The Play Paradise Concept

Rajula Gupta—founder of Play Paradise—isn’t afraid to follow his dreams. So when the vision to create a safe, welcoming indoor playground geared for one to six year olds struck him, that it would exist and succeed was virtually a foregone conclusion.

Opened on November 1, 2005, Play Paradise’s first location in Metropolis at Metrotown became a hit with Burnaby parents and kids alike. Rain or shine, kids love the chance to play, learn and explore with their favourite toys in a bright, stimulating environment. Parents love the age-appropriate focus for their little ones, and appreciate knowing there’s nothing their kids are safe to play freely.

Helping parents celebrate nearly 400 birthday parties a year, it became immediately obvious that Play Paradise filled a niche that was long needed. And knowing that kids live all over the Lower Mainland meant that Play Paradise would be welcomed wherever it opened its doors.

Dynamic, genuine, child-centred and fun, Play Paradise is all about imaginative play and creative learning.

Rajula's Background

Rajula Gupta started his career in 1988 in the IT industry in India and in 1991 launched India’s first laptop computer as Marketing Manager for Magnerra Innovations. In 1992, he began his international marketing career in the gourmet food products business and lived and worked in over 10 countries around the world. In 1996, he started his own global business consulting practice and has done innovative projects for companies like S.T. Dupont, Paris (luxury goods), Kinetic Engineering, India (automobiles) and Barrow Gordon, UK (event management).

He arrived in Canada in 1999 and started his Business and Career Coaching practice in Toronto via www.rajula.ca. In 2003, he moved to Vancouver and in 2004 started retailing Thomas toys in the Oakridge Center mall in Vancouver. In 2005, he opened the first Play Paradise in Metropolis at Metrotown, Burnaby. In October 2007, the first franchised location for Play Paradise opened in Port Coquitlam. Sadly, due to the economic downturn 2009, the location had to close in late 2009.

Currently Rajula is seeking international franchise partners to open locations all over the world and hopes to open several locations in 2011.