First of six portable shade structures erected on 200-yard rifle range

Ryan Williams

May 29, 2012

WILLIAMS, Ariz. – The Williams Shooting Range located in the cinder pit off Highway 64 at the east end of Williams doesn’t benefit from a lot of natural shade. But thanks to the work of Sheldon White’s Williams High School construction class along with the city of Williams and some local businesses, two portable shade structures were recently erected.

The structures are the first of six to be built and are authorized through a special use permit from the Kaibab National Forest.

Materials for the structures were provided by the city of Williams and the Williams Sportsman’s Club. The first two structures are located on the 200 yard rifle range. The next four shade structures, made possible through a member donation from Richard Gottel, will be located on multiple pistol bays.

Summer range improvements will also include the beginning of berms, backstops and range floor grooming utilizing finely sifted cinder from Moonset Pit. A porta-john is provided for the convenience of members as well.

According to Williams Sportsman’s Club President Mike Phillips, access to the range is provided through membership in the Williams Sportsman’s Club, a non-profit, tax exempt organization. Range improvements and operations are funded through range membership and events as authorized by the Kaibab National Forest.

“The shade and integrated bench structures have been the number one request by members of the USPSA (United States Practical Shooting Assn) during various events they have held as well as the ACSA (Arizona Cowboys Shooters Association) that hold their big “Railhead” event at our range every July 4th weekend,” Phillips said. “The range is so devoid of available shade that adding this as an amenity to the facilities has been at the top of everyone’s wish list.”

Phillips added that the shade structures will help to provide some protection during periods of rain as well.

“So all in all, I’d say they have been a high priority,” he said. “Because the materials for these are very expensive and we have had to rely on donations for funding, it has taken awhile to get these built.”

Phillips said the quality of the work on the shade/bench structures is excellent.

“The students are to be commended for a great job, well done,” he said.

Membership forms are available at http://www.williamssportsmansclub.org or from various locations around Williams including City Hall and Parks & Recreation or by calling Membership Director Vicki Andros at (928) 635-1420.

Members who are interested in becoming a certified Range Safety Officer volunteer to assist the club with their range operations can do so by contacting Bill Lange at (602) 625-0991.