Wausau Police Discuss Collaboration For New Indoor Shooting Range Facility

The Wausau Capital Improvements Program Committee convened on July 21, 2025, to discuss significant upgrades to the city's police training facilities, particularly the need for a modern shooting range. Currently, the police department utilizes an outdoor shooting range on 3M property, a relationship that has lasted for decades. However, the existing facilities are outdated, with restroom amenities described as "old school outhouse," and the department is seeking to explore options for a more modern indoor shooting range.

The proposed indoor facility could cost upwards of $10 million, based on recent estimates from similar projects in Wisconsin. The police chief emphasized the importance of collaboration with other local law enforcement agencies and North Central Technical College (NTC) to share costs and resources. This collaborative approach aims to create a regional training facility that could serve multiple departments, enhancing training efficiency and safety.

Committee members expressed support for the idea of a joint facility, noting that it could also accommodate the fire department's training needs. The potential for a combined training space was highlighted as a way to foster teamwork between police and fire services, especially as both departments often respond to emergencies together.

However, the committee acknowledged that discussions should begin internally between the police and fire departments to assess their specific needs before reaching out to other agencies. This preliminary step is crucial to ensure that any proposed facility meets the requirements of both departments and can be effectively marketed to potential partners.

The committee also discussed the challenges of utilizing existing facilities, such as the Marathon County Sheriff's Department's range, which is often booked by smaller departments and located far from Wausau. The police chief noted that travel time to these facilities could hinder training schedules, reinforcing the need for a centrally located training site.

In conclusion, while the proposal for a new training facility is still in its early stages, the committee's discussions reflect a growing recognition of the need for modern training resources in Wausau. The next steps involve internal assessments and potential collaborations, with the hope of securing funding and support for a project that could significantly enhance public safety training in the region.