FOLEY, Ala. — Graham Creek Nature Preserve unveiled its newest amenity next with the introduction of its community archery park.

The grand opening was Friday afternoon, Dec. 19 at the GCNP, located at 23460 Wolf Bay Drive in Foley. Activities will include words from Foley Mayor John Koniar and a demonstration by Foley school teams.

According to City of Foley Environmental Manager Leslie Gahagan, this is the latest installment of plans to improve GCNP for community and educational use.

“Graham Creek Nature Preserve was developed as an area for outdoor recreation,” she said. “As we have added the kayak launch, disc golf course, walking trails and mountain biking trails, archery seems like a natural fit for the Preserve. We anticipate it will partner nicely with all our outdoor activities. It will be especially great this upcoming summer as we add archery instruction to our camps. It will also provide a place for the 4-H archery program to practice.”

Kenny Johnson of Alabama Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources said this will be the state’s 10th community archery park.

“The Foley archery park joins nine others currently in operation including Athens, Cullman, Dothan, Demopolis, Decatur, Heflin, Lincoln, Tuscaloosa and Ozark,” he said. “These facilities are one component of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources effort to increase awareness and participation in the life skill of archery.”

The archery park will include an eight-target adult range from 15 to 50 yards, an eight-target youth range of 5 to 20 yards and a four-target range of 10 to 40 yards, which includes a 12-foot shooting platform for bowhunters to practice shooting from an elevated position.

Johnson pointed out that use of the facility is free for ages under 16 years or over 65.

“Alabamians ages 16 to 64 must have a hunting license, Wildlife Management Area license, or Wildlife Heritage license in order to shoot,” he said. “For non-residents, an annual Wildlife Management Area license or non-resident hunting license is required. Licenses are available from various local retailers or online at outdooralabama.com.”

But that’s not the only event planned at GCNP next weekend. Gahagan added that “Christmas in Nature” is set for 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Dec. 20.

The free event is open to ages 12 and younger.

“Come play in our outdoor classroom as we tell stories, craft bird feeders, Christmas ornaments and snow globes, play activities, and sing Christmas songs,” Gahagan said.

For more information about the Foley Community Archery Park or “Christmas in Nature,” contact Gahagan or Jacqueline Trimble at 952-4011 or email at lgahagan@cityoffoley.org.