Omaha Archers Aiming To Host Competition

Several city council members say they support having the competition but a current city code that bans the shooting of arrows outdoors would have to be modified. Others worry that children playing near the park could be hit by a stray arrow.

Omaha Archers Aiming To Host Competition

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Omaha archers hope to hit a bull's-eye with their competition proposal that would require Bellevue officials to change a city ordinance for it to happen.

Ahamo Archery Club wants to hold the event sometime in 2016 on American Heroes Park trails, the Omaha World-Herald reported. Participants would be scored based on where their arrows hit life-sized foam and rubber bucks, turkeys, squirrels and other targets like zombies.

“You kind of try to put them in a more realistic situation than just standing in a range,” said Rick Dostal, vice president of the group. “You're shooting through different terrain like grasses and trees and dealing with the wind... it's more of a challenge.”

Several city council members say they support having the competition but a current city code that bans the shooting of arrows outdoors would have to be modified to allow the archery event in the city. Others worry that children playing near the park could be hit by a stray arrow.

Event organizers have suggested increasing safety measures by roping off around 75 yards around each target. Larry Burks, assistant city administrator for Bellevue who also is a member of the club, said the competition would bring tourism revenue to the city.

“This is an excellent opportunity to showcase our park and trails, not to mention generate sales and lodging tax revenue,” said a memo to the city council.

A public meeting on the matter is set for next week at Bellevue City Hall.

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Information from: Omaha World-Herald, http://www.omaha.com



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