Painting Memories
ONE SHOT AT A TIME
Excerpt from a past edition of OhioTraveler
Trigger an outdoor blast at Paintball Country – one of the biggest and best locations for paintball wars.
This 40-acre paintball destination is on the 210-acre Niederman Family Farm between Cincinnati and Dayton. It features five woods fields and six speedball fields, which are lit to bring action well into the night.
Special scenario productions are often offered, attracting several hundred serious paintball competitors from across the country to compete in major themed events.
If you’re not an expert shot, don’t worry, walk-in first-timers can have just as much fun. Just show up and the folks there will provide all the equipment you need.
Paintball had a humble beginning. Foresters used them to mark trees and farmers used them to mark cattle. Then, one day, two foresters turned the guns on one another in a friendly – colorful – firefight. Today, it’s one of the top extreme sports in the world and has many variations, including x ball, hyper ball, ultimate air, woods, speedball and special scenario war games.
“Safety rules and regulations make paintball a safe sport for anyone from 10-years-old to senior citizens,” said Brian Garver. He runs Paintball Country at Niederman Family Farm. “Referees on the field enforce safety with strict game rules.”
Each player is required to wear safety goggles at all times. The rifle is an air gun. Players are eliminated when a paintball splats on them. Being hit by a paintball leaves a bright colored paint mark on the clothes.
“Sometimes, it can sting a little bit,” smiled Bethann Niederman. She runs Niederman Family Farm.
A paintball has a thin outer skin with colored liquid inside it resembling a gelatin-like capsule. The liquid interior is non-toxic, non-caustic, water-soluble and biodegradable. It rinses out of clothing and off skin with mild soap and water.
“We get lots of church groups, scout troops, business groups and family reunions,” said Garver.
It’s no wonder paintball is one of the world’s most popular outdoor participation sports.
“The nice thing about our farm is that it can accommodate groups from 20 to 300 people,” said Bethann Niederman. “We have a restored 1890s barn which is suited with modern amenities and a spacious deck.”
The barn is perfect for corporate outings, weddings, receptions and reunions. The pavilion is perfect for school groups, scouts and clubs. Parties feature a hostess, giant jumping pillow, food, animal visits and the play area, complete with giant ship, tunnels and more to explore.
Paintball Country is open Saturday from 11am to 5pm and Sunday from 1pm to 5pm. There’s a fully stocked pro-shop and custom website where you can order anything you need. Paintball Country on Niederman Family Farm is located at 5110 LeSourdsville-West Chester Road in Liberty Township, Ohio between Cincinnati and Dayton. Call 513-779-6184 or visit www.paintballcountryohio.com and www.niedermanfamilyfarm.com.
