Foothills Public Shooting Complex $1.3 million expansion complete

by MICHAEL E. POWELL

Foothills Public Shooting Complex $1.3 million expansion complete

At the Foothills Public Shooting Complex's new range additions ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, June 22, are (L to R): Justin Burr, Outdoor Heritage Advisory Council; Ronnie Whetstine, Cleveland County Commissioner; Rep. Kelly Hastings; Johnny Hutchin

Range Director Orvig says new ranges now open.

Foothills Public Shooting Complex Range Director Sandra Orvig said the recent opening of their new expansion at the Complex is continuing to go well.

Orvig, a competition shooter in what is called "Tactical Three Gun Competition", said they also plan to expand their archery range as well.

Orvig said a June 28, media release from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, noted NCWRC and Cleveland County partnered to construct several new shotgun ranges at the Foothills Public Shooting Complex at 283 Fielding Road (Hwy. 150W.), Cherrvyille, NC 28021.

Said Ms. Orvig, "The new ranges include a skeet range, two combination skeet and trap ranges and a 5-stand range." The ribbon cutting was held Tuesday, June 22, with a public opening on Wednesday, June 23.

Foothills Public Shooting Complex's $1.3 million dollar expansion is the most recent investment, making it now a $4.3 million dollar facility and the largest outdoor public shooting complex in the Carolinas.

Capital funding was led by the NCWRC with supplemental funding received from the Outdoor Heritage Advisory Council. Cleveland County also operates and staffs the new ranges as part of the Complex, which also includes a 250-yard precision rifle range, a 20-yard handgun range, a 50-yard rifle and pistol range, three 50-yard multi-purpose ranges and an archery practice range.

Cleveland County Commissioner Johnny Hutchins, who was instrumental in the development of the facility, commented, "The Foothills Public Shooting Complex has drawn people from all 50 states and 14 countries. Since it opened in April, 2016, we have had more than 85,000 visits."

NCWRC's noted in its media release the Foothills Public Shooting Complex "...is a safe and modern facility for people of all ages and skill levels to enjoy year-round social events, competitive tournaments and educational classes."

The facility has an events pavilion, and provides (as per the release) "...a unique setting for corporate, civic and family events. In addition to being used by the general public for recreation, the shooting complex is also used by law enforcement for professional training."

Additionally, the new ranges will allow the Complex to be able to host national matches.

Commissioner Hutchins continued, "This project could not have been possible without the partnership between Cleveland County and the Wildlife Commission. In addition, I would like to thank the Outdoor Heritage Foundation for their support of this project."

Those wishing more information on the Foothills Public Shooting Complex or class availability, can visit https://foothillspublicshooting.cc, or go to their Facebook page, said Orvig. Office phone: 704-447-8230.