The elves on the North Pole work hard making toys for Santa to take to good little children around the world.

But elves in general are known to be more mischievious.

Those were the elves who took on the grinches at a paintball match at Kitsap Paintball Park Dec. 16.

The reincarnation of Northwest Paintball Park divided about 100 people into teams and tasked them with securing “presents” located throughout the park’s 10 acres of forested playing area. Teams used tactical maneuver techniques to gain ground, reach the goals and win points.

Northwest Paintball operated for 20 years but closed in 2020 in preparation for a planned housing development. Challenges to that development left the property inactive, at which point Colby Overholt succeeded in negotiating use of the former park—at least for the time being.

Kitsap Paintball regularly creates scenarios and game plans that allow competitors at all levels to jump right into play. There’s no need to be part of a club or team. Aspiring players don’t need to own anything as park organizers provide protective gear, launcher and ammunition for $45.

As for the future of the park, Overholt said he’s interested in continuing it, even if it has to move from its location at 368 NE Waaga Way in Bremerton.

Pursuant to the closing in 2020, Overholt sought out other potential locations but was unsuccessful finding private or public lands for the business. Kitsap Paintball Park is currently the only location that hosts organized paintball in Kitsap County.

Participants grab the equipment they need for the paintball battle.