden was opened July 9 directly behind Hemingway Elementary School.
Jon Duval: jduval@mtexpress.com
