Committee reviews proposal for archery range on stewardship property near JC's dog park

City staff and committee members discussed a proposal to develop an archery range on stewardship property near JC’s dog park and a nearby hiking trail. The site was purchased with stewardship funds to be used for outdoor recreation, staff said.

The proposal matters because it would introduce a new recreational amenity on city property and requires consideration of public‑safety measures, stewardship fund rules and capital or grant funding.

Luke (presenting) summarized conceptual costs and designs used by nearby Wisconsin communities, saying the range could be built largely in‑house using concrete pads for target stands, a small shelter/pavilion slab, earthen berms and three‑quarter stone access drives. He reported outreach to other municipalities and to the DNR, and said the American Trapshooting Association (ATA) and other organizations offer grants. The Boy Scouts indicated an Eagle Scout project could assist with construction.

Committee members raised several safety questions: the need for earthen berms on three sides and side walls to prevent stray arrows, distance and spacing between targets, whether crossbows or broadheads would be permitted (some communities prohibit crossbows), hours (dawn‑to‑dusk recommended), supervision and whether a daily or annual fee would be charged. Staff said most municipal archery ranges are unattended and rely on user etiquette; the city could require under‑16 users to be accompanied by adults and post rules restricting field points and broadheads.

Members asked staff to continue outreach on grants and to bring the proposal to the capital projects committee if interest remains. No vote was taken; the committee signaled general support for further study and requested cost estimates and a formal proposal for future capital review.