Volunteers seek city approval for archery‑range safety wall and upgrades in Good Thunder

Members of the archery‑range volunteer group presented a multi‑phase plan to improve safety and infrastructure at the range behind the compost pile and ballpark. Projects described included backstop clearing, higher target backstops, new targets, building an additional tower, and constructing a 10‑foot solid saw‑log wall between the range and the compost area to reduce the potential for stray arrows reaching site users.

Volunteers said much of the labor and some materials would be donated; they requested the city's approval to use logs from city‑cut trees and permission to proceed with construction and selective tree removal as required. Council members voiced support in principle but insisted on a formal building‑permit application and sketches to attach to the permit before approving any tree removal or construction on city property. Concerns were raised about flood conditions in the compost area and whether a solid wall would withstand periodic high water; presenters explained the targets are portable and could be moved in a flood event but agreed to evaluate flood resilience in the design.

Council suggested the planning steps: provide a formal permit application, attach the detailed sketches and any staging plans, and include any safety or maintenance language the city requires. The council did not approve expenditures for the project at this meeting and signaled it would support the project if permit and safety questions are satisfactorily addressed.

What happens next: the archery group will submit formal permit drawings and a construction plan; staff will review the permit and report back to the council.