When Gordon Hartman noticed his daughter struggling to enjoy a theme park, he knew something had to change. Driven by love, he created Morgan’s Wonderland, a unique theme park in San Antonio, Texas, designed to welcome everyone, especially those with disabilities. This amazing place features rides that everyone can enjoy, fun sensory-friendly activities, and pathways that are easy to navigate with wheelchairs. The goal is simple yet powerful: everyone, no matter their abilities, should feel the joy and freedom of a day at the theme park.
For families caring for loved ones with disabilities, Morgan’s Wonderland has become a symbol of hope. It is a magical place where children and adults can enjoy the thrill of the carousel or find tranquility in the sensory play areas—free from barriers that typically hold them back. Unlike most parks, every attraction here is thoughtfully designed for accessibility, from the layout of the paths to the rides themselves. It’s a shining example that shows how inclusive and safe recreational spaces can be.
This vision could create a new wave of change. Just imagine a world where every public space is built with everyone in mind. What would it take for more communities to adopt these wonderful principles?
Sources
CBS News. (2023, May 24). Texas dad creates fully accessible theme park inspired by daughter [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75lyq0ENd4w
CBS News. (2023, May 23). He didn’t want his daughter, who has cognitive and physical disabilities, to feel left out. So, he built a fully accessible theme park. CBS News. Retrieved November 4, 2024, from https://www.cbsnews.com/news/morgans-wonderland-accessible-theme-park-gordon-hartman-san-antonio/
Hartman, G., & Morgan. (2024). [Gordon Hartman and daughter Morgan] [Photograph]. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=866193772209797&set=pb.100064575468455.-2207520000&type=3