The rifle range at Sportsmen’s Club consists of little more than a long stretch of grass, a shack, and a few tables with mufflers. It has been closed for 10 years, out of safety concerns, waiting for a rebuild. The Club is now planning a $152,000 upgrade to turn that part of the facility into something useful to the community.
In 2013, Sportsmen’s was awarded a Firearms and Archery Range Recreation grant of $95,000 for the renovation. The Club competed with 17 other clubs for the money and tied for first. To be able to use the grant, Sportsmen’s must come up with $56,000 in a combination of volunteer hours and cash, the latter estimated at $25,000. That $25,000 is what they’re shooting for through an IndieGoGo fundraising campaign.
Current range
The proposed new range will extend 100 yards. It will be built so as to lessen sound levels and to be, as Club President Alan Kasper put it, “supremely safe.” The project includes installing safety lights, creating a granite-filled berm and cap on the far end of the range to trap ricochets, rebuilding two muffler boxes and building two more, widening the range by 10 feet to accommodate two new shooting lanes, building shooting stations and tables, installing a “no blue sky” baffle system to prevent bullets from escaping, repairing drainage problems, and planting rapidly growing trees to serve as a sound barrier. The Club will also develop a link to a parking spot for people with disabilities.
Range design
So far, Sportsmen’s is reporting funds of $8,140. Every dollar raised above the target amount of $25,000 will be used to fix the archery range’s flooding problem, rebuild the club’s front porch, and repair roof and gutter issues.
Sportsmen’s Club is used by members, for classes, and for Bainbridge Island Police Department training.
To lend your financial support, visit the Club’s fundraising page. You can also give by mailing a check (with “Rifle Range Fund” in the comments area) to
Bainbridge Island Sportsmen’s Club
P.O.Box 10421
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
BISC is a 501(c)(3) organization so donations are tax-deductible (verify BISC IRS tax status right here). Various incentives are being offered to supporters.
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Featured photo by Sarah Lane shows the current range shelter.