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Oakland's Fairyland Turns 75, But Remains Ageless

Aug 29, 2025
Kymberly Miller, CEO of Children's Fairyland, champions the park's mission to tell relevant stories and foster belonging. Randal Metz, a veteran director of the Storybook Puppet Theater, shares insights from his 56 years at Fairyland. They explore the park's whimsical journey from its 1950 opening to its enduring legacy, intertwined with personal anecdotes and listener memories. Key topics include Fairyland's influence on Disneyland, its commitment to cultural diversity, and the nostalgic magic it brings to generations of families.
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INSIGHT

Designed For Child-Sized Wonder

  • Children's Fairyland is built at child scale with 40+ exhibits, storybook boxes, and bilingual storytelling to spark imagination.
  • Kimberly Miller emphasizes horticulture, surprise paths, and non-linear design as core magic elements.
ANECDOTE

A Puppeteer’s Origin Story

  • Randal Metz started visiting Fairyland at age 10 and decided to become a puppeteer after seeing Treasure Island there.
  • He later won the role of the Mad Hatter and worked as a child entertainer while learning puppetry.
ADVICE

Evolve Stories To Reflect Community

  • Update park stories and representation to reflect Oakland's 138 languages and diverse cultures.
  • Co-create programs with community members to ensure authenticity and belonging.
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