On May 15, The Paintball Park at Miramar had a grand introducing two new recreational paintball fields.

 “The first weekend was great as more than 100 people showed up and were very excited about it,” said Shawn Walker, the owner of The Paintball Park company “It was a good start for a great facility.”

It took less than two months to complete the paintball facility and boasts 21 different buildings.

Each field holds 60-80 players and are individually surrounded by fencing, but they can be combined into one field, explained Walker.

The "Deadwood" field simulates a western-styled street of stores and buildings that include a bank, jail, sheriff's department and a hotel. There are also wagons, barrels and stacks of hay along the street that provide cover for shooters.

“Base Camp” is the second field that has a military theme and is scattered with bunkers, ammo cans and camouflage. It simulates a combat-like environment.

"We tried to make the fields look as authentic as possible," said Walker.

The facility is open to the public all week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and has an on-site pro shop with more than 100 sets of gear for rent to private groups and walk-ins.

Group play is available seven days per week, and individual play is available on Saturdays and Sundays.

"We appreciate the military and designed the fields to appeal to Marines," said Travis Runyan, the general manager at The Paintball Park. “It is a great opportunity for Marines on base.”

Marines on the air station can rent gear and play without having to leave the base, explained Runyan.

The park offers discounts to active-duty military and welcomes unit functions and parties. The Paintball Park also has facilities located at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. Group appointments are required to be made one week in advance. For more information, call 866-985-4932.

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