Goodbye, and hello

by C.J. Hirschfield

As I prepare to leave Fairyland after 17 years at the helm, I’ve been reminiscing about the many wonderful people I’ve worked with, and the (literally) millions of family members who’ve entered our fairy gates over that period of time.

I arrived soon after September 11, and there was a real fear that folks would stay away from our very public space. On the contrary, Fairyland became the safe and sweet place where families wanted to be — the most noncynical place on the planet, as I describe it. Since we opened in 1950, we’ve been all about whimsy, imagination, and community — and this, along with our eight acres of gardens, makes us a particularly therapeutic environment that promotes healing.

With our community’s strong support (including many Piedmonters), we’ve been able to accomplish so much over the years, particularly for our most underserved kids. For so many who have experienced trauma, Fairyland represents a safe place where they’re free to explore, imagine, play — and just be a kid.

Over my tenure, much research was published that showed that playing is learning, and that imagination-driven play can have a decidedly positive impact on a child’s ability to succeed in school — and in life. Recent research has also shown that limiting very young children’s access to screen time is a good thing, as is controlling their exposure to commercials.

A llama smooches C.J. at the Puppet Kissing Booth.

Back in 1950, our founders couldn’t know that Fairyland would actually increase in relevance over time. The non-commercial, no-tech, high touch experience we provide is appreciated by parents today more than ever. The founders might be shocked by the number of people who sport Fairyland Magic Key tattoos, and by the casual dress now worn at the park (early park photos show women in gloves and dresses; men in hats), but they’d definitely recognize the joy kids still take in chasing bubbles, petting a pony’s nose, riding the Jolly Trolly, or blowing out birthday candles at a party.

But make no mistake, we have changed with the times. The park now is much more reflective of the diverse community we serve: our children’s theatre performances, puppet shows, reading room books, and special events are all now evaluated through the framework of equity. Our website now includes information helpful to guests with disabilities. Social media has allowed us to reach a dramatically wider audience. And where no community outreach existed before, we now offer an annual Oakland Head Start Day, a transitional kindergarten day, STEM Day, horticultural therapy for autistic kids, science programs in the schools, an animal caretaker program for foster kids who’ve experienced trauma, as well as free or reduced admission and transportation to over 16,000 underserved kids and family members each year.

We employ over 30 workers at better-than-living wage (up to 90, including seasonal workers in the summer), have more than doubled our attendance, and have brought the park back to a sparkling state, with luscious gardens and new attractions.

Of course, my leaving is bittersweet. But I could not be more excited about Kymberly Miller, Fairyland’s new executive director. She is a seasoned leader in both for- and non-profit fields, having specialized in youth development during her 13-year tenure with the Girl Scouts. I can’t imagine a better person to guide Children’s Fairyland into its 70th year as our community’s most cherished jewel.

And you haven’t heard the last of me. As a former film major, I love nothing more than to see documentary films, which have flourished in recent years. I’ll be writing reviews for the Piedmont Post, as well as occasional articles focusing on the multi-faceted, frustrating but fascinating city that completely surrounds Piedmont — our Oakland.

_


C.J. Hirschfield has served for 17 years as executive director of Children’s Fairyland, where she has been charged with the overall operation of the nation’s oldest storybook theme park.