Public Access 
South Metro Public Safety offers a number of opportunities for the public to access the facility. For educational programs, see below.
In addition, the training facility's 12-bay police firing range is open for public use. Hours are:
Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the 1st Tuesday of each month from 6 - 9 pm.
Lanes may be rented by adults 18 years or older. Persons younger than 18 must share a lane with an accompanying adult The cost is $15 per lane per half-hour. For two people sharing a lane, the charge for the second person is $10.00.
Bullseye shooting with pistols only (exception is .22 gauge rim-fire rifles). No silhouette targets. No automatic weapons. Ear and eye protection are required, and may be rented. Targets may be purchased on-site. Firearms rentals and ammunition are not available on-site.
Complete range rules are available via the following link:
The safety of people and the care of the facility are paramount at SMPSTF. Anyone may be denied use of the range if their behavior or their use of the facilities are considered risky by range safety staff members.
Questions? Call Debra at 952-653-0671 or e-mail:dfields@southmetrotraining.com
For directions to the site, click here. It is recommended that you NOT use Google, Mapquest, etc., or a GPS system. These programs do not recognize the HWY 169 Frontage Road, and you WILL be sent in the wrong direction!
COURSES OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
To register for classes, come in person on any Saturday from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. or follow the link to the registration form and mail with payment to: South Metro Training, 7525 Braemar Blvd, Edina MN, 55439
Permit to Carry a Firearm
March 27, 2010
SIG SAUER Armorer's Course OPEN ONLY TO CITIZENS EXPERIENCED IN FIREARMS. Credentials Required*
April 7 & 8, 2010
Introduction to Handguns and Firearms Safety Training (Co-ed Group)
April 13 & 15, 2010
Permit to Carry a Firearm
May 8, 2010
Introduction to Handguns and Firearms Safety Training (for Women)
May 18 & 20, 2010
Permit to Carry a Firearm
June 12, 2010
Permit to Carry a Firearm
July 31, 2010
HCMC Emergency Medical Technician Refresher Course (EMT-R) OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
September 7 - 9, 2010
Permit to Carry a Firearm
September 18, 2010
HCMC Emergency Medical Technician BASIC Course (EMT-B) OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
September 13 - October 1, 2010
Permit to Carry a Firearm
October 23, 2010
Permit to Carry a Firearm
December 4, 2010
History of South Metro's commitment to offering gun safety programs
It was October 24, 1964. Edina resident, Dr. Frederic Wippermann and his two sons were on a highly anticipated hunting trip when the worst happened. Twelve year old, Brian’s 20- gauge shotgun accidentally discharged, killing him instantly. Amidst their grief, the family resolved to somehow turn this profound tragedy into something positive.
In 1971, with over $50,000 in pledged donations from the Wippermann family and the Edina Optimist’s Club, the Brian Wippermann Memorial Gun Range was opened on a parcel of city-owned property in the corner of Edina - just to the south of where the South Metro Public Safety Training Facility now stands. The donations, which extended over 25 years, were earmarked to educate youngsters in the importance of safe gun handling in an attempt to ensure that other young people and their families, might be prevented from having to endure such misfortune.
By 1997, when the Brian Wippermann Memorial Gun Range had to close, largely because of environmental concerns, nearly 4000 children had participated in firearms safety programs with many thousands more area residents using the firing ranges to practice safe gun handling through indoor target shooting and outdoor trap shooting.
In 2004, the South Metro Public Safety Training Facility was opened – with the mission to provide a state-of-the-art training environment for area public safety agencies. The facility is jointly owned and operated by the Cities of Edina, Eden Prairie, Bloomington, and by the Metropolitan Airport Commission. Training space and on-site support services are provided for these and many other police and fire agencies throughout the southwest metro area.
The City of Edina’s joint venture with the Wippermann family and the Edina Optimist’s Club may have ended in 1997; however, the board of directors governing this facility and the City of Edina Parks and Recreation Department’s determination to honor the spirit of the past arrangement did not. Opportunities for people of all ages to attend gun safety programs are offered throughout the year, both here and at other locations. In addition, the police firing range is open for public use on Saturday mornings for target shooting.
The City of Edina is proud to continue honoring the memory of Brian Wippermann, and the South Metro Public Safety Training Facility is grateful to be able to assist in this worthy endeavor.
Other features available
Other features of the facility are also available for rental by the public, subject to availability and provided the rental if for training purposes. Refer to our rental rates for more information.