Case Study:
The Evolution of Rural
Turning a Goat Farm into a Special Amusement Property
Project Overview
The Go AirHeads airsoft field and store redevelopment involves the transformation of an approximately 10.5-acre former goat farm in Erie, Colorado, into a unique family-oriented recreation, entertainment, retail, and outdoor activity destination. The project repurposes the existing agricultural property through comprehensive site redevelopment, new infrastructure, recreational amenities, and supporting commercial facilities.
Features
A central feature of the development is the creative conversion and incorporation of shipping containers into custom play structures and recreational attractions. The containers are adapted, modified, and assembled to create durable and visually distinctive activity areas where Go AirHeads participants climb, explore, play, and use for cover during airsoft games.
Overall site improvements include perimeter fencing to establish clear property boundaries, provide security, control access, and separate recreational areas from adjacent properties and roadways. Site circulation improvements provide designated public access, service access, and emergency vehicle access, and parking throughout the property. Right-of-way access and roadway connections ensure safe and compliant ingress and egress in both County and City jurisdictions.
Redevelopment
Redevelopment includes comprehensive civil infrastructure addressing drainage, utilities, and life-safety requirements. A stormwater quality and retention system is constructed to manage runoff generated by new improvements and developed areas, provide water quality treatment, and accommodate required detention or retention volumes. The project also includes installation of necessary fire protection and domestic water services, including hydrant and taps to support the proposed buildings and recreational facilities.
Because of the property's development characteristics and available utility infrastructure, the project will include an on-site septic system designed to serve the proposed uses in accordance with applicable local and state requirements.
A new approximately 6,000-square-foot retail and storage building is constructed to support the operation of the Go AirHeads fields and retailing of airsoft gear. The building provides space for retail sales, guest services, equipment, operational support, maintenance functions, and storage associated with the airsoft activities.
Coordinated Effort
The redevelopment required extensive coordination with local, county, state, utility, and special district agencies. The complete project involved over 32 separate permits, approvals, reviews, and related authorizations, encompassing land use, site development, building construction, fire protection, utilities, access, stormwater, septic, environmental, and other regulatory requirements.
