WATCH // EXPLORE // CRAVE
Ready, Aim, Shoot
In a joint collaboration between Marion County Parks & Recreation and the Silver Springs Archers, a nonprofit organization, one of Marion County’s newest recreational facilities, the Silver Springs Archery Range, has opened. // B Y K A R I N F A B R Y- C U S H E N B E R Y
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he impressive Silver Springs Archery Range offers a wide selection of archery targets, including targets between 20 and 50 yards and a four-target, Olympic-style range at 100 yards and beyond. The range also boasts two complete 3D ranges, each containing highTHE SILVER SPRINGS quality foam targets. As ARCHERY FACILITY IS YET a matter of fact, these are the official targets ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF used by the Archery MARION COUNTY PARKS & Shooters Association, a national group that RECREATION PARTNERING organizes tournaments tournament-ready and WITH MEMBERS OF THE and operates in 3D targets available at 30 states. the facility.” COMMUNITY TO CREATE The newly opened And speaking of A GREAT OUTDOOR center is user friendly tournaments, the facility and can accommodate has already hosted OPPORTUNITY FOR OUR beginners to advanced several, including a state RESIDENTS AND VISITORS. archers, plus speed bow qualifier tournament in and crossbow shooting. JIM COUILLARD, MARION COUNTY late June that brought PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTOR in more than 100 The shorter-range targets feature concrete talented archers. shooting lines, making much of the park The range is co-managed by the Silver handicap accessible. Springs Archers and Marion County Parks & “The Silver Springs Archery Facility is yet Recreation, with parks and rec providing general another example of Marion County Parks oversight, including the cost for mowing the & Recreation partnering with members of fields and completing general repairs. The the community to create a great outdoor Archers take on the costs for water, power and opportunity for our residents and visitors,” says waste removal, plus the fees associated with Marion County Parks & Recreation Director Jim maintaining and replacing targets as needed. Couillard. “We’ve already piqued the interest Although the facility is most often used by of archers needing a practice spot during the archery club members (both individual and snowy winters of the north who are drawn by the family memberships are available), the range is 18
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open to the general public on Thursday evenings. “The facility was designed to give people access to the park, from beginners to advanced archers,” says Justin Periko, president of the Silver Springs Archers. “If you’re an archer and have your own equipment and are looking for someplace to shoot other than your backyard, we welcome you out to the range to see what it’s all about.” Justin adds that a club member is always in attendance during open hours to answer questions and offer guidance. If you’re new to the sport or don’t yet own your own bow and arrow, you’ll want to stop by Jerry’s Indoor Archery first, located just off of 441. There you can get your feet wet trying out and purchasing quality equipment. Justin will be happy to assist! Silver Springs Archery Range // 5227 NE 35th Street, Silver Springs // Silver Springs Archery Club // silverspringsarchers.org or (352) 351-3766
