The Oro Valley Town Council directed staffers at its July 20 meeting to develop a proposal for an archery course at an undeveloped park.

A course isn't in Naranja Park's master plan, but the council appeared open to building one at the 213-acre town-owned park, at 660 W. Naranja Drive near North La Cañada Drive.

Proponents told the council the course wouldn't disrupt the master plan, which already includes a community center, a theater and a music pavilion.

Oro Valley resident Gerry Perry told the council that proponents have worked with the town to find a suitable site on the south end of the park.

Supporters first pitched the idea of an archery course to the town last October.

In their proposal, the archery facility would include two walking courses and a fixed range.

"This would be quite an attraction for people visiting the community who are archers," Perry told the council.

He and others are working to secure the necessary funds for the course.

Money from the Arizona Game and Fish Department, the Archery Trade Association and other entities is available, Oro Valley resident and archery supporter Harold Adair said.

The town also must consider environmental assessments, safety measures and assurances, economic benefits, course maintenance and operations, fee structures and other issues before a proposal is brought to the Town Council in September.

Councilman Steve Solomon urged staffers to move forward with plans for the course.

"We need to fast track this and get going as quickly as possible," he said.

Public archery ranges are scarce in the Tucson area.

Pima County runs the Tucson Mountain Park Archery Range on Kinney Road near Gates Pass Road, but there aren't many others.

Council members said a range in Oro Valley could attract archers from across the state and other parts of the country, and generate revenue for the town.

"We all want this to be a first-rate facility that will attract regional and national events," Councilman Barry Gillaspie said.

Supporters are eager to work with the town.

"We have felt positive all along," Adair said. "We knew it wasn't going to happen overnight. It's going to take some time."

They also want the community to be involved in the process so they can address any concerns members of the public might have about the course, Adair said.

Contact reporter Andrea Rivera at arivera@azstarnet.com or 807-8430.