Tucked away a little more than 10 miles east of the Florida/Alabama state line sits a 119-acre site better known as Klondike Archery Park.
Developed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Escambia County, the park boasts a wide array of amenities, including a lighted field platform, covered picnic areas, restrooms, 3-D and field targets for archers of all experience levels.
But there’s just one small problem.
“No one knows we’re here,” Pensacola Bowhunters and Archery Association Vice President Tyler Newton said.
Events to explore: Top 5 things to do in Pensacola: Grand Fiesta Parade, Summer Brewfest and more
More to do outdoors: Global Running Day in Pensacola: Give these running clubs and loops a try
Despite having opened in December 2014, according to Newton, people who live in nearby neighborhoods and surrounding areas didn’t know about Klondike Archery Park.
“There’s a lady that lives just one block away and she told me she never knew this park existed,” Newton said. “We are actively working to change that.”
Klondike Archery Park, located at 7200 Sparshott Drive in Pensacola, is coming off the heels of successfully hosting the 2022 Panhandle BHA Regional Tournament in April, and is preparing to host more tournaments and teach instructor classes through its partnership with the National Archery in Schools Program.
Klondike Archery Park is open to archers of all ages and skill levels, and children as young as 4 come out and try their hand at shooting a flat target or a three dimensional target in the form of a wolf, deer or panther made out of foam.
“If you’re nervous about giving it a try, we have professional instructors on hand to teach you the basics of archery,” Newton said. “Safety always comes first, and we also try to keep a clean, family oriented environment here. We don’t tolerate any foul language or lewd behavior.”
► Perdido Key Souvenirs and More focuses on ‘more’ with new vendors, products
► Aluma Signs cuts the ribbon on new location in Pensacola
► New Pensacola boutique offers apparel for the entire family
But when it comes to day to day operations and management, members of the Pensacola Bowhunters and Archery Association volunteer their time and money to keep the site running smoothly.
“We’re a not-for-profit organization, so no one is getting paid to do this,” Newton said. “It’s through our love for the sport that keeps this place running. Because we’re a not-for-profit, all donations go into repairing targets, replacing equipment and maintaining the property.”
These donations also make it possible for the Pensacola Bowhunters and Archery Association to facilitate free lessons to the public on the first and third Thursday of each month. Equipment is provided, and the park is also open to the public from 5:30-7 p.m. on Thursdays and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.
“We also offer access to the park after hours through annual memberships,” Newton said. “Memberships are $75 a year, and those with memberships can come to the park at any time from sunrise to sunset after hours.”
For more information, visit myfwc.com or call 850-712-4457.
Kalyn Wolfe is a freelance columnist for the News Journal. Send new business tips to [email protected].
