Nearly every business across every sector felt the wrath of the COVID-19 pandemic in the last year and a half, and now, Bragg Creek Paintball is just happy to be able to offer their services once again.
“[Business] has definitely picked up quite a bit,” said Jeremy Osiowy, operations manager with Bragg Creek Paintball. “We are still not back to pre-pandemic levels, but all things considered, we are just happy to get through it and still be operational.”
Osiowy said a recent influx of birthday party, corporate and other event bookings has recently returned to the establishment since restrictions on gatherings were lifted by the Alberta government earlier this summer.
While the sport of paintball is played outside in many situations, Bragg Creek Paintball still saw a large drop in participation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Osiowy said after initially closing the business last March, the ups and downs that came with constantly adapting to ever-changing health restrictions made operations difficult.
Even though the company remained open, albeit with heavy restrictions set on them, that didn’t slow Bragg Creek Paintball down, as the company was excited to offer the patrons who did come out to the venue a memorable experience.
“The hardest part for us was not knowing when things would shut down, or when more restrictions would come,” Osiowy said. “It was tough on us in that sense, but at least we were fortunate to make it through the pandemic. A lot of companies didn’t. We are quite thankful for that.”
During the pandemic, when the business was allowed to be open, only groups of three people were allowed to play. Although the sport is a hide-and-seek-type game, with social distancing to be expected to avoid being covered in paint, there were still hurdles due to restrictions.
“You would think it would be the perfect thing to do during the pandemic, considering you don’t come in close contact with anyone,” he said.
While Bragg Creek Paintball was open during the pandemic, it was not just restrictions that hindered the establishment, but also constant cancellations. Osiowy said it became hard to book reservations because there seemed to always be parties that would have to cancel last minute due to either COVID-19 outbreaks or the need for members to self-isolate after being close contacts with someone who contracted the virus.
“We are just thankful to hopefully be on the other side,” he said.
Osiowy said since restrictions eased in June, he is happy to see people are coming back out to Bragg Creek to enjoy a round of paintball. He added there is no better fun than being able to get outside and shoot your friends and family – with paint-filled pellets, that is.
“It is a fun time for everyone and all ages,” he said. “It is real-life Call of Duty.”
The business, located just before the entrance to Bragg Creek off of Highway 22, is now open seven days a week, and available to take bookings. For more information on pricing, directions, and availability, visit braggcreekpaintball.com
Jordan Stricker, AirdrieToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @Jay_Strickz
