HUNTINGTON BEACH : Gun Range Renewal on Hold Until Study Done

A plan to rebuild the shooting range at Central Park has been put on hold until the city completes an environmental study of the site.

Community Services Director Ron Hagan said the environmental study of the shooting range will include adjacent undeveloped park area targeted for a youth sports complex and the development of Sully Miller Lake.

The study, along with plans for improvements for the 75-acre park area, is likely to cost about $250,000 and take about four months, Hagan said. The issue is expected to be presented to the City Council in June.

The Huntington Beach Police Officers’ Assn. operates the shooting range for law enforcement personnel. A new lease with the city has been postponed until the study is completed, but city officials said the association will continue to operate the gun range under the existing lease agreement.

Councilman Dave Sullivan said the study is needed to set the appropriate lease terms and decide which party should have the financial responsibility to mitigate environmental impacts, safety concerns and infrastructure improvements.

“We’ve got to know what the soil conditions are because it could potentially cost a lot of money,” Sullivan said.

The shooting range site and surrounding parkland was once a city and county landfill, and methane and unstable soil problems exist there. The study will address those issues.

Meanwhile, local gun owners have urged the council to rebuild the range and open it to the public. As a temporary solution, the police association has decided to open the range to the public two Sundays a month. The range will be open June 4 and 18 to private gun owners.