THPRD takes aim at archery with new range at PCC
THPRD is about to hit a bullseye with archery enthusiasts.
Through a partnership with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the district has built a range at the PCC Rock Creek Campus for archers to hone their skills.
“ODFW provided the materials to build the range, and we provided the site,” explained Keith Watson, superintendent of Sports.
The range is now open daily from dawn to dusk. There is no cost to use the site, which includes 10 targets, set at lengths ranging from 10 to 60 yards.
Watson said the effort to bring an archery range to Portland’s west side was led by ODFW, with encouragement from an enthusiastic volunteer at a local archery club. While ODFW had the interest and grant money available to fund the new amenity, it had no suitable location.
Enter THRPD.
“We originally looked at a site west of the Rock Creek Powerline soccer fields,” Watson said. “When we began looking at alternatives, the practice field on the north end of the PCC campus became an option. They were thrilled with it.”
PCC approved the plan, and the school may eventually program classes at the site.
THPRD’s pilot archery program at PCC provides a new amenity to district residents, and supports existing archery classes and camps at Cedar Hills Recreation Center and Garden Home Recreation Center.
“One of my charges, when I came into sports, was to look at emerging sports,” Watson said. “Hopefully this is the first of many of those sports that we can provide.”
The range is not expected to require additional staffing, as site maintenance will be coordinated THPRD field maintenance staff already in place at PCC. That group has been instrumental in coordinating activities with volunteer work groups to get the site up and running.
ODFW provided a sign to be posted at the entrance that details rules and basic etiquette. Fencing was added so there is a single point of entry.
“We have rules posted at the entry and caution signs around the perimeter. We are confident that the site will be safe,” Watson said.
A grand opening event is scheduled to be held later this summer (date TBD).