New park offers airsoft entertainment

Shreveport-Bossier City just received a fresh injection of Cajun with Cajun Airsoft, located at 8070 E. Texas in Bossier City.

Offering a another opportunity for entertainment, Cajun Airsoft is an airsoft park complete with pro-shop.

Co-owners Jojo and Pamela Lacy and Mario and Katy Chavez started the business to provide something unique in local entertainment – both say is safe and fun.

Jojo and his son, A.J., gained interest after they attended an airsoft game together several years ago, hosted by Bill Hamiter, founder and leader of Northwest Louisiana Airsoft Warzone.

After Jojo and his son played all day, he realized he wanted a similar opportunity in his own hometown to spend quality time with his children. Jojo said not only was it good entertainment, but it provided exercise and stimulation for his son beyond channel surfing or staring at a computer or gaming screen.

Hamiter also impressed Jojo with his passion for the game and his involvement with the players. He not only had a good time with the children, Hamiter made an effort to ask the children about school, draw them into conversations, enforce manners and team-spirit, and encouraged good behavior both on and off the field.

“You could literally see the change in the children’s faces when Bill would praise them for their efforts,” Jojo said. “They would strive for excellence.”

After a year of playing airsoft with the NLAW, Jojo invited Mario and his sons out to the field. Mario came out and immediately got hooked. This realization led to Cajun Airsoft coming to fruition, along with the fact that there was not much for children over the age of 10, or adults for that matter, to do in the area, Jojo and Mario said.

“Chuck E. Cheese and Party Central are both great places for the age groups they are geared toward,” Jojo said. “However, they have the same games and rides every time you go. At Cajun Airsoft, the games are always different due to the fact that the players are always different. The experience our players have is different every time they come out and play on the fields.”

“Airsoft teaches kids to work together, teaches them teamwork, strategy, patience – a father and son can go out and be a team on the field,” Jojo said. “We even play old guys against young guys, and usually lose to the kids.”

Mario said Cajun Airsoft is also a opportunity for those who love paintball but don’t love the bruises that come with the sport.

“Airsoft is more affordable than paintball,” Mario said. “As a bonus it’s less painful and not messy. Airsoft is also more realistic. It’s used by the military and police for training exercises, and additionally, it’s more user-friendly than paintball.”

Mario said once a player is hit during a game of paintball, they are out for the remainder of the game. But in airsoft, as it is in video games, the players have a re-spawn spot or a “home base.” Once the player has been “re-spawned,” they may rejoin the game.

While airsoft is appealing to children of all ages, Cajun Airsoft requires that players be 10 years of age or older. However, Cajun Airsoft offers a Nerf Super Soaker/Dart Field for those younger than 10 that wish to play. This allows younger siblings to participate in the day without being left out.

Cajun Airsoft has three fields for participant – two open fields and one close-quarter battle field. The business also offers concessions, an arcade, a repair shop and a pro-shop.

The pro-shop is run by Hamiter, who has over six years knowledge and experience with the sport and loves to introduce newcomers to airsoft.

“The pro-shop here is an important part of the business, the equipment we sell is high quality, unlike what is available for purchase at the big box retail stores,” Jojo said. “I’m so happy that we have Bill here.”

Safety is always first at Cajun Airsoft. All participants are required to watch a safety video prior to hitting the field. Wearing safety equipment is a must at all times and the referees are trained to enforce safety measures both on and off the field.

“We want this to be a place where parents feel comfortable bringing their children. If parents want to stay and play, we encourage that. They can also wait inside and enjoy the couches and free wi-fi. Or if they need to go run errands, we want them to feel comfortable and know that their child is safe with us,” Jojo said.

“The most rewarding part of running this business is the enjoyment of seeing the kids run around and play games that are based after the video games that they play too much,” Jojo said. “When a kid comes up all flushed and smiling then says, ‘When can we come back?’ to their parents – you really can’t beat the smiles and happiness of both the children and parents.”

To learn more about Cajun Airsoft, visit www.facebook.com/cajunairsoft.

–Betsy St. Amant