POLK CITY – The Charles “Butch” Olofson shooting range at Big Creek State Park in Polk County has been close since December 20 to allow contractors to remove the old structures and install a new registration and classroom facility, add new baffles, and conduct lead reclamation and berm maintenance.
Work is expected to last into the fall, depending upon the weather.
An estimated 12-15,000 shooters visit the range annually, primarily from spring to fall. Shooters may use the Banner shooting range at Summerset State Park, between Des Moines and Indianola, while the Olofson range is closed.
The project, estimated at $600,000, received a $25,000 grant from the National Rifle Association Range Program.