Proposed Palmer Archery Program Misses the Mark

A proposal from a local resident to start an archery program in Palmer Township has missed the mark.

Steven Klaver, a certified archery instructor with the Easton Fish and Game Association, has offered to instruct if the township agrees to start a program. However, those plans have been put off at least until 2012 due to lack of township funds.

Initial plans for the program had called for the association to pay for the costs of supplies. The association just needed a location for the program. The hope was to have it at the Charles Chrin Community Center on Green Pond Road, where the program would run as part of the many recreation programs offered in the township.

The program would be open to all residents and run aproximately once per month. Details like the ages of participants and fees have not been worked out. But Klaver said he has heard from students at Easton Area High School who have expressed interest. Plus, almost anyone would be able to participate in the sport, including those in wheelchairs, he added.

But Klaver, who appeared before the township Board of Supervisors on July 5, said about $1,800 would be needed to assist with supplies like bows, arrows and target mats. According to Klaver, the association has decided to stay on its own property.

"But if it expands more than they thought, they are willing to go off premises," he said.

“I do see the merits in the program,” said community center director Dan McKinney.

Klaver already appeared before the township Recreation Board and spoke with McKinney regarding the program. According to McKinney, the recreation board was receptive to the idea but was under the belief that the program would be funded through the association.  

But both supervisors and McKinney said funds for 2011 have already been spent, so an archery program would have to be revisited during the 2012 budget process. 

Supervisors also expressed concerns over the safety of hosting a program.

"This board’s concern is no matter where it is, is it safe,” said Supervisor Robert Lammi.

“Safety is the most important thing,” said Klaver. “Somebody off shooting bows and arrow is one thing, but they would be supervised." 

Should the program be run on township property, the township also would have to pay for insurance costs. Any program run in the township also would need its own insurance.