South Kingstown, R.I. – Extreme Airsoft, the indoor airsoft arena that has been a staple of South County for nearly two decades, is confronting an uncertain future. The facility, located in the historic Peacedale Mill on Kingstown Road in Wakefield, has been described as the “Disney World” of airsoft and has earned national recognition as the top indoor venue for the past four years.
Owner seeks rent pre‑payment to buy the building
Owner Lenny Cuoco learned that the Peacedale Mill property is being put on the market. “The way the landlord has presented it to us is that the building is worth more money without necessarily all this space being consumed with a company that’s kind of like a ski resort,” Cuoco said. He explained that the business experiences a seasonal slowdown during the summer, even though it thrives in the fall and winter when outdoor options are limited.
To stay open, Cuoco is asking the community to help raise enough funds to pre‑pay six months of rent. “If we can raise six months’ worth of rent, prepay six months rent, we can, in turn, stay six more months,” he said. “And in that six months, we will be purchasing the Peacedale Mill with investors.”
Community rallying to keep the arena alive
Supporters and staff are working to raise awareness about the sport and dispel misconceptions. “I know outwardly it looks like it’s just a bunch of guns and crazy kids running around, but really what it is, is a place to let out energy, have fun in a safe way,” said employee Aidan Salzarulo, who has been with Extreme Airsoft since childhood.
University of Rhode Island student Ryan Gallant echoed the sentiment, noting that the venue offers a wholesome alternative to typical college nightlife. “We were bored. Nothing’s going on. We’re not trying to drink tonight, so came here, having a great time,” he said.
Fundraising options and next steps
Organizers have launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist with the rent‑prepayment goal, but Cuoco emphasized that the most effective way for locals to help is simply to visit and play. “You won’t see this anywhere else in the world,” he declared. “We want to buy it. They want to sell it to us. We are going to make that happen. That’s it. That’s our determination and manifesting positive. It’s the only way to do this.”
Extreme Airsoft remains a unique recreational outlet for families, teens, and adults seeking a safe, indoor activity during the colder months. The facility’s potential closure would leave a gap in South County’s entertainment options, especially for those looking for a constructive, community‑focused pastime.
What readers can do
- Visit Extreme Airsoft and experience the arena firsthand.
- Share the GoFundMe link with friends, family, and local groups.
- Encourage other local businesses to consider partnerships or sponsorships.
The coming weeks will determine whether the beloved indoor arena can secure the funds needed to stay open and eventually own the historic Peacedale Mill building.
Original reporting: NBC 10 WJAR (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
