Author:
Cassie Gasaway
If you’re thinking about building an archery range, or you’ve already started its construction, check out the ATA’s “Archery Range Guides.”
The ATA created the Archery Range Guides series from its 2012 Archery Park Guide, which helped build safe, accessible archery parks. The series includes three guidebooks, but more could be added next year. The updated guidebooks include information tailored to ATA members, and city, county, state, university and parks-and-recreation agencies.
Nicole Nash, ATA’s range and retail programs’ manager, said the updates, which were part of the ATA’s strategic planning priorities, make the guidebooks more comprehensive.
“We’re creating an Archery Range Toolkit that encompasses all types of archery range development and programming,” Nash said. “The original Archery Park Guide focused solely on archery parks. We’ve expanded these guides to focus on different range settings to meet our audience’s needs and demands. The new guides are great tools for those needing information or a place to start.”
Each guidebook includes tips, maps, photographs, case studies, helpful graphics, detailed how-to information, and potential layouts and suggestions for building ranges. They cover everything in the building process, including costs, safety features, access control, frequently asked questions, land and staff requirements, and much more.
Let’s review the ATA’s “Archery Range Guides.”
Having a community range will generate interest in park-goers that are going to the parks for other activities. Photo Credit: Billy Pope
Guide 1: Archery Range Guide for Community Parks
This guide details how to create a range for community parks. It’s geared toward state fish-and-wildlife agencies, and park-and-recreation departments. Community archery ranges increase recreational opportunities, boost the archery industry, and generate income for local businesses.
Temporary ranges are a fun way to introduce people to archery in a casual setting. Photo Credit: John Heinz
Guide 2: Archery Range Guide for Temporary Setups
This guide helps any group needing a temporary range. That includes retailers who aren’t ready to build a permanent range, and organizations whose representatives travel statewide to provide shooting opportunities. Anyone can set up a temporary range at community events, such as fall festivals, community fairs, farmers’ markets or shooting-sport tournaments. Temporary ranges help retailers and organizations introduce newcomers to archery, and boost the archery and bowhunting industry. This guide provides the tools, resources and information needed to set up, take down and offer archery programs in many locations.
Having a range at your shop will create repeat customers. Photo Credit: ATA
Guide 3: Archery Range Guide for Retailers
This guide helps people build ranges in a retail setting, and those who want to expand their range for profitable archery programs. It explains range benefits for retailers, and how to get started. The guide also discusses how to create business plans that include archery programming, which helps retailers sell more equipment, boost supplemental income, increase in-store traffic, and diversify their offerings. Retail-based ranges provide archers fun places to practice year-round or prepare for the upcoming season. This guide helps retailers turn their range dreams into reality.
“These guidebooks help our members and partners achieve their goals by developing ranges that boost access and participation,” Nash said.
Additional case studies and resources for the Archery Range Guide will be posted to the “MyATA Login” website for easy access. To suggest other documents or resources the ATA should include, please contact Nash.
Want help turning your archery range or program dreams into reality? The ATA is accepting applications for its new Archery Range and Program Grant starting Thursday, Aug. 8. The grant is part of the ATA’s Archery Range Toolkit. View the ATA’s Archery Range and Program Grant Criteria for more information.
Contact Nicole Nash with questions, or for more information at (502) 640-0944 or nicolenash@archerytrade.org.
