[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 123 (Tuesday, September 14, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1583]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING CHILDREN'S FAIRYLAND 60TH ANNIVERSARY

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                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 14, 2010

  Ms. LEE of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 60th 
Anniversary of Children's Fairyland, the quintessential storybook park 
on the shores of Oakland's Lake Merritt. Since its debut in 1950, 
Fairyland has been an affordable and charming haven for children to 
play, dream and explore the reaches of their imaginations.
  It was the vision of local businessman Arthur Navlet in 1948 that led 
to the civic-minded Lake Merritt Breakfast Club's endorsement of an 
innovative children's park consisting of fairytale and storybook sets, 
farm animals and live entertainment for families. With the support of 
Oakland's Parks Superintendent William Penn Mott, Jr., the Breakfast 
Club's record-breaking fundraising efforts, and the creative design of 
architect William Russell Everitt, Fairyland opened its gates on 
September 2, 1950.
  Word of the whimsical attraction soon spread, due in large part to 
the efforts of City of Oakland Parks and Recreation information 
representative Burton Weber, who helped to create publicity through the 
famed ``Fairyland Personalities'' program for eight- to 10-year-old 
community representatives. Since then, Fairyland has enchanted 
countless children and families throughout the nation, and its success 
has relied on the commitment and ingenuity of generations of 
volunteers, community leaders, patrons and staff.
  One of Children's Fairyland's famed visitors was the then unknown, 
Walt Disney. In fact, it is believed that the park inspired some of the 
ideas for his world-famous Disneyland Magic Kingdom, which opened in 
southern California in 1955.
  In the early 1990s, after falling into some disrepair, Fairyland 
enjoyed a renaissance when its long-time patrons and supporters in the 
Lake Merritt Breakfast Club proposed that it become a nonprofit 
organization. Now, as a 501(c)(3) organization, Children's Fairyland 
can apply for grant funding to support its upkeep and growth. Part of 
Fairyland's universal appeal is its simple ability to entertain all 
types of families, especially the underserved. Through a grant from 
Alameda County's Every Child Counts, Fairyland currently waives the 
cost of admission for approximately 4,000 low-income children each 
year.
  In a rapidly changing 21st century, Fairyland is a local treasure--a 
place where both children and adults can find the time and space to 
enjoy the simple pleasures of childhood. While it hearkens back to 
times of pastoral bliss and fanciful characters, it also provides a 
sense of timelessness and calm in the midst of an urban city. 
Fairyland's long list of accolades includes being named ``Best of the 
Bay'' from the San Francisco Chronicle, ``Best Amusement Park'' and 
``Best Children's Theater'' from Bay Area Parent, and ``Best Birthday 
Party'' from Diablo Magazine.
  On behalf of California's 9th Congressional District, I want to 
extend my congratulations on this important milestone. I want to thank 
all of the many people who have contributed to the continued success of 
Children's Fairyland. I wish you the very best.

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