There is something about climbing 60’ into the trees, or leaping into a 150’ canyon drop, that both calls to us and makes us our knees buckle. While the desire for adrenaline-pumping outdoor experiences grows stronger, the knee-knocking fear of getting hurt or general aversion for discomfort also increases. What the little voice that says “keep your feet on the dirt” may not realize is that there is a way to partake in (and even enjoy) thrill and challenge, without endangering life and limb. The not-so-big secret is risk management.

WildPlay’s Activity Standards Manager, Jon H., explains our approach to fear-free play.

“WildPlay’s risk management standards apply to each Park and each interaction with Guests - including instruction and demos about safe Element use, criteria checks and waivers to ensure abilities match level of risk, and procedures to coach and assist guests through their adventure. The only thing more important than fun playtime is safe playtime, which is why employees go through careful on-the-ground (and in-the-trees) training, as well as receive procedures and education on safety and processes. The result is Guides and Guest Service Agents who develop expert abilities in safety practices and risk management.”

Once a year we prove that standards, training, and preparation work, as well as reward employees who exemplify our standards, at the WildPlay Clan Olympics.

Over two days (in Nanaimo Park this year), employees compete in Element and Park games that demonstrate how risk management practices allow freedom to develop skills and enjoy playtime in the trees and outdoor activities.

Clan Olympics not only push our employee’s abilities to the max, but also test our risk management practices, which is why our Games planning team takes the event as an opportunity to evaluate how Elements can best be managed to mitigate risk in extreme situations. Before each event, contestants receive game rules and instructions to play, and we expect the same respect for safety as any other day. If any rule is broken, the contestant is disqualified. This one-strike rule may sound harsh, but the expression safety never takes a holiday is an absolute truth for our guests and WildPlay Clan members.

During the event, we discover (and recognize) the cream of our crop for both their physical abilities and safe conduct in guest service and guiding situations. Spectators are welcome to watch the games and cheer on employees from our Nanaimo, West Shore Victoria, and Maple Ridge Parks as they conquer out-of-the-ordinary training activities, such as speed rope ascents from ground platform, or backwards zip lining.

Congratulations to our 2011 Champion Park: Maple Ridge!

The hardware worth battling for: