MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Many avid hunters and shooters will be happy to learn Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune has a brand-new consolidated shooting range open for business.
The McIntyre-Parks Recreational Shooting Complex on Old Sawmill Road combines skeet shooting, trap shooting and archery into one location. A 30-acre 3D archery range within the base wooded area is also in the works. Patrons will soon be able to run along trails through the tree line and fire at targets throughout the course.
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held at the new range Aug. 10.
“This building is the work of a lot of people,” said Brig. Gen. Thomas A. Gorry, commanding general of Marine Corps Installations East – MCB Camp Lejeune. “This facility has state-of-the-art equipment and different remote controls, which makes it a great location for recreation.”
Robert McIntyre and Robert Parks, for whom the complex was named, were both Marines and best friends in the military. They were distinguished shooters and played large roles after their retirements in teaching people the basics of skeet shooting. Jim Hill, the range manager for the new complex, said they kept the sport running on MCB Camp Lejeune for years and even though they since passed away, they would love to see the new range named in their honor.
“(Parks) shot with the Marine Corps Rifle Team and won the National Skeet Shooting Championship in 1952,” said James Parks, son of Robert Parks. “He loved shooting, and we have his trophies everywhere. I’m so happy this happened for my father. It’s a nice way to enshrine his name.”
The new complex is replacing an older skeet range located by the game warden’s cabin off of Holcomb Avenue. The old skeet range only offered skeet shooting, while the new recreation complex offers a variety of shooting and archery activities.
“When (McIntyre) retired from the Marine Corps, he continued to work on base as the recreation director for base special services,” said Carol McIntyre, daughter of Robert McIntyre. “He, along with (Robert Parks) revived the skeet range. They got together and made it happen. I know they are both looking down today with smiles on their faces.”