Exciting Plans for a New Marksmanship Park in Florence
Florence is buzzing with excitement these days! Why, you ask? Well, there are plans in the works to transform the former Florence County landfill on Paper Mill Road into a 500-acre marksmanship park. That’s right! This initiative aims to not only beautify an underused space but also bring in tourism dollars and give a boost to the local economy.
A Collaborative Effort
The Florence County Economic Development Partnership and Florence County Progress, its private sector partner, are spearheading this initiative. Their Chief Executive Officer, Gregg Robinson, and Director of Marketing, Audra Grant, are both confident that a marksmanship park can significantly contribute to regional growth. Robinson noted, “There are only so many reuses for such a big site, and with 500 acres available, this is a fantastic opportunity.” They’re looking to model the park after the successful Civilian Marksmanship Program Park in Talladega, Alabama.
Safety and Structure
Safety is a big concern for everyone involved. According to Grant, this park would have a strong focus on safety protocols. “You can’t just go out there and do your own thing; there’s a whole system in place,” she explained. The park intends to ensure that all participants, especially as more women become interested in shooting sports, have the proper training and know-how for handling firearms safely.
After all, women are currently the fastest-growing market sector for target shooting, which makes this park even more relevant!
Community Support
Community feedback has been overwhelmingly positive so far. People seem to realize that this park could lead to job creation, which is always a plus. Chairperson of the partnership’s Board of Directors, Rocky Pearce, emphasized, “We want the public to know that this facility is going to be for them as well.” The marksmanship park isn’t just for seasoned shooters; it’s a place for the community to learn and engage.
A Regional Hub for Training
The plans for the park extend beyond mere recreational use; it’s also seen as a vital training ground for law enforcement agencies. Currently, Robinson noted that there is a lack of long-range shooting options for training purposes in the region. By creating a facility that serves as a regional hub for training, officers can become better prepared while ensuring safety is always top-of-mind.
Recreation for All
Florence could soon become a destination for sport tourism as well, as many universities and clubs travel across the country for competitions. This new park could cater to that crowd, similar to how Top Golf has transformed how people think of golfing. It might just be the case that if folks knew they could stop by a marksmanship park while driving through Florence, they’d gladly take that detour!
Reducing Maintenance Costs
Plus, this move would save the county money previously spent on maintaining the vacant landfill. As Robinson pointed out, “If we do nothing, we’re just putting money into an empty space.” Instead, why not turn it into a vibrant community asset?
Looking Toward the Future
The park could open doors for new initiatives, including a program for decommissioned weapons for veterans, making it a holistic project that benefits various communities. Robinson expressed a desire for a mix of government and private funding to make this vision a reality. “We really need the private side. Those individuals who are willing to step up for this interest will help it flourish; it can’t be 100 percent government,” he explained.
As for the timeline, Pearce couldn’t give an exact date yet. The team is still working on obtaining final figures and commitments, but they are confident about the community’s interest in this exciting venture. “A lot of effort has already been spent, and we feel confident that there’s a need and a want,” he added.
With so many opportunities presented by this upcoming marksmanship park, it seems that Florence is on a promising path that blends recreation, community engagement, and economic growth. This is certainly one project to keep an eye on!
