January
One yoga mat at Parque del Sur
Lilly Rikhter rolls out a single mat in Maspalomas and invites the neighbours. She barely speaks English. No plan, no budget. People come back the next week — and the week after.
The story of WIP
A walk in the park.
WIP (A Walk in the Park) began in January 2016 — born from a simple yet powerful intention: to create space for healing, movement, and connection. It started humbly in Parque del Sur, Maspalomas, when founder Lilly Rikhter led her first free outdoor session. A few people on the grass, breathing and stretching under the sun. She barely spoke English, had no grand plan — but people felt something different. They came back. And week after week, WIP quietly grew into a community.
Supported from the beginning by The Canary News, the project kept expanding — even through the pandemic. During lockdown, Lilly offered free online classes from home, helping hundreds find peace, grounding, and vitality during difficult times. Her dedication earned her recognition for social impact and community service.
In 2017, WIP became an officially registered non-profit association with a clear mission: to make wellness accessible to everyone, combining movement, mindfulness, and education to promote physical and emotional health.
Over the years, WIP has welcomed over 11,000 participants, from locals to travelers, children to seniors — all united by one simple truth: we feel better when we move and breathe together.
And then, in 2025, a Center. In 2026, a festival of 1,008.
The walk continues.
