Storm Riders: WildPlay Element Parks

The Storm Riders series aims to celebrate the strength of our industry while highlighting some of the many ways businesses have overcome the challenges resulting from COVID-19. We are proud to showcase how the following businesses have adapted while celebrating the people who are at the heart of what we do. In this post, we hear from the team at Wild Play Element Parks

Why do you do what you do?

We have a mission to “Evolve The Human”…we exist to plant seeds of courage and grow humanity’s collective potential for fearless action. Knowing that we have a reason for being drives me and the folks I work with to make a difference through our efforts at WildPlay. It produces really wonderful energy when you see folks gaining a different understanding about themselves and being just a little more certain of themselves when they leave than the way they felt when they came. Yes, it’s a business but we’re in it for far more than the commerce of it all.

What is your hope for the future of our region?

My wish for the future of Vancouver Island is that we keep pushing to be known as outliers, as special, as one of the best places on the earth. The rest of this mayhem will pass and we will be left with what we did getting ready for the other side of it. Being unique is easy for the island. My hope is that we continue to leverage that uniqueness in our interactions with the visitor for the benefit and growth of our local communities.

What do you want people to know of your business?

The world is full of challenges right now and people need to let off steam. That’s what we’re here for. WildPlay is your COVID therapy. Outdoors, fun, and now open through the fall and winter to help maintain health in our communities. We have developed outdoor classroom space that education groups can use. We are adapting, adding more value and frankly, it is all so cool that we won’t go back to normal. Why would we?

In your own words, please share “Travel matters because … “

Travel matters because it is a way for people to connect with cultures, to learn to understand others and to experience tolerance and it is a vehicle through which the destination can influence the mindset of the traveller. This can be a powerful global change agent.

Other than your own business, what are 3 other businesses in your community that visitors should experience.?

Horne Lake Caves is a great adventure. Take a float plane flight with Harbour Air and see the most amazing views. Fill your tummy after all the fun at the Wild Poppy Market in Ladysmith.

The spark to own/work in this business must motivate you each day. – what are some of your past experiences that have contributed to this spark.

Working as a professional mountain guide, I saw the difference that it made for people to step outside of their comfort zones. The personal growth that happens is accelerated and sticks. Getting feedback from my many clients, sharing how their lives were positively influenced and affected by adventure led me to this line of work. It continues to motivate me over 30 years later.