New, state-of-the-art complex in Sparta, IL expected to become economic engine for state and destination for sportsmen and recreation-seekers from across the country
SPARTA, IL--As the long-awaited opening of one of the largest recreational venues in the Midwest draws near, many anticipate the World Shooting and Recreational Complex (WSRC) in Southwestern Illinois will soon become one of the premiere shooting facilities in the nation. The newly-constructed, state-of-the-art facility is projected to have a significant economic impact on the Southwest Illinois region by boosting tourism, creating more than 250 new jobs and generating millions of dollars in additional income for the area.
Spanning 5,000 square miles and bordered by the Mississippi River to the East, Southwestern Illinois is where rural and urban Illinois converge, from the historic buildings that still line the streets of many communities in the area to the emergence of a bustling retail and commercial industry. The region is also located within an hour of three metropolitan areas including St. Louis, and offers a myriad of social and cultural attractions. These include Cahokia Mounds, which is the largest ancient American Indian site in the United States, and the Madonna of the Trail statue in Vandalia, one of only 12 statues in the U.S. honoring pioneer women who traveled along the National Road (modern U.S. Rte 40), the first federally-funded highway, that crosses six states from Maryland to Illinois.
Sweet Home Illinois
Sparta is a quaint community of 4,500 located in the heart of Southwestern Illinois in historic Randolph County. The town and surrounding areas played a leading role in the 1967 film, In the Heat of the Night, starring Sidney Poitier and Rod Steiger, as one of the filming locations.
Sparta will now play a new role as the next home of the Amateur Trapshooting Association (ATA) Grand American competition. The State of Illinois welcomed the nation’s largest outdoor shooting tournament to the WSRC after the ATA, the governing board for clay target shooting in the United States, decided to relocate its headquarters from its former home in Vandalia, Ohio after more than 80 years. This decision was made after plans were announced to expand the Dayton International Airport in Ohio, which would have altered the grounds where the Grand American was held.
The Grand American is said to attract
nearly 7,000 shooters during the course of the 10-day event and generates
nearly $10 million.
Officials with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), the
state agency that will oversee the WSRC, anticipate that the facility will
pump tens of millions of dollars annually into the Illinois economy.
Construction of the WSRC
Construction of the WSRC was approved by Illinois Governor Rod R. Blagojevich in 2003. The 1,600 acre, $30 million facility will feature: 250 acres of water; 120 trap fields extending 3.5 miles; two sporting clay courses; a Cowboy Action Shooting corral; permanent exhibition building; 746 RV campsites with electric, water, and sanitary services, with an additional 264 sites with electrical service, providing potential for camping jamborees; a multi-purpose recreational facility; gift shop; and full service restaurant and lounge.
“This complex will be the first state-owned public shooting facility anywhere in the state and will soon become the crown jewel of Southwest Illinois,” said acting IDNR Director Sam Flood. “The shooting areas, exhibit, banquet and camping space are unmatched by any other facility in the region.”
Construction on the complex’s Event Center, vendor mall, five individual vendor buildings, shower building, and maintenance building has been completed with detailed interior work being finalized in all buildings. Work continues on the Event Center’s full service restaurant and lounge that will be fully operational in time for the grand opening. Finishing touches are also being put on the Event Center’s gift shop, meeting rooms and banquet facilities.
Construction of the facility’s 120 trap fields is complete. The complex’s water tower is nearly complete and landscape work around the facility is approximately 60 percent complete. Last month crews began paving the complex’s more than 1,000 campsites, expected to be complete within the next couple of weeks.
More than a shooting complex
The WSRC is quickly expected to become the premiere meeting, exhibit, banquet and reception space in Southwestern Illinois.
The 34,000-square-foot events center will include a 4,700- square-foot concession area, which will house a 1,250-square-foot full service restaurant, a 950-square-foot lounge and a 2,250-square-foot dining room, which will be used during larger events.
In May, Ned Kelly’s of Bloomington, Inc. was awarded the contract to supply food and beverages to the WSRC. The Bloomington, IL-based restaurant will operate its WSRC facility under the name “Heartland Range.” It will offer a slightly different twist on the traditional Ned Kelly’s restaurants, featuring an outdoor theme and a moderately priced menu featuring home-style meals in addition to the steaks, ribs and seafood for which Ned Kelly’s is famous.
“Even if you are not a sportsman, I encourage all visitors to the area to come out here and take a look around because it’s so aesthetically beautiful. Stop by, have a great meal, shop in the unique stores and take in the scenic views-you’ll have a great time,” said IDNR Special Events Coordinator Bob Ruff.
Plenty to see and do
Whether in town for a day or a week, visitors have many options in Sparta and the surrounding communities. Year round, visitors can play golf, visit a local winery, explore historic Illinois, attend sporting events, enjoy fine dining, or just take in the scenery. Consider overnight stays at one of the area’s many campgrounds, hotels, motels or bed and breakfasts.
Visitors who are around for a longer stay are just a half-day’s drive from some of the most renowned museums in the country and the city that Abraham Lincoln called home. Or, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy one of the state’s more than 120 state parks.
As a way to welcome visitors of the Grand American to their new home, the City of Sparta, the ATA, IDNR and a number of local and corporate sponsors have teamed up to show visitors what Southwestern Illinois is all about. The Southwestern Illinois tourism bureau will host tours of area attractions for visitors to the Grand American shooting competition during August 8-18, 2006. Visitors can tour the area where “Popeye” cartoon creator Elzie Segar lived, experience horse racing at Fairmont Park, shop at locally owned specialty and antique shops, visit a local winery and much more.
With so much to see and do, we’ll see you in Illinois!
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