Count yourself lucky. Owning acreage of open land is a luxury few people in this world can have or
afford. With that amount of land comes a host of fun and plenty opportunity to knock yourself out. If you live
on a healthy portion of open land, here are some ways to have some fun on these large, registered
parcels and put them to good use.
The Perks of Owning Acreage
Paintball
Whether you enjoy simulated scenarios or are just an enthusiastic weekend player, creating a
paintball field can put your parcel of land to good use. Plus, the supplies and tools you’ll need are
relatively easy to find and purchase at any local hardware and lumber retailer.
To set up your paintball field properly, you’ll definitely want to first determine its boundaries and
dimensions. You’ll, of course, also need to account for any nearby houses or trails and determine
whether to install any netting or fencing to prevent injuries or property damage.
Once you’ve roped off the boundaries of your field, you’ll then want to set up obstacles and cover.
Some field owners build tiny towns in the woods or in trenches in open fields, while others resort to
buying regulation-sized inflatable structures. But while a paintball field may be fun for you and your
friends, if you turn it into a business, you’ll need the paperwork to make it official.
Off-Roading
If you’re a truck lover, perhaps what you really need is your own off-road course. But whether you
clear brush and trees for some semblance of a mudding trail or have some land your truck can romp
on, know that off-road adventures in your truck, regardless of your location, can be dangerous —
and the beating you give your truck could damage it.
With that in mind, when you take your truck for a spin on less-than-ideal roads, make sure you bring
along an extra tank of gas and a high-lift jack. Furthermore, if you’re more of a novice off-roader,
ensure your tires can handle any wear and tear, as well as any weather and road conditions.
Think you might get stuck in mud or a ditch? Then take along a sturdy emergency towing rope in
case you need someone to tow you out.
Dog Park
Why not turn that open land into a space for more than yourself? If you live near town, where many
people own dogs but don’t have the means to walk them, developing a dog park might be the perfect
option for you and man’s best friend. There are, however, some issues you should consider.
First, what are the rules of your dog park? Will you provide doggy bags for waste or insist people
bring their own? Since this is private property, who is responsible for any injuries? Additionally, you
can post a sign that releases you of any liability and informs visitors of any rules.
Another consideration is location. Is the park near your home or set back in the woods or hills
enough that you can keep some privacy? Since this is open land, little needs to be done for dogs to
have fun.
With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility
Whether or not you one day go through with repurposing portions of your land parcel, there are
plenty of options, including those highlighted above, at your disposal. Of course, each of these
options comes with its own pain and difficulties, but with the right knowledge, any of them will reward
you with a more active, leisurely and fun lifestyle.
