Archery Ranges Launch Grand Openings

Three River Park District opened its new archery range in Carver Park Reserve, Victoria, Minn., on Sept. 9.

Archery ranges from Michigan to Alaska demonstrated their support of the ATA's Community Archery Programs when holding their opening ceremonies in September and early October.

In Michigan

Perhaps the most anticipated event took place in Lansing on Oct. 5 when the $3.5 million John and Marnie Demmer Shooting Sports, Education and Training Center opened its doors to the public. The ATA invested $600,000-plus in this facility and into establishing introductory archery programs in communities near the facility. This investment includes the Becky and Bob Humphries Community Archery Park, indoor archery and firearms facilities, and offices and classrooms. The facility is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday noon to 5 p.m.

The center has already hosted several classes and an archery competition. Additional programs, classes, leagues and events are scheduled soon. View the range site plan here.

In Minnesota

Those attending the Three Rivers Park District range opening included, from left to right: ATA member Jeff Byrne, of Cabin Fever Sporting Goods, Pete Hill of Three Rivers Park District , Michelle Doerr of the ATA, Tom McDowell of Three Rivers Park District, ATA Board member John Larsen of Bwana Archery and Larry Gillette of Three Rivers Park District. Photo Courtesy of Three Rivers Park District, Derek J. Dickinson

Three Rivers Park District opened its new archery range in Carver Park Reserve, Victoria, on Sept. 9. The site includes a six-lane stationary range that offers targets at several distances, as well as a shooting tower. Archers can test their skill with the nine-station walk-through course. Three shooting sites are elevated to simulate hunting from tree stands.

The facility, located southwest of the Twin Cities, was completed in August, and the ATA provided $9,000 for the district to expand its archery programs. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources expects to direct more funding to the area's National Archery in the Schools Program in the months ahead.

Check out the park's archery programs here. To see the facility's map, click here. The range is open April 1 to Nov. 15. Daily passes are $5 and may be purchased at the onsite pay box. Annual passes are $30 and can be purchased online at threeriversparks.org, at Lowry Nature Center in Carver Park, or by calling (763) 559-9000. The range will host several public programs.

In Alaska

The Juneau Archery Indoor Range (JAIR) opened Sept. 26 at the Juneau Hunter Education Facility (JHEF), a $1.9 million facility that began operating in 2005. About 100 people attended the grand opening, including community leaders, elected officials and representatives of citizen organizations.

The event included an open house and dedication ceremonies, followed by archery and rifle shooting demonstrations. The ATA provided $35,000 to the effort, which included $15,000 for the facility and $20,000 for its archery programs. The Easton Sports Development Foundation (ESDF) invested $40,000 to the facility.

The indoor archery range includes a lower level with three lanes out to 25 yards, and seven lanes out to 20 yards. A partial second level includes a raised platform to simulate tree-stand shooting out to 30 yards. The JHEF grounds also include an outdoor archery range with two walking courses and a total of 43 shooting stations.

The indoor archery range will be staffed and maintained by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game for $25,000 annually.