Archery range vandalized, temporarily closed

Archers in the Idaho Falls area will have to wait nearly two months before getting to use the city’s archery range. Those who visit the Idaho Falls Archery Range will be greeted with a sign that says, “Closed due to vandalism.” The targets at the range need to be replaced.

“They’re no longer stopping the arrows,” said Ronnie Campbell, superintendent of parks and cemeteries for Idaho Falls Parks and Recreation. “This is normal wear and tear on it, but it’s also been vandalized by individuals using broadheads on the targets.”

Broadhead arrows are not allowed at the archery range, but those aren’t the only things destroying the targets.

“There’s actually been guns that have been shot at the targets,” Campbell said. “But the biggest and most one is individuals using broadheads. And so broadhead, as you know, is a razor-sharp arrow that really destroys the targets.”

The city ordered new targets, but they are on back order. The Parks and Recreation department said it is disappointed that this has happened.

“The archery range is well used,” Campbell said. “Springtime when people are trying to get outside right now, get something to do close to town. It’s upsetting that it’s not ready for them.”

The archery range will be closed for about six to eight weeks, until the new targets come in.