MIDDLEBURG – The 200-yard, 30-target-lane gun range will become a reality this weekend at the sprawling 158-acre complex near Camp Blanding.

The Clay County Adventure Park will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, Sept. 29 at 3 p.m., while residents can get an early peek of the range during an open house a day later from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Clay County Sheriff’s Office members will christen the facility with certification tests for a week before the public is invited to take their first shot on Saturday, Oct. 7.

The range, located at 3929 Sgt. Bradley Crose Road – 3.1 miles south of State Road 21 on County Road 215. The range accommodates two people in each of the 30 bays, and shooters can use any firearm up to .50 caliber – semi- and fully automatic. Range staff reserves the right to deny any firearm they deem unsafe.
The range will be open to the public on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Later this year, the hours will be expanded to Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bays 1-15 will only be open during the first several weeks. In the next several months, the range will be fully operational. Local law enforcement agencies will use the range for training Monday through Wednesday, and the range will be closed to the public.

Multiple safety features are built into the facility, including a ballistic sand downrange, a range tower and a control tower. Shooters will have to complete a safety training video and sign a waiver, and range officials will be onsite at all times while the range is open. The range is also equipped with security cameras, and it is well-lit. Range staff will provide safety glasses and hearing protection and have that safety gear for sale at the range. Hunting is not allowed.

Shooters must be a minimum of 12 years of age to use the range, and children ages 12-17 need to be under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian to shoot. Shooters between 18-20 must be accompanied by someone 21 or older to shoot a handgun.

Various daily rates and membership options are available, including Clay County and non-Clay County residents, retired law enforcement, and active and retired military personnel. The memberships include no range usage fees, lane waitlist priority, guest passes, a discount fee for a second person sharing the lane (one a day), discounts on pro shop merchandise, and one free range shirt. For information and pricing, visit claycountygov.com/community/clay-county-outdoor-adventure-park.
Residents can make reservations through range staff. Later this year, they can make reservations on our website and via smartphones. Groups can make a reservation by calling (904) 917-2405. The range accommodates wheelchair access, and service animals are welcome.
Future plans in discussion include the potential for a wide variety of recreational outdoor activities, including archery, skeet shooting, paintball courses, airsoft courses, training opportunities, ATV courses, fishing and a pro shop.