Oakland’s Children’s Fairyland will receive $5 million from the state budget for operations and long-needed repairs at the nearly 80-year-old park, officials said Oct. 5. The funding completes the first phase of Fairyland’s long-term capital plan. Of the total, $2 million will help pay for operations, while $3 million is set aside for restoration and infrastructure work, including replacing pipes that are about 100 years old. Kymberly Miller, the park’s CEO, called the investment a starting point for broader improvements. She said future work could include maintaining the park’s storybook sets and adding buildings for indoor programming during winter. Fairyland, a longtime destination for Bay Area families, celebrated its 75th anniversary in Oakland in 2025. The park helped pioneer children’s entertainment built around immersive storybook settings, but has faced major challenges, including the pandemic. Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee said the funding would help preserve a place where families can play and make memories. Assemblymember Mia Bonta said in a statement that she was proud to secure funding to support the city’s artistic and cultural legacy. Miller said the state and local leaders’ support showed confidence in the park’s future and urged community members to get involved through volunteering or other contributions.