Add paintball to the bevy of recreational offerings in the Flathead Valley.

Business partners Sean Miller and Shaun Pandina have opened Montana Action Parks on Montana 206, just a half-mile from Big Sky Waterpark.

Paintball operations have come and gone in the area through the years, and when Miller moved to Montana four years ago he saw the need for a bona fide course with established hours where players can rent equipment.

The field — the first of four envisioned by the owners — is 264 long and 160 feet wide and is made primarily out of tires. At each end of the field are two staging areas where players can remove their masks and clean them for the next game.

“We’ve bought the best paintballs for our field and we’ve got correct gear so it’s safe, fun and convenient,” Miller said.

All players must sign safety waivers, and those under 18 must have a waiver signed by a legal guardian who is present. Masks must be worn at all times on the field.

Miller, an Illinois native who teaches tae kwon do at Big Sky Martial Arts in Kalispell, had been working on establishing a paintball course for two years when he met Pandina, a student at the martial-arts studio.

“Shaun suggested that I come look at his property for the future home of the paintball field,” Miller said. “After a month of talking and planning, Montana Action Parks went from a dream to a reality.”

Miller said some of his friends, who are avid paintball players, helped design the park and website, www.mtactionparks.com.

Paintball is considered an extreme sport in which players compete in teams or individually, to eliminate their opponents by tagging them with paintballs, capsules filled with a water-soluble solution. Paintball markers, or guns, use compressed air to fire the capsules.

Miller sees a lot of potential for growth in the business.

“Ninety-eight percent of people haven’t ever played paintball,” he said.

Miller and Pandina also are planning to build an indoor facility they hope will be ready by this fall to give them a year-round venue.

“We’re interested in expanding to all this industry has to offer,” Miller said. “I’m looking at getting a sponsored team together.”

Montana Action Parks is open by appointment Monday through Thursday, and after 3 p.m. on Sunday. Hours on Friday and Saturday are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Call 249-5459 to reserve equipment.

Features editor Lynnette Hintze may be reached at 758-4421 or by e-mail at lhintze@dailyinterlake.com.