After months of uncertainty about its future, a popular West Valley shooting range is expected to reopen to the public next year.
The news comes after Maricopa County officials reached an agreement with the city of Buckeye. Under the 20-year agreement, the Joe Foss Shooting Complex will be open for law enforcement training and public use. The city will operate, manage and maintain the facility, which is located on federal land in the county-managed Buckeye Hills Regional Park.
The agreement stipulates that the site must be opened for public use “no later than the week of October 6, 2025.”
Supervisor Steve Gallardo, who represents the district where the site is located, said in a statement that the agreement will “bring stability and predictability to operations and ultimately benefit everyone from law enforcement trainees to everyday residents.”
“We heard loud and clear: people want this area to be open to the public again as quickly as possible,” Gallardo said. “But you see, we had to do it right.”
The shooting range, which was open to the public on weekends, closed in July after the county refused to renew a lease with the Arizona Citizens Defense League Foundation. The shooting complex was in need of redevelopment and officials said they were exploring options for its future.
Officials initially said in a statement announcing the closure that the facility would likely be converted into a training facility for the sheriff's office and other law enforcement agencies. But some recreational users weren't happy. They said that decision would limit access to a safe and affordable shooting range that is the only shooting complex in the county's parks system.
Under the new agreement, the site will now be open for public use at least three days per week. Law enforcement agencies can also use it for training purposes.
District officials said environmental cleanup of the site is expected to be completed before Jan. 1. City officials said in an online statement that they were working to “finalize reopening plans, including specific operating hours and other details.”
“The Joe Foss Shooting Range provides our residents with another exceptional recreational opportunity while supporting the outdoor adventure destinations outlined in our Parks and Recreation Master Plan,” Buckeye Mayor Eric Orsborn said in a statement. “This facility provides a safe and controlled environment for recreational shooters, helps protect our deserts and encourages more responsible use of outdoor spaces.”
Sasha Hupka covers the District Government of the Arizona Republic. Reach her at [email protected]. Follow her on X: @SashaHupka. Follow her on Instagram or Threads: @sashahupkasnaps.
