NO RANGE ON WALTON
Concerned neighbors for the preservation of quiet life
on Goochland & Louisa's Walton Road
View our new interactive map HERE.
Got our postcard? Click here.
Keep It Quiet,
Keep It Clean
Join with your neighbors on Walton Road to oppose the proposed construction of a shooting range in the 4600 block of Walton Road a mere 400ft from a shared property line with an existing family home, operating 365 days a year from morning to dusk.
Latest News
-
The VSP conditional use application WILL BE VOTED UPON BY THE GOOCHLAND PLANNING COMMISSION at their meeting on January 15, 2026. Meeting begins promptly at 6pm and will likely draw a large community crowd. Arrive early to avoid the overflow room. We are asking the Planning Commission to defer voting upon a recommendation until a formal sound study can be arranged and conducted between all parties. RSVP here.
-
No Range On Walton supporters spoke at the December 2025 Planning Commission meeting. You can watch a recording of that meeting, including our public comments, on Goochland County's YouTube, here.
-
VSP held a second community meeting on Tuesday, December 9th, and revealed revisions to their original plan, which included the addition of 50 feet landscape buffer in select location, earthen berms in select locations, and adjusting the locations of several shooting stations by approximately 100 feet. The addition of landscaping provides only a 5-8dba decrease in sound, and the addition of earthen berms will not provide any reduction as the berms are not continuous. Please see public comment at the December 2025 Planning Commission meeting for relevant data.
A GOOD IDEA DOESN'T JUSTIFY A BAD LOCATION
Walton Road residents shared their concerns with WRIC's Rolynn Wilson about the proposed shooting range 340 feet from the closest neighbor.
"We aren't against the recreational use of firearms by neighbors on their private property, but a public-use gun range doesn't belong next to family homes. A good idea doesn't justify a bad location."
WRIC story here: Proposed shooting range raises concerns from Goochland neighbors | WRIC ABC 8News
WHAT IS BEING PROPOSED?
Virginia Sports Park and Training Center at Goochland
-
Located on 85-acres of land leased from Luck Stone on Walton Road at the intersection of Ange Road, just north of I-64
-
14 clay shooting stations, one skeet station, one wobble-stand, one 5-stand
-
Operating 365 days a year, 8am to dusk, within 400ft of closest property line and 600ft of closest family home, weekends and holidays
-
35+ homes in a half mile radius, 120+ homes in a one mile radius, 400+ homes in a two mile radius
-
7,969+ pounds of lead introduced into designated wetlands every year
-
70-100 shooters on tournament weekends
Read more about the proposal, our concerns, and how it compares to other clay shooting ranges.
WHY OPPOSE?
While we support responsible firearm use and ownership, the placement of a public-use firing range within a rural residential area poses significant and unacceptable risks and disruptions to our community. We oppose this development for the following reasons:
-
Noise Pollution: Continuous or intermittent gunfire would destroy the peace and quiet that defines our neighborhood. Several homes are a mere 200 feet from the property line and only 600 feet from the clay shooting stations. The persistent noise of shotgun fire will severely diminish residents’ quality of life and property values.
-
Environmental and Health Risks: Lead contamination from ammunition can leach into soil and groundwater, threatening wells, wildlife, and nearby water systems. The long-term environmental effects of outdoor shooting activities are well documented by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). There is no safe level of lead exposure, especially for children.
-
Light Pollution and Night Sky Visibility: Significant light pollution will diminish our ability to enjoy the natural darkness of our rural area if lighting is installed at the parking lot, buildings, and/or clay stations.
-
Property Values: Studies show that proximity to shooting ranges negatively impacts property values and makes homes harder to sell.
-
Incompatibility with Zoning and Community Character: The proposed use conflicts with the residential and agricultural character of our area. Our community’s rural environment is valued for its tranquility, safety, and natural beauty—all of which would be jeopardized by such a development.
-
Conflict of Interest: The permit applicant, Tom Winfree, is currently the Board of Supervisor member for Goochland County’s District 3. This conditional use permit would require a zoning change, which comes before the Board of Supervisors by vote. While Mr. Winfree would not be permitted a vote, he is well-established in the county, and we cannot underestimate the support he is garnering from the community at-large, who do not have to live with the negative impacts of the range.
Next Meeting
Goochland Planning Commission Meeting
Thursday, January 15, 2026
6:00pm
THE PLANNING COMMISSION WILL BE VOTING ON THIS APPLICATION ON THIS DATE.
Please RSVP to the event & register your email address with us to receive updates.