In this study we explore a new way to model sub-grid turbulence using particle systems. The ability of particle systems to model small-scale turbulence is evaluated using high-resolution numerical simulations. These high-resolution data are averaged to produce a coarse-grid velocity field, which is then used to drive a complete particle-system-based downscaling. Wind fluctuations and turbulent kinetic energy are compared between the particle simulations and the high-resolution simulation. Despite the simplicity of the physical model used to drive the particles, the results show that the particle system is able to represent the average field. It is shown that this system is able to reproduce much finer turbulent structures than the numerical high-resolution simulations. In addition, this study provides an estimate of the effective spatial and temporal resolution of the numerical models. This highlights the need for higher-resolution simulations in order to evaluate the very fine turbulent structures predicted by the particle systems. Finally, a study of the influence of the forcing scale on the particle system is presented.