Parks, Recreation, Cultural Resources & Library Director Ainsley Legner gave an overview of the item. Ms. Legner said that the Arizona Game and Fish Department had expressed interest in partnering with the town to develop the archery concept. Numerous other organizations such as the local archery club, National Archery Trade Association, archery equipment manufacturers as well as other stake holders had all expressed interest too.
Councilmember Waters asked what the potential expenses would be down the road to maintain the archery course.
Ms. Legner stated that there would be expenses and maintenance costs but the amounts wouldn’t be known until staff was directed to develop a comprehensive proposal.
Councilmember Garner wanted to see the revenue side incorporated within the proposal as well as the expenses.
Councilmember Hornat wanted to see the archery concept develop into a Parks and Recreation program so that residents could utilize the archery range as well.
Councilmember Solomon wanted to fast track the archery concept and start the project as soon as possible.
Councilmember Waters wanted to see a full proposal with all of the elements addressed.
Councilmember Gillaspie stated that the intent was to direct staff to come back with a comprehensive proposal. He wanted to see a first rate facility that would attract regional and national events in order to create an economic generator for the community.
Vice Mayor Snider felt that the really attractive aspect of the proposed archery range was the town’s ability to partner with the Arizona Game and Fish Department since they had the expertise and the ability to create a first rate facility.
Councilmember Garner asked if there were any grants available for the project.
Oro Valley resident Gerry Perry said that there was an opportunity starting October 1st to apply for a grant from the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Funding commitments had been lined up from the local archery organization and the Archery Trade Association.
Oro Valley resident Bill Adler felt that discussions had only been held between staff and archery enthusiasts and not with the broader community. He was concerned that the acreage necessary for the archery range would preclude some uses that had been master planned. He wanted an opportunity for the community to participate in the development of the archery concept.
Oro Valley resident Ben Baker felt that the archery community had all of their ducks in a row and were ready to start the project.
Oro Valley resident Harold Adair urged the community to voice their concerns regarding the archery proposal so that they could see how the archery concept would operate. He stated that in addition to the grant opportunity, the Arizona Game and Fish would be willing to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the town which would provide matching funds and also provide $5,000 to the town for seed money that would assist with getting the project off of the ground.
MOTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Gillaspie and seconded by Councilmember Garner to direct staff to develop the concept of creating an archery course at the Naranja Park by working closely with local archery advocates, interested stakeholders and with the Arizona Game and Fish Department for the purpose of developing an intergovernmental agreement and to bring forward a fully developed proposal for Council consideration.
MOTION carried, 7-0.