We recently had the opportunity to ask Wild Waves’ new manager, Jeff Stock. But Jeff is not new to the Washington state theme park. Read the interview to learn more about his interesting story:
Can you briefly explain how you originally acquired Wild Waves (then Enchanted Village)?
I acquired both parks at the same time in April of 1991 from the Bett’s family who founded the park in 1977.
What about the park initially interested you?
I thought it was an excellent location with a lot of potential.
How did Six Flags get involved? When did you sell the park?
For 10 years I expanded the park from 40 to 70 acres and added several attractions including the first looping coaster in Washington State. Around the year 2000 I must have landed on Six Flags radar. Kieran Burke, then CEO of Six Flags; contacted me about acquiring the park. The deal eventually closed in December of 2000.
Was the decision to sell the park difficult?
Yes, extremely difficult. Over the years, I had built strong relationships with my employees; and was emotionally involved with the day to day operations. But in the end it was the best for everyone who was involved. Six Flags was committed to investing a large amount of capital into the park over a short period of time. Over the next 4 years, Six Flags invested 25 million dollars into the park.
Can you explain how you were able to regain control of the park?
When I sold the park I retained the land and did a long term lease. Then in 2006 CNL Income properties acquired the lease from Six Flags and sub leased it to PARC Management. In Feb 2011 CNL ousted PARC Management and brought me back with a goal of restoring the Federal Way amusement park and water park to its glory days.
What plans do you have for the park? Do you plan to place more focus on the water park?
I want to get back to local roots and for the park to be a key asset in our commitment to creating community-focused quality entertainment. And I plan to do that by reaching out to season pass holders with creative promotions and attractive incentives such as bringing back the popular coupon book. We are also finalizing plans for a new family water attraction for the 2011 season – the first new large attraction at the park since 2005. I plan to reinvest in the parks overall appearance.
Will the name of the park remain Wild Waves?
Yes, at this time we have no plans to rename the park.
Do you plan to utilize social media in the future to connect to your guests?
Yes we are finalizing social media plans to create an ongoing connection and dialogue with park guests offering on line promotions and information on park events and activities.
One last question: What is your favorite ride at the park?
My favorite will always be the steel looping coaster “The Wild Thing” because it was the first marketable attraction that I put in the park, even though the TimberHawk wooden coaster rivals it.
I am glad to see that Mr. Stock is back and looking to make the park better. I have been a season pass holder for the past ten years and likely will be for several more(I have a 5 year old now). I am glad to see that he is considering bringing back the coupon book for season pass holders. I would also recommend bring back the “floatie” rentals for the wavepool! I know many families that have missed being able to rent the floaties for the wavepool! They were especially useful for families with young children. Last year I was really dissapointed that they now longer allowed “double” floaties in the lazy river (unless you rented one). Many families enjoyed the lazy river with young children on a double floatie in the past, but they only had free single floaties during the 2010 season in the lazy river. This resulted in families with young children not being able to ride the lazy river unless they were willing to rent a double tube floatie! Also, please make the “Pirate” area a truly warm attraction! Last season there was one day that I was there when the water was warm. The rest of the season there was a sign stating that the attraction was “temporarily cold”. It’s been as cold as I remember for many years! Good luck Mr. Stock and welcome back from our family!!!!