Four score and seven years ago we had the idea of an archery range out here at COMLARA Park/Evergreen Lake. Back about five or six years ago Intern Brad Wood, who is now our Operations Supervisor at the Park, completed his internship project of an archery range model and program. The Park staff had to put this on the “back burner” for a while, but we always wanted something out here for the public. Fast forward to late 2012. The Parks Department was contacted by an archery club to help in the construction of a practice and 3D archery range out here at the park. In the end though they decided to go to a different venue. The Park Staff was dedicated to getting, at least, some sort of practice range set-up. Well, after today I am happy to report that this 12-Lane Practice Range is about 98% complete, but open to the public. We still have to haul in a bit more wood chips, finish a small brochure, and take a box scraper and level some areas out, BUT IT IS NOW OPEN! The lanes range from 13-44 yards. Currently we have bag targets and block targets up for people to use. We are planning to get some 3D targets and keep at the Park Visitor Center, where people can check them out at no cost and take down to the range to use. DON’T FORGET THIS RANGE IS FREE OF CHARGE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!
Oh, where is the range you ask? Just north of the T-Intersection at 2300 North and 1300 East Road. There is an information board with the RULES SIGN and a Sign-In/Out Sheet. Everyone will need to make sure to sign in and out. The range will be open from sunrise to sunset.
Thanks to all who helped with this! The entire Park Staff, the McLean County Sportsmen’s Association, Our Summer Interns, and Volunteer, Dave Grizzle.
Please help spread the word about the range. THIS IS YOUR RANGE AND WE WANT YOU TO USE IT!
We are planning a large expansion for next year (2014), with more lanes and 3D targets