The city of Los Angeles has a land fill site that will never be built on or at least for a few hundred years. It is nice and level and would make an ideal flight shooting range to hold a couple of archery events at each year. I have been working my way up the ranks to talk to the right person who may be able to authorise this.
My question is, what kind of info should I have ready for them, how should I approach this. I have usually run into dead ends when similar past attempts were made with other agencies.
There is a lot of good things to say about it regarding rehab and entertainment. It deals with slightly different element of archery than most are accustomed to. Some very good educational benefits as well.
I’ll bet that the city government will want to know what sort of plans have been made to ensure the safety of bystanders and those participating. Where will people park? Who will clean up any debris left at the site after? Will you arrange for porta-potties to be available? Basically you want to show that you’re responsible adults (especially as the event involves shooting) and that you’re not going to leave a mess.
You might look at the paperwork required to, for example, use a park for a music festival. That will give you an idea of the sorts of things they’re looking for.
The city is going to want to know how many people will use the range (they won’t authorize it for your personal use, or if he suspects its mainly for your personal use.) Discuss the number of people in local clubs, teams, girl/boy scout packs, etc, that would benefit.
If it is approved they will expect you to carry insurance. At the meeting you’ll need to ask them what requirements they have (these may be dictated by city contracting rules) but show initiative by bringing example plans – and proof that the approved range can afford it through club dues, fees, or some other type of revenue stream. You may be amazed to learn there are specialists in Archery range insurance.
Be prepared to answer where people will poop, because they will ask! And they will want there to be water so people can wash up afterward, so consider that too! Good Luck, sounds like a great plan!
we hold an annual flight shoot at the Bonneville salt flats each year and that is the only organized even currently available in the U.S… I would likley use the same insurance company they presently use. As for safety, the size of the range would prevent arrant arrows from reaching into areas that could be hazardous. I doubt more than 3 dozen would show up and only maybe a dozen particapants. I would hope for a larger audience for promotional reasons if allowed.
No structures of any kind would be needed just temporary stakes marking off the range. Would inviting this person to lunch or dinner or to a demonstraion be seen as an attempt to bribe?
I can’t emphasize too much to get a local politician involved as a supporter. He can introduce bills to his government level to permit what you propose, if necessary. Conversely, if a local politician is not in your pocket, the municipality can make your life a living hell. Play nice with the good ol’ boys, if you know what’s good for you.
Even better, see if you can find a local politician who is an archer, or has a son who is, or a grandson. Or even an outdoor sportsman. You can thank me later.
Thats a good idea, I know some of the Torrance politicians and the event would actually be held in Torrance but the land is controlled by Los Angeles County. Could Torrance possibly be of some help here? They are much easier to contact and approach.
Approach all of them and take their advice. Don’t overlook governing levels like park & rec departments, zoning commissions, and others that might have some jurisdiction and span over municipal lines. Also consider that some departments, like parks, might have a budget and an inclination to promote the use of the land as a public service, although you might be in for the long haul, as most discretionary spending is allocated at yearly budget time.
Any organizations that might lend their support, like the Talented Torrance Toreadors? Get them on board to support you!
Could you get even more support from organizations that might share the land use with you? How about an RC flying club that needs some space? A dirt bike club?
Other groups could help pave the way, I never considered that. It makes me think that other groups have allready tried and failed. The dirt bike groups would likley be turned down because of their sheer numbers and the frequency they would be looking for. The flying groups seem pretty happy on the coastal bluffs. But it is a good suggestion to look into other groups that might have similar use requirements to what I am doing. I would be grateful for two events a year. 6 events would be life changing for me.
Do you know that other groups have tried and failed? If they have, why not contact them to see what the problems were? Maybe you can overcome them, or join forces?
Rather than similar uses, I was suggesting compatible uses. Our local agricultural experimental station shares a field with a local garden club and an RC flying club. The garden club only takes a tiny corner, and the RC club uses the air space above plus a small landing field. All three share the parking lots; on the weekdays, the ag station has business; on the weekends, the RC club flies. The garden club doesn’t use the area much at all in the winter, but has events in the summer.
Get them on board to support you!