The Hank Harmon Public Range held a ribbon cutting ceremony, unveiling the upgrades funded through a $1 million ADF&G Pittman-Robertson Hunter Access Grant.
As the only outdoor public use range in Juneau, project manager Nick Druyvestein said Friday that improving access and facilities at the space was much-needed.
“The whole thought behind the project was improving safety and accessibility,” Druyvestein said. “[It’s] a location that gets a lot of use out of it, and so improving access and space for it was pretty paramount.”
The project is three years in the making, between grant application, design and construction. The City and Borough of Juneau partnered with proHNS LLC in 2022 to create a plan for upgrading the structure and apply for the grant. The grant is funded by federal excise tax on sale of weapons and ammunition, and is administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Program.
CBJ consulted with the Hank Harmon Range Board to help determine what to improve on the 60-year-old range.
One of the most notable changes was replacing the safety barrier between a 100-yard short range and a 440-yard long range. proHNS LLC demolished the existing timber structure and put up a 12-foot earthen berm.
Among other upgrades are a paved, expanded parking lot, more precise signage and concrete shooting stations. The improvements were designed and constructed in accordance with National Rifle Association safety standards, according to CBJ.
CBJ also hosted a Grand Reopening Community Event Saturday, Sept. 27 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“I think that people would be satisfied with the safety improvements out there, and they’ve just made it a more welcoming gun range to attend,” Druyvestein said.
