Soviet-Era School Shooting Range Revived for New Defense Classes by Victory Day
A historic Soviet-era shooting range at the N.K. Krupskaya Lyceum is being restored to support a new school subject. The facility, once used for military training, will now serve students learning 'Fundamentals of Security and Homeland Defense'. Officials aim to complete the project in time for Victory Day celebrations.
The renovation began after Russian schools introduced the new subject, which includes firearms training. Authorities decided in 2024 to rebuild the range at its original location rather than relocate it.
Viktor Barinov, Deputy Chairman of the Magadan City Duma, took charge of the project last summer. His role involved organising repairs and securing funding for construction materials. Parents of lyceum students also contributed by helping to source essential building supplies. Recent progress includes plastering and painting walls, replacing heating radiators, and fitting specialised metal doors. The project is now in its final phase, with Barinov inspecting the work firsthand. Once complete, the range will support a revised curriculum covering drill instruction, marksmanship, first aid, and firearms handling. While pilot programmes for similar facilities exist in regions like Moscow and Tatarstan, nationwide data on restored or newly built shooting ranges remains undisclosed by authorities.
The restored range will enable hands-on training for students under the new defence curriculum. Officials have set a deadline to open the facility by Victory Day. The project marks the revival of a historic site while meeting modern educational needs.
