It happens all the time. A good idea gets a little traction and then, for a whole host of reasons, dies on the vine.
This was what just about happened in the Adrian community when an Eagle Scout started a project to open an archery range about two years ago.
The required approvals were received from the necessary government entities, but over the next few months the project was not completed, and the Scout moved on to other endeavors.
But Adrian High School physical education teacher Gregg Nelson wasn't going to let the idea go unfulfilled. He decided to take the project and bring it to fruition as a memorial to his son, Logan, who died in a tragic boating accident.
Nelson is active in so many ways with the youth in his community, not only as a teacher but as a coach in high school baseball, football and wrestling.
In addition, he brought an archery program to the school by way of a Minnesota DNR grant to purchase the necessary equipment and safety gear.
Nelson and his son, Logan, were involved in bow hunting as a father-son team. They enjoyed the sport together and as a result were pretty die-hard bow hunters.
There was not a safe, suitable location in their local community to practice the intense skill that requires hundreds of shooting hours to master. So Nelson picked up the archery range idea and recently completed an eight-lane archery range on the east edge of Adrian located in the city’s wellhead protection area.
It happened as a result of his personal involvement, dedication and personal funding, with help from a small number of local businesses.
The range includes shooting distances from 10 to 80 yards and is complemented with the proper backstops and a small structure to get out of the elements.
The targets are provided for anyone one who wants to use the facility, and the range is open from sunrise to sunset almost year-round to participants of all ages, with those under 16 needing adult supervision.
The new archery range is now operated as part of the city parks division. Nelson also serves in the role of the Adrian campground supervisor during its seasonal operation.
The range opened a few weeks back, with a grand opening on Saturday, Oct. 9. It is officially called the P-10, which stands for Perfect-10, named for Logan’s Instagram account, “P-10 Outdoors.”
Phase 2 of this project will include an elevated shooting stand to simulate bow hunting from a tree stand. It’s in the design phase in conjunction with materials, suppliers and a contractor to erect the platform.
There is a little landscaping yet to be done, but the range has seen an almost immediate utilization from archers of all ages and in substantial numbers.
It is an easy and convenient location on a gravel road just north of the Dollar Store on Highway 91 and then east a short distance.
There has been a significant increase in the number of both youth and adults getting more involved in outdoor recreation as a result of everything else pretty much being closed for most of the past 18 months.
Whether it’s bikes, kayaks, camping gear, or archery and other shooting sports, it’s all good news. It is my hope that as Nelson and his supporters help area residents enjoy a safe and well-organized archery program, some if not all of those participants will join the world of outdoor adventures on a permanent basis.
We need more folks of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy and protect our public lands and the state’s natural resources. My hat’s off to Gregg Nelson for his vision, determination and success.
Stop out at the range and see what happens when hard work and passion meet in the middle.
Scott Rall, Worthington, is a habitat conservationist, avid hunting and fishing enthusiast and is president of Nobles County Pheasants Forever. He can be reached at scottarall@gmail.com. or on Twitter @habitat champion.