Oakland Count Parks Expands Archery Offerings

(Oakland County Parks, April 18, 2026)

Oakland County, MI – Driven partly by youth participation, archery continues to gain momentum, prompting Oakland County Parks to expand its archery offerings for the upcoming summer season. In addition to its traditional archery range at Independence Oaks County Park in Clarkston, 3D archery will also be offered at Springfield Oaks County Park in Davisburg.

“We are very excited about the addition of the new 3D Archery course,” Springfield Oaks Supervisor Laurie Cooper said. “There are many people in the area who hunt or just love to be outdoors, and this is a perfect addition to our park. Guests will be able to hone their archery skills while enjoying the outdoors and shooting at life-sized targets.”

The walking 3D archery course will be located at the entrance on Andersonville Road, just southeast of Springfield’s equestrian entrance. It will include 14 stations with a total of 20 targets and a practice area.

The course will be open to the public from 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday-Sunday. Cost is $10 for adults and $7 for youth under age 18. Guests will be able to schedule a time online, but walk-ins will be accepted as well. No cross bows will be allowed, only recurve and compound bows. Youth must be accompanied by an adult and waivers will be required. The goal is to open the course by Memorial Day weekend.

Archery is beneficial physically, boosting strength, mobility and coordination, and mentally by improving concentration, self-confidence and stress levels. Additional benefits like social connection, discipline and relaxation often extend beyond the archery range.

“Archery is the perfect combination of strength and knowledge. There’s a connection to the mind and body that requires you to be fully present in the moment,” Recreation Program Coordinator Nate Brech said. “It’s an accessible activity that appeals to people of all ages and abilities. It’s amazing to see participants build their confidence over time and achieve their personal goals.”

Oakland County Parks offers archery programming for young people, beginners and experienced archers to help them develop their skills in a safe, supportive environment.

Archery education is a six-week program at Independence Oaks County Park where certified instructors provide hands-on learning in essential techniques like safety, aim and stance. No experience is necessary and all equipment is provided. Weekly sessions cost $75/session and are offered from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesdays on the following schedule:

Session 1: May 5, 12, 19 & 26 and June 2 & 6
Session 2: June 23 & 30 and July 7, 14, 21 & 28
Session 3: Aug. 4, 11, 18 & 25 and Sept. 1 & 8

Want just the basics? Archery 101 is a single, comprehensive session perfect for those unable to commit to a standard six-week class. Open to ages 8 and older, the Independence Oaks program covers archery basics and all equipment is included. Sessions run from 10 a.m.-noon Saturdays, July 11 or Sept. 12 and are $15/person/date.

Archery Adventure Camp is a week-long summer experience designed specifically for youth ages 8-15. Participants learn archery fundamentals and safety tips at the Independence Oaks archery range as well as enjoy other outdoor activities like fishing and hiking. Camps will be held from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. June 15-19, July 13-17 or Aug. 3-7.

Individual programs at Independence Oaks focus on fun, empowerment and skill-building techniques. These include:

Two Adult Only Archery Shoots from 1-3 p.m. Saturdays, July 11 or Sept. 12. Cost: $15/person/date
A Women’s Archery Shoot from 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, July 25. Cost $15/person
Two sessions of Monster Mayhem from 1-1:45 p.m. or 2-2:45 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19. Participants ages 8 and older will enjoy a Halloween-inspired atmosphere as they shoot at themed targets. Cost: $10/person/session\

Brech emphasizes that archery is about more than just hitting a target. He encourages everyone interested to attend open archery range times at Independence Oaks from 4-7 p.m. every Thursday beginning May 7. Archery equipment is free to use and there is no park entry fee for Oakland County residents.

Registration is now open for all archery classes, programs and camp sessions. It is recommended that interested persons register as early as possible since spots are limited due to the level of personalized instruction offered.

For more information on schedules, registration and archery locations, visit OaklandCountyParks.com or call 248-858-0916.

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