A few misguided arrows led the city of Chanhassen on Thursday to close a popular outdoor archery range at Lake Susan Park because of safety concerns.
Residents on W. Lake Court voiced their concerns at a Chanhassen Park and Recreation Commission meeting on Tuesday after one resident reported finding an arrow on his property. The city has received no reports in the past, but neighbors say it's not the first time they've stumbled on an arrow on their property.
The park board voted to temporarily close the range, which has been at the park for 25 years. It's expected to remain closed most of the summer while the city weighs its options.
Stephen Jones contacted the city when he found an arrow on his property this week. Jones, who is an avid bow user, said in an e-mail that he knows when an arrow is shot in the wrong direction.
"Any errant or purposeful shots landing in our (close by) neighborhood with several families is unacceptable," he wrote. "Keep the range, just move it farther way from people and homes. This is pure common sense."
The shooting range area is about 150 feet from the closest property line, said Todd Hoffman, Chanhassen's parks and recreation director.
"I believe these errant arrows are accidental, not intentional," Hoffman said.
City officials are looking at several options, including creating an enclosed range, moving the range or closing the range permanently.
