The Sedona Police Department’s shooting range is one of those facilities that’s kind of out of sight, out of mind. And it’s shown. But the Sedona City Council recently approved funding for the second phase of work to be done to the facility, which is often used by other law enforcement departments throughout the Verde Valley. It’s located south of the wastewater treatment plant off State Route 89A between Sedona and Cottonwood.
According to a city report, the scope of work for this project will improve and bring utilities to the range. The project consists of trenching, drilling and equipping a potable water well, construction of a 36-square-foot pressure tank shed and all associated electrical, plumbing, and utility connections. The potable water well will provide water service to the new modular classroom building. The project also includes excavation to install a sewer line and septic vault for the modular classroom. The cost for this phase was approved at $174,220.
SPD Chief Charles Husted said ultimately, the range renovations will provide their staff and regional partners an improved and safer training environment.
“The current facility has operated for a number of years without access to running water, a single outdoor portable toilet and a deteriorating classroom,” he said. “The newer and larger classroom space makes it possible to provide a variety of training topics beyond solely firearms courses. Additionally, the planned classroom upgrades include indoor restrooms, air conditioning, and running water, which will significantly enhance the training environment.”
Phase I completed the construction of range berms, overhead lighting, grading and paving the range surface. Prior to these improvements, the meeting space was small, outdated and lacked basic amenities such as restrooms, the report states. Phase I improvements also added a modular classroom facility at the shooting range. However, this phase did not include utilities.
“While the Sedona Police Department and numerous other public safety partners throughout the Verde Valley utilize our range, each agency and the communities they serve benefit from their officers being trained in a quality training facility,” Husted said.
The renovations will also make it possible to install their use-of-force simulator system in the old classroom space.
“This system provides our officers interactive use of force scenario and tactical judgement training, which adds tremendous value to their training experience,” he said.
Ron Eland can be reached at 282-7795 ext 122 or by email at reland@larsonnewspapers.com
