KQED's Forum 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.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
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.
Parent Shares First-Visit Joy
- Christopher from Brooklyn brought his two-year-old to Fairyland and watched him discover the card maze, echoing his own childhood memories.
- The caller enjoyed rescuing his son when he got briefly lost in the maze.
Fairyland As A Meeting Place
- Misha met his wife while both worked at Fairyland and later hosted a night wedding celebration there with lights and music.
- He praises the park's creativity and how working there felt like a dream for performers.
