Scout to build archery range

NEW LONDON –The New London Parks and Recreation Committee approved a presentation by Colton Swanson to create an archery range in the city as part of his Eagle Scout project.
Swanson, a prospective Eagle Scout, presented the Eagle Scout project plan to the committee at its Oct. 7 meeting.
A junior at New London High School, Swanson told the committee that he has been involved in scouting since he was in second grade. He is also a member of the New London Economic & Development Committee.
The archery range would be located at 740 River Road and include five shooting platforms with five targets. Each target would be at different distances from the shooting pad. The target pads would be 5-feet-by-5-feet.
Swanson said he had been informed that the city would be able to help with prepping the grounds, including the dirt berms on three sides of the archery range and a gravel lot. The city would also help with signage for the archery range.

“I believe that the project will benefit the town because I know there’s a lot of hunters in New London,” Swanson said.
The archery range could be used by clubs, by individuals who want to learn how to shoot a bow, or by individuals who want to practice their archery skills, Swanson said.
Swanson said he planned to start work on the archery range this month and complete it by September of next year.
In order to complete the work, Swanson estimated he would need 10 people to help him.
“I think the hardest part about it would be like the coordination on the days that I would need them to be there,” Swanson said.
Materials needed would be different sizes of lumber, roofing steel, various fasteners, and miscellaneous building supplies, Swanson said.
Swanson estimated it would cost around $6,000 for materials, $200 for supplies, $200 for tools, and $100 for other miscellaneous items.
To cover the estimated costs, Swanson said he planned to seek donations from the local community.
“Seeing if certain businesses could possibly donate materials or supplies, or even monetary donations,” Swanson said.
New London Mayor Mark Herter told Swanson that he would be willing to help him with the Eagle Scout project. He said he also knew others in the community who would be willing to help.
“I’m excited,” Herter said. “I know there’s a lot of community members that are excited to see this.”