Sad news for folks on the Illinois side of the border near St. Louis. Apparently, the budget fight that the state’s legislature is currently having that has made news because they’re refusing to pay out lotto winnings (which, yes, has resulted in lawsuits) has spread to closing of state run venues. Specifically, the World Shooting and Recreation Complex near Sparta, Il.
I will admit that I’ve never stepped foot onto this complex, but that is merely due to me living a couple states away. According to its website, it supports trap, skeet, cowboy action shooting, archery, along with a boat load of standard pistol and rifle shooting lanes. It also has camping and RV facilities, a restaurant, boat ramp, and a shooting sports hall of fame. It also has the home to the Grand American World Trapshooting Championship. I’m not into trap shooting, but I’m assuming that’s a big deal.
Of course, the big problem comes down to money. According to the article, the complex costs the state $3million a year to run, and has only been bringing in $1.1million. Of course, I’m guessing that most of that is getting sunk into the restaurant, which will remain open (they’re only closing the shooting ranges and RV park).
Sounds to me like it’s a similar ploy to when the state of Tennessee decided to close a bunch of state parks “due to budgetary reasons” when the true cost was to send a guy out every couple days to change the trash bags at the start of the trail. Of course, the real reason was to make people upset so they could pass a tax increase.