The Community’s Living Room.

The Story

The seeds of Ketchum Town Square were first sown in the city’s Master Plan nearly a decade ago, but the idea began to take shape in 2009 with the passion and determination of a generous initial donor, the city and a dedicated committee that began designing the plaza in earnest.

Less than a year later, Mayor Hall cut the ribbon to what has quickly become one of the community’s most popular public amenities and a gathering place for residents and visitors alike.

Ketchum’s new Town Square was completed on July 2, 2010, with much fanfare to celebrate the effort and generosity that went into creating a new heart for downtown Ketchum.

As Phase 1 of Ketchum’s Downtown Master Plan (adopted in 2006), an outdoor plaza was noted as being the centerpiece to the economic revitalization of the downtown core, directly benefiting those businesses immediately adjacent to the plaza as well as the entire town.  The pedestrian corridor along Fourth Street, together with vehicle and transit access from Sun Valley Rd. and surrounding streets creates an ideal setting for the Town Square.

What

Town Square sits in the heart of Ketchum, surrounded by the Visitors Center and Giacobbi Square. With a permanent stage, sculptures, Leroy’s Ice Cream stand in the summer, a large fire pit, chess tables and a slate of scheduled events – such as live music, free yoga classes and movie nights – the square has something for every member of the family.

Where

The corner of Fourth Street and East Avenue, adjacent to the Visitors Center and across from Atkinson’s Market.

When

Ketchum Town Square was conceived in mid-2009 and celebrated its grand opening on July 2, 2010, after just a mere two months of construction.

How

Town Square was an unmitigated success thanks to a remarkable fundraising campaign that managed to collect nearly $460,000 from members of the public during the depths of the recent financial crisis.  In addition, the City of Ketchum lent its support in the form of the land and $160,000 for construction.

Led by KCDC Board Member Dale Bates, nearly two-dozen volunteers designed, raised money and saw through completion the new outdoor meeting space for our community.

Why

As Phase 1 of Ketchum’s Downtown Master Plan (adopted in 2006), an outdoor plaza was noted as being the centerpiece to the economic revitalization of the downtown core, directly benefitting those businesses immediately adjacent to the plaza as well as the entire town.  The pedestrian corridor along Fourth Street, together with vehicle and transit access from Sun Valley Rd. and surrounding streets creates an ideal setting for the Town Square.

“The plan is the canvas, the features are the frame and it’s up to the community to paint the picture.”

- Dale Bates while planning Ketchum Town Square.

Features:

-       Fire Pit outlined with an artistic rendering of the surrounding mountains.

-       Permanent stage for live performances, movies and presentations.

-       Informational panels on local history, Olympians and surrounding nature.

-       Tables, chairs, benches and bike racks.

-       Featured sculptures from local artists and galleries.

-       Leroy’s Ice Cream stand (profits go to local schools).

-       The city’s first fountain for dogs.

Click here to read about the completed Town Square