My family and I are always looking for new ways to actively and creatively spend time together. Luckily for us, Oro Valley has provided, right in the heart of our town, an archery range where the love of outdoors, camaraderie, and appreciation of the sport at any skill level or age, are combined into one. This is the Oro Valley Archery Range and if you've yet to visit it, you're well overdue!
Every year 18.9 million Americans participate in archery and the numbers are climbing claims a report by the Archery Trade Association (ATA). Not only are those significant numbers but more surprisingly is that 1/3 of those archery participants were women. Once regarded as a true "man's sport," archery is quickly becoming popular as a family sport as I found out speaking with a patron, Scotty Walden, of the Oro Valley Archery Range.
"I bought a bow for my wife last Christmas. She thought it was a joke. Now she is hooked and can put six arrows in a five inch diameter at 50 yards."
Scotty also expressed that his wife and two children, 11 and 12 year olds, come to the range every Friday afternoon as a weekly tradition.
"Everybody helps out here-it's like big family. It's a great time to get out and then we all go to dinner together."
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| Resident Jim Markley setting up for a shot |
Perhaps my favorite part of my visit to the range was when I brought up the arrows my father used to have hanging in his wall where one arrow had split right through the other arrow. Not an impossible feat but a most difficult one none the less. The eyes of the archers I spoke with, lit up as they told me that feat was actually called "robin-hooding," and from what they explained can become a very expensive bragging right with arrows not being the cheapest. My other favorite part was the seven children in matching shirts with their game faces on at the other end of the range setting up to hit their mark.
Oro Valley’s Archery Range is located at Naranja Park, 660 W. Naranja Drive. At any given time, you can find six to a dozen archers with more utilizing the targets on the weekends. For more details, including archery courses maps, safety rules, walking course and distances, and prices check the website. (Below) We'd love to hear your thoughts of the archery range if you've visited.
P.S. Miss you Dad.
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Heather Nenadovich has lived in Oro Valley for 6 years. She has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Arizona. She loves gardening, nature, art, and travel. Currently her two young children fill up most of her days (and nights) with chaotic bliss. Oro Valley favorites: memorial bench at the entrance of Romero Canyon Trail in Catalina State Park, Toscana Studio and Gallery, OV Fall Festival, the gumption and determination of OV residents!
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