That is because in mid-April, 17-year-old Josh Bowers opened his field to the public along with his business, “Southwest Paintball Tactics.”

After receiving a paintball gun for Christmas two years ago, Bowers said he and his friends would play in his backfield and he found he really enjoyed paintball.

However, they had to stop playing because there were no paintballs or CO2 for them to use, which is when Bowers decided to open his own paintball shop.

Southwest Paintball Tactics is operated out of his home. Bowers said he could now provide paintball equipment and make money doing something he loves.

After creating a business plan, getting permits and licenses and registering his business, Bowers had everything he needed to get started, including learning accounting through a course he is taking at Liverpool Regional High School.

He mentioned he has a good supplier. Bowers can get items ranging from paint grenades to different kinds of paintballs to guns.

Different items also include clothes, masks, paint, night vision goggles, and he can order anything anyone would like, he added.

His field is 250 feet by 175 feet and has various bunkers, rocks and trees. Bowers said as long as people buy his paintballs they could use the field.

Bowers charges $25 for 500, $45 for 1,000 and $85 for 2,000 paintballs.

“My main goal is to have fun,” Bowers said about his business.

Although Bowers will be working at Thomas H. Raddall Park over the summer, people can book an appointment by calling 683-2663.