S.F. Archers are “feverishly” working towards getting our Range re-opened. That reference may or may not be appropriate. But seriously, we are waiting for a response from S.F. Recreation & Parks Department to see if our “Re-Opening Protocols” plan document will be accepted as submitted.
Simultaneously, there is a core group of Board and general members spearheading the Range modifications necessary for re-opening. We are working everyday towards compliance with all the new COVID-19 guidelines for outdoor public recreation areas. We have eliminated target bales and shooting positions on the Practice Range to achieve proper Social Distancing requirements.
This Club needs to thank and acknowledge the efforts of 3 Board members that have tirelessly maintained the Archery Range property throughout the closure. Former Range Captains, Jim Long, and Mike Lew and longtime Board member and Outreach director Jack Rauch. These individuals have repeatedly mowed, weed whacked, maintained equipment and made improvements to the grounds on a daily basis. There are also ½ dozen others that have assisted when they have been available to meet at the Range and assist our core work group. In the near future we will be developing an alternate plan to our regular work party schedule. The new work party concept will be small scheduled groups with specific tasks. We also need members to take on individual work assignments based on their skill sets and availability.
The Range will be a different place upon our return. Maintaining Social Distancing will be of the utmost importance to ALL members and guests. Common areas like the Clubhouse and Arrow Shack will be closed and locked. The picnic tables and benches have been removed and secured. The garbage and recycle cans have been removed and secured. Everyone must raise their awareness of the new cautious environment we live in now and modify their behavior accordingly.
Despite that doom and gloomy report, the silver lining will be that you can again shoot your bows and arrows. We are adding 3 short range target bales to the upper Range at the NW corner. When you return to the Range, please read and comply with the new signage that will be placed at all the various Ranges.
There will be examples of these signs posted in this newsletter, on the Facebook page and on the website. We have received assistance from S.F. Rec & Parks and other clubs with the sign format and content. Please familiarize yourselves with the new guidelines for Range use.
The other big announcement is that the SFA Board has officially cancelled this year’s 1 Million Year BC shoot. That decision should be no surprise to anyone and there was no other option but to cancel. We look forward to hosting next year’s 2021 BC shoot.
There is still much to be done to re-open and get back to what will be the “new normal” at the Range. My personal goal to re-open is no later than June 1st. With that said, there are some things that are beyond our control. We are doing all we can to achieve that, so please continue to be patient and look forward to the re-opening.
Stay Safe & Healthy,
Charley Sturtevant SFA President