Oakland's Fairyland Hosts Literacy Day for City's Head Start Children

“It’s the most exciting day of the year,” Fairyland executive director C.J. Hirschfield said. Fairyland hosted about 2,400 people Friday at a Head Start event to improve literacy among children five years old and under. Kids, their parents and caregivers enjoyed a free day at Fairyland’s 10-acre park with Oswald the Bubble Elf who always blows bubbles and Willie the Whale.

Hirschfield called the park a literacy-rich environment where the attractions are based on storybook characters such as Little Miss Muffet, Alice in Wonderland and Mary Had a Little Lamb. Hirschfield said it’s a place where children and parents can interact.

“It’s a place that encourages and invites interaction,” Hirschfield said. Hirschfield said it’s more than a kiddie theme park. Money to pay for the event came from The Rogers Family Foundation, Oakland Head Start/Early Head Start, BART and Raising A Reader. Fairyland donors also helped pay for the day’s activities.

Raising a Reader read popular children’s stories at 10:30 a.m. and at 11 a.m., 2 and 4 p.m. Fairyland officials brought The Magic Teakettle to life at the Storybook Puppet Theater. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. officials from 19 community organizations held a resource fair to connect parents with information to help their families grow.

“So today is like Fairyland on steroids,” Hirschfield said. “These kids are our future.”

Fairyland has been providing enjoyment to families for 65 years, and is America’s first storybook theme park, according to park officials. One official said the park’s founders had it built with “no straight lines and a surprise around every corner.” Oakland mom Donna Coleman said her daughter was just enjoying herself Friday and doesn’t want to leave.

“It’s educational,” Coleman said. “They’re learning a lot,” Head Start early childhood center director Fideloia Onyejekwe said. “They make believe.”

Fairyland is ideal for children three and four years old, but some parents bring their children even before they are walking, park officials said. Some parents bring their young children’s older siblings along too. Hirschfield said there are so few places for young kids. Not only is Fairyland a theme park, but also all 10 acres is a garden kept by a horticulturalist and gardener.

“I’m the lucky steward,” horticulturalist Jackie Salas said. Salas has been caring for the gardens throughout the park for three years. She described the park a whole lot of flowers and fun. The park has a large oak canopy, redwood trees, a population of camellias and lots of organic and drought tolerant plants. Salas said she hasn’t had to water half the park since November.

Jumpstart site manager Alexandra Aja who was sharing information with visitors at a resource table said, “It’s a really special day. The children absolutely love it.” Jumpstart is an early education organization that helps prepare children for kindergarten. Aja gave out story booklets in English and Spanish and said, “at this age they [kids] are learning through play.”

“There are a million teachable moments here,” Hirschfield said.

By Bay City News

Photo screenshot of Children’s Fairyland Facebook page.