Alabama’s fifth community archery park is set to open June 28 in Point Mallard Park in Decatur and features 40 targets including an eight-target adult range and 12-foot platform.

The Decatur Community Archery Park features 40 targets, including an eight-target adult range from 15 to 50 yards; an eight-target youth range of 5 to 20 yards; a four-target range of 10 to 40 yards with a 12-foot platform, and a 20-target walking course. The Decatur Community Archery Park will be host to competitive tournaments, outdoor educational programming, and day recreation.

According to Stuart Goldsby, Regional Hunter Education Coordinator for the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, the park will be open to the public 365 days a year during daylight hours for recreational shooting, preparation for fall hunting seasons, and archery tournaments.

Day use of the park is free for those under 16 years of age or over 65 years of age not requiring a hunting license. Residents between 16 and 65 years old without a hunting license or fishing license may purchase a $10 annual Wildlife Heritage License for admittance. For non-Alabama residents, a $16 annual Wildlife Management Area license is required. All activities including school and park and recreation archery activities will enjoy free use of the park by permit under Point Mallard authorized programming.

Top bowhunter and exhibition archery expert Byron Ferguson will demonstrate the skills that have placed him in the international spotlight following the 10 a.m. ribbon cutting ceremony. Ferguson performs worldwide, drawing crowds of more than100,000 to witness his longbow skills. He is also the author of Become The Arrow, a paperback instructional book on bare bow shooting as well as the video of the same title and other archery related videos. He currently resides in Hartselle, Ala. with his wife, Wanda.

The Decatur Community Archery Park has been made possible by the following sponsors: Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries; TVA; U.S. Fish and wildlife Service/Wheeler Wildlife Refuge; Archery Trade Association; and the City of Decatur. The community archery park is located next to the west entrance of the Aquatic Center in Point Mallard Park.

The Decatur park is the fifth park of its kind in Alabama constructed in the last six years, joining parks in Athens, Cullman, Dothan, and Demopolis. Three more in Ozark, Heflin, and Lincoln are under construction.