A West Valley shooting complex closed to the public last week — and some range regulars weren't willing to bite the bullet.
The shutdown came after the county declined to renew the range's lease with the Arizona Citizens Defense League Foundation. Officials were evaluating options for the future of the Joe Foss Shooting Complex, located at Buckeye Hills Regional Park, Maricopa County spokesperson Fields Moseley said.
Officials said in a statement on the county's website announcing the closure the range was currently expected to transition into a training facility for the Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies.
The move "prioritizes public safety and is fiscally responsible," officials said.
Moseley said the complex was generally only open on weekends and saw roughly 40 people per day. It may be tested for the presence of lead and other heavy metals while closed to the public, he said.
"More officers and deputies will be able to learn, qualify and requalify with firearms and reduce the wait time for such training," the online statement read. "MCSO not only conducts training for their agency but also conducts AZPOST-certified law enforcement academy training for many other law enforcement agencies."
But some recreational users weren't happy. They said the decision decreased access to a safe and affordable range that was the only shooting complex in the county's park system.
"Gun safety and skills training are just as important for county gun owners as for law enforcement," Edward Jemiola of Buckeye wrote in a letter to The Arizona Republic.
Parks Commissioner Bob Branch said the range helped educate the public on firearm safety. With the complex's closure, he said recreational gun users were likely to begin shooting in nearby remote desert areas, which could pose risks.
"This land was meant for public use," said Branch, who is currently running for a position on the Board of Supervisors.
Moseley said the Parks Commission was updated on potential new uses for the range during a January meeting.
The commission is an advisory committee and takes limited votes. It didn't vote on the decision to close the range to the public.
Meeting minutes show at least one commissioner, Eric Mears of District 3, advocated for maintaining public access to the complex during a discussion about its future. He voiced concerns that closing the range could push shooters "to other areas that may not be as safe," according to the minutes.
Megha Budruk, an at-large commissioner, also inquired about expanding hours at the range, according to meeting minutes.
Shooting range has temporarily closed before
The range has been open to the public for years, but not without interruptions.
The county outsources operations of the complex to range managers — nonprofits or government agencies equipped to run the facility. At times, that arrangement has led to temporary closures of the complex.
In 2017, the range temporarily shut down while the county fleshed out contract details with a new range manager. Ultimately, it reopened months later under the operation of the Arizona State Rifle and Pistol Association.
The Arizona Citizens Defense League Foundation took over management of the range from that group in January.
Sasha Hupka covers county government and election administration for The Arizona Republic. Reach her at sasha.hupka@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @SashaHupka. Follow her on Instagram or Threads: @sashahupkasnaps. Sign up for her weekly election newsletter, Republic Recount.
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