Airsoft Course
Airsoft Course
While still in high school, I designed and built a fully functional airsoft course in the woods on my parents’ property. The course covered an area approximately 250 feet by 200 feet and featured three main play zones connected by a network of ten winding trails. It was intended for use by a group of friends and designed to offer a balance of stealth, strategy, and action. The space supported both individual and team play, encouraging frequent use over several years.
The initial planning phase took about a week. I walked the area repeatedly, evaluating terrain and natural features to determine where trails and play zones could be most effectively placed. The goal was to create a layout that allowed multiple possible routes while keeping sightlines limited for a more tactical experience. Once I finalized the layout, I cleared the area using hand tools and constructed five low-profile walls for cover using felled tree trunks cut to size.
All the work was done with manual tools, including an axe, hand saw, chainsaw, sickle, and mower. The sickle in particular was essential for cutting through thick brambles that would have otherwise taken weeks to clear. Once the course was built, I planted grass seed throughout the trails and play areas to control regrowth and make the space easier to maintain. I mowed the course every two weeks for several years to keep it in good condition.
One of the biggest challenges was balancing trail placement with both safety and gameplay quality. I had to account for visibility, movement flow, and spacing while also respecting the natural shape of the land. After a few trial runs, I made adjustments to improve balance and pacing. The project taught me how to observe, test, and revise outdoor plans while using tools safely and effectively over long periods of time.
The course remained in use for about five years, with many repeat visits from the same group of players. It provided a clean, well-maintained space for outdoor activity, and its longevity was a direct result of careful planning, solid construction, and regular upkeep. This project reflects my ability to manage land, use hand tools efficiently, and think through spatial layouts that serve a specific purpose.