Grand County archery range moves closer to completion

Project hinges on securing final $80,000 state grant

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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After years of planning and piecing together donations, a proposed archery range at Old Spanish Trail Arena in Grand County, Utah is closer to becoming reality. The county has applied for an $80,000 state grant to cover remaining infrastructure costs, including fencing, gravel, and a shade structure. If approved, the grant would replace a previous $36,000 award that was not enough to fully fund the project.

Why it matters

The new archery range would provide a dedicated facility for the local archery community, which currently lacks a range in the area. It would also expand recreational opportunities in the region and potentially host events like 3D archery tournaments during the annual county fair.

The details

The archery range would be built on the east side of the Old Spanish Trail Arena grounds, in an area previously used as a bike track. The target layout will be designed for flexibility, allowing staff to stage targets in multiple formations to accommodate both traditional targets and 3D tournaments. So far, the project has relied heavily on donated support, including $5,000 from Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, about $6,000 in archery materials from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, and roughly $25,000 in donated excavation labor, equipment and fuel.

  • The Grand County Commission voted unanimously on February 17, 2026 to approve a letter of support for the grant application.
  • The county expects to learn in April 2026 whether the $80,000 grant is awarded.
  • If the grant is approved, the county hopes to complete the archery range by the end of summer 2026.

The players

Trish Hedin

Grand County Commissioner who has spearheaded the effort to build the archery range for years.

Angie Book

Director of the Old Spanish Trail Arena, where the archery range would be located.

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What they’re saying

“'If it goes, then we're rolling. And if we don't, the reality is we're just gonna have to return to trying to get a lot of donated labor and get it done. It's just going to be harder.'”

— Trish Hedin, Grand County Commissioner (moabtimes.com)

“'Archery is a sport that anyone can do, even with a disability.'”

— Angie Book, Director, Old Spanish Trail Arena (moabtimes.com)

What’s next

If the $80,000 grant is approved, the judge will decide in April 2026 whether to award the funding to the archery range project.

The takeaway

The proposed archery range in Grand County would provide a much-needed dedicated facility for the local archery community, expanding recreational opportunities and potentially hosting events like 3D archery tournaments. The project's success hinges on securing the final state grant funding, highlighting the importance of public-private partnerships in developing community infrastructure.