Alabama’s Decatur Community Archery Park Now Open
OutdoorHub 07.04.12
Alabama’s fifth community archery park officially opened on Thursday, June 28, in Decatur, Ala. The facility is located next to the west entrance of the Aquatic Center in Point Mallard Park and features 40 targets, including an eight-target adult range from 15 to 50 yards; an eight-target youth range of 5 to 20 yards; a four-target range of 10 to 40 yards with a 12-foot platform, and a 20-target walking course.
Decatur Community Archery Park joins four other archery parks currently in operation including Athens, Cullman, Dothan, and Demopolis. Four more are under construction in Ozark, Heflin, Lincoln, and Tuscaloosa. These facilities are one component of the Community Archery Program (CAP), a national effort to increase awareness and participation in the life skill of archery.
“We are pleased to be a partner in the development of the new Decatur Community Archery Park,” said N. Gunter Guy, Jr., Commissioner, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR). “This archery park is one of several in the state that provides a venue for both the beginner and the seasoned archer. Point Mallard offers a location with high visibility to the public and with the Parks and Recreation Department offering classes, it’s sure to become a popular destination for local residents.”
The park will be open year-round during daylight hours for recreational shooting, competitive tournaments, and outdoor educational programming. Day use of the park is free for those under 16 years of age or over 65 years of age. Alabamians ages 16 to 64 must have a Hunting or Wildlife Heritage license in order to shoot. For non-residents, a $16 annual Wildlife Management Area license or non-resident hunting license is required. Licenses are available from various local retailers or online at www.outdooralabama.com.
Decatur’s Parks and Recreation Department will begin offering archery classes at the park beginning July 23, 2012. The program will consist of six classes. Participants will start out on an indoor range, but will move to the outdoor facility by the end of the program. To register, contact Kerrie Lane at klane@decatur-al.gov.
The Decatur Community Archery Park was made possible by the following sponsors: ADCNR’s Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, Tennessee Valley Authority, U.S. Fish and wildlife Service, Wheeler Wildlife Refuge, Archery Trade Association, and the City of Decatur.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com.
