Over the years there have been several attempts to bring shooting sports and facilities to the Sidney, Nebraska area. Since its inception in the fall of 2004, Sidney Shooting Park has succeeding in bringing these efforts to fruition.

Late in 2004 a study was conducted to determine the feasibility of locating a shooting facility on land managed by the city of Sidney, Nebraska north of the community landfill. Once it was determined that the location could accommodate a shooting park, a community forum was held at the town Community Center to gauge public interest. The event was well attended and extensive feedback on the proposal was received.

A second meeting was held a short time later at which Sidney Shooting Park was officially created as an entity. Members for the Board of Directors were nominated and voted on. In addition, an advisory board was created to assist the Board of Directors in developing and administering the park.

Once it was determined that sufficient public support was present to pursue a shooting venue, an official public meeting was held with the Sidney City Council during which members of the community could officially voice support or opposition to the proposed shooting park and location. More than 100 area citizens attended. All present expressed enthusiastic support for the project and there was no opposition. Permission was granted for the Sidney Shooting Park to enter a lease agreement with the city of Sidney.

In April of 2005 the Sidney Shooting Park opening ceremony was conducted and the first sporting clays course was opened. Following a series of successful weekend shoots, a summer sporting clays league was formed with more than 50 participants. A number of special community shoots were also held.

In July of 2005 the Sidney Shooting Park Board of Directors voted to develop an archery range at the facility, and the archery venue opened in August. The first Sidney Shooting Park 3-D archery tournament was held on September 10, 2005.

A fall sporting clays league ran for five weeks in September and October, and earth work began in earnest on the trap venue during the fall as well.

Sidney Shooting Park continues to solicit ideas, feedback and support from the community concerning venue development and operation. We invite your participation and encourage you to contact us using the CONTACT US link on the Sidney Shooting Park website homepage.