Representatives of the Lost Archer archery club told the parks trustees the county range needs maintenance, improved safety measures and new targets to remain usable for local recreation and regional competitions.
Neil Rubush, president of the Lost Archer club, said the course is “one of the nicest ranges within 4 or 5 states” but that heavy use and worn targets have reduced compliance for large competitions. He asked the county for help repairing drainage and hazard-prone walking trails, replacing damaged backstops and resolving narrow access roads and parking pinch points.
Parks director Michael Brown said the budget includes $35,000 requested for targets and that he has asked the Outdoor Recreation board to consider a matching 50/50 grant so the county could double the purchase. “I’ve requested an additional 35,000… we have 35,000 in the budget right now, and we’re gonna … bring that forward to see if the outdoor rec board will approve that,” Brown said.
Club leaders and trustees discussed developing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) defining what volunteer groups can do and what the county will commit to do on maintenance and access. Brown said the MOU “covers you and it covers the county,” and trustees agreed county legal staff would work with the club to draft a written agreement that could support grant applications and clarify liability and responsibilities.
Why it matters: the archery range hosts frequent local use and multi-state competitions; volunteers do much of the maintenance but asked for county help to replace targets, fix drainage and secure the facility’s future through an MOU and grant support.
Discussion vs. decision: trustees did not vote to award funds at the meeting. Brown said staff will seek a matching grant from the Outdoor Recreation board and work with legal to prepare an MOU, and commissioners offered to consider the arrangement and possible funding when presented.
Next steps: parks staff will work with the club on a scope of work and a draft MOU, pursue the matching grant, and present a funding request to the Outdoor Recreation board and the Board of County Commissioners as needed.