Reach out and paint someone

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Micaiah Anthony
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Airmen and their family members, along with local civilians, headed out to the East Reservation on April 7, to participate in the reopening of the base paintball fields.

"It's important that Airmen have a leisure activity they enjoy," said Col. John Johnson, Air Force Global Strike Command. "Paintball is quite popular because it engages the whole body and mind. It helps to relieve stress, and it's just plain fun."

In the past, Barksdale Outdoor Recreation managed and maintained the field. Now, the paintball field is under new management by Splat Zone, a local paintball business contracted with Barksdale to manage and maintain the fields.

When Outdoor Recreation was managing the paintball field it was only able to operate by reservation due to staffing issues, said Caitlin Cook, 2nd Force Support Squadron Outdoor Recreation program manager. With the new company taking over, the fields will now open on the weekends.

The paintball fields are open on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. until one hour before dusk. To use the field on a weekday, a reservation must be made. According to Betty Matson, Splat Zone owner, non-military members can also come on base to play. However, they must contact Splat Zone ahead of time to ensure security forces is provided a list of those coming on base.

The new company also offers military discounts for service members and their families.

"We try to have military friendly prices," said Matson. "Our field fee on Saturday is $15 for non-military and $10 for military members and their families. On Sunday, military members' field fees are waived and non-military members fees are $10. We also give service members a discount on paintballs."

Some of the funds from the contracted company go back to Airmen and their families.

"Twenty percent of Splat Zone's earnings are given back to Outdoor Recreation as a part of the contract," said Cook. "In the long run it goes back to the Morale, Welfare and Recreation fund, which helps provide more programs for Airmen and their families."

Along with prices and hours of operation, changes have also been made to the courses.

"We have already changed the layout on some of the courses by moving the bunkers around," said
Matson. "We are also planning on opening bigger and better courses like a Paintball Sports Promotions speed ball field."

With the paintball fields open on the weekend, Airmen and their families can enjoy using the facilities on a regular basis.

"The paintball fields on base are an extremely important asset for the Barksdale community," said Johnson. "You can't beat the price or the location. The courses are top-notch, and because they're located on the base, they are very accessible to family members and units alike. They provide an excellent opportunity for team building events, sports days or after work gatherings."

To find out more information or to make a reservation contact Splat Zone at 309-4152.