Article: 0484
By David Randall, October 2009

Description

The Sportsman’s club is a facility just outside the town of Mansfield that offers a grassy field for parking and camping, a small oval dirt race track used as the launch site, and an “away cell” location for high altitude or complex rocket projects. The location is sufficient in size to support several hundred flyers and spectators.

Location

The Sportman’s club is located approximately 1/8 of a mile West of the town of Mansfield on State Road 172.

Facilities

Water: no available water

Electricity: no

Sewer/RV Dump: no

Porta-potties: Yes, brought in for launches

Cellular Service: Yes

Food: Mansfield has a grocery store and bar. The grocery store hours are 8 am – 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday. The bar serves food, but individuals younger than 21 are not allowed inside. The bar will make up takeout food, and the grocery store makes sandwiches. During Fire in the Sky, there is often a mobile “cafe” set up onsite with snacks, drinks and food for sale.

Gas:The gas station in Mansfield is open during the day. Gas stations are also located in the town of Waterville approximately 22 miles West of Mansfield and Coulee City, approximately 20 miles Southeast of Mansfield.

Restrictions

Fires: No open fires allowed. BBQ and off-ground contained fires OK unless restricted by hosting club or fire marshall.

Fireworks: No fireworks allowed.

Flight Waivers

Normal launches have an FAA waiver of 8,000′ AGL at the racetrack and extension (keyhole) and 14,000′ AGL at the away cell from 8:00 AM until 6:00 PM. Please check for further details at each launch.

Reference Map

mansfieldsite

Maps and Directions

Bing Map

Google Map

From Seattle: From Spokane: From Portland:

  1. East on US I90; ~84 miles
  2. East on WA Hwy 970; ~10 miles
  3. North on US Hwy 97; ~35 miles
  4. East on US Hwy 2/97; ~29 miles
  5. East on US Hwy 2; ~23 miles
  6. North, then East on WA Hwy 172; ~21 miles
  7. turn left ~1 mile before Mansfield

 

  1. West on US Hwy 2; ~100 miles
  2. North on WA Hwy 17; ~14 miles
  3. West on WA Hwy 172 to Mansfield; ~13 miles
  4. turn right ~1 mile past Mansfield

 

  1. East on US I84; ~102 miles
  2. North on US Hwy 97; ~61 miles
  3. North on WA Hwy 22; ~3 miles
  4. North on US Hwy 82; ~50 miles
  5. West on US I90; ~5 miles
  6. North on US Hwy 97; ~49 miles
  7. East on US Hwy 2/97; ~29 miles
  8. East on US Hwy 2; ~23 miles
  9. North, then East on WA Hwy 172; ~21 miles
  10. turn left ~1 mile before Mansfield

 

GPS Information

Sportsmans Club Lat 47 deg 48′ 55.18″N; Long 119 deg 25′ 37.87″W

Environment

Flying season temperatures average from a low of 45 to a high of 80, with extremes from 30 to 100 degrees. Winds average 5-15 mph, lower in the AM or mid-day, with peaks to 25 mph, and higher with local wind-devils or squalls. Be prepared for wind: use sturdy canopies & tents, with guy lines. There is a neglible chance of rain. However, if it does rain, it could be heavy.

Most of the surrounding area is state land cultivated with wheat, with occasional fallow fields or rocky uncultivated areas. The terrain is slightly rolling, with few fences.

Do not capture or disturb local wildlife under any circumstances. Rattlesnakes are native to the area. If you come across one, back away slowly and notify the RSO of its location. Please make sure your children are aware of the hazards associated with rattlesnakes. Ticks can also be an issue – please be aware of mitigation & inspection procedures.

Current Web Cam View and Weather Conditions


Click for Mansfield, Washington Forecast

Mansfield on SR-17 @ MP 112