The city of Bonney Lake is considering installing a public safety training center with a rifle and pistol range at the Reed property, a move that could generate a new source of revenue for the city.

Presently, the city rents space at Swiss Sportsmen’s Park for three days each month at a cost of $3,800 per year.

According to the proposal from Police Chief Mike Mitchell, the Swiss Park range is a “small range that allows a good 25-yard outdoor pistol range. There has been some rifle training training up to 100 yards; however it is difficult because of the open area and the grounds are also used by campers.”

Mitchell is proposing to turn some of the Reed property, a 20-acre parcel of land purchased in April 2010 for the water rights, into a city-owned range with a 25-yard indoor pistol range and 25-, 100- and 200-yard outdoor ranges. An indoor training facility is also proposed.

The city paid $1.07 million for the parcel. It is zoned RSV5 in the county, which allows for public facilities, as well as water supply facilities and residences at one unit per five acres.

The city council has used the house on the property for its budget retreat in October as well as its council retreat in February. The city also uses the property for storage of large items, like the police boat.

Several other groups in the city are interested in using the property, though no decisions have been made on what to make of the land.

According to Mitchell’s proposal, a police range could be a revenue-generator for the city. He suggests renting it out to other local police organizations the way Tacoma rents out its range.

Tacoma presently charges $500 a day or $5,000 for a year, which provides an organization with three days each month, similar to the arrangement the city has with Swiss Park.

Mitchell proposes the project be completed in three phases. Phase 1 would use dirt from an existing city site to install barriers on three sides on an outdoor 25-yard range.

In Phase 2, dirt barriers would be added to create the 100- and 200-yard ranges.

Phase 3 would include the remodeling of a barn on the property to install indoor walls and secure the perimeter of the barn, as well as install a bullet trap to collect expended rounds.

There is no cost estimate in the proposal.

The city council was scheduled to discuss the issue at Tuesday’s workshop.