(THE REPORTER) — Hamilton County Parks and Recreation (HCPR) has received notice approving funding for the development of a state-of-the-art indoor archery facility at Strawtown Koteewi Park.

The indoor archery facility will complement the park’s existing outdoor archery range and 3-D trail, Koteewi Range, which has seen growing popularity since opening in 2015. The new facility will be built amid a fully functioning outdoor recreation complex (Koteewi Adventure Area) featuring an equestrian stable and rental service, aerial ropes courses and zip lines, miles of hiking trails, a snowboarding hill and a fishing lake, plus of the field.

Currently, there are no indoor archery facilities within a 20-mile radius of the range, nor are there any large-scale, full-service facilities within a 150-mile radius. The addition of indoor space will provide the ability to host large-scale tournaments and educational programs regardless of the weather.

This project received funding through the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Shooting Range Grant. The Federal Wildlife Restoration Program provides funding for the DNR Shooting Range Program. Funds for the program are generated through a tax on firearms, ammunition and archery equipment. The total budget for the project is $4.7 million and the grant covers 90 percent of the project costs. The remaining 10 percent is financed by the HCPR budget.

“Securing this federal funding for our new indoor archery facility is a huge step forward for Hamilton County Parks and Recreation,” said HCPR Director Chris Stice. “This facility will provide unparalleled opportunities for our community to participate in archery and host major tournaments. “We are excited to see this project come to fruition and provide a world-class venue for archery enthusiasts of all ages.”

With federal approval of the funds received, the facility design process has begun. This stage includes planning and obtaining permits for the civil, architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing work of the project. Construction is expected to begin in 2025.

For more information about this project, upcoming events, or to learn how to support Hamilton County Parks, visit myhamiltoncountyparks.com or call (317) 770-4400.