Kane County to use $200,000 state grant to build 3D archery course at shooting range

The Kane County Commission voted May 26 to accept a $200,000 grant from the Department of Outdoor Recreation to build a 3D archery course at the county shooting range and related site improvements.

Taylor, a county staff member who presented the item, said the project will repurpose part of the existing rifle range area and create a short trail with life-size targets and supporting improvements. "We put in for the grant and received it, which we're very grateful for, to the tune of $200,000 to complete that project," Taylor said.

Staff said the Recreation and Transportation Special Service District committed local match funding; the transcript records a $50,000 contribution from that district, producing a project budget of about $250,000. Taylor told commissioners the grant is reimbursement-based and that the state typically issues the formal contract a month or two after an award; the grant term is roughly 28 months.

Project elements described by staff include trail construction, life-size 3D archery targets, modest parking improvements using gravel, and a few security cameras. Staff said volunteers may assist with trail building and that county crews would help with some work; hiring a contractor could be necessary depending on final scope.

Commissioner (speaker 4) moved to accept the grant and to authorize the chair to sign the contract provided the county attorney does not identify problematic terms. Attorney Jeff said the county could approve the grant now but would bring the contract back if it contained unexpected requirements. The motion passed by voice vote.

Next steps: the county attorney will review the draft contract when it arrives, staff will incorporate the award into the county budget through a formal budget opening, and county departments will coordinate implementation and grant reporting.