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Special Needs Kids Get Their Own Theme Park
To call Gordon Hartman a devoted dad would be an understatement. Once a successful real estate developer, the 46-year-old San Antonio man sold his business so that he could spend more time with his daughter, who suffers from severe cognitive delay.
While hanging with 16-year-old Morgan, Hartman came to realize that she needed something more than time with dad: She needed the chance to experience the joys of childhood that were often denied her because of her special needs.
Hartman decided to create a special place that Morgan and others like her could call their own. A place where kids of all abilities could be comfortable and safe while having the time of their lives. After chipping in $1 million of his own money and raising $29 million more, Hartman built Morgan’s Wonderland in San Antonio, the first large theme park for children with special needs.
From the swings and carousels to the water works and off-road adventure ride, every aspect of Morgan’s Wonderland was designed with inclusion in mind. The 25-acre park is securely fenced for safety and admission is limited to avoid large crowds that can be overwhelming to some children. For guests who are hearing or visually impaired, there’s braille signage, a 3-D park model and a rest area for service animals.
And as if all that isn’t amazing enough, admission to Morgan’s Wonderland is free for those with special needs and only $5 for friends and family.
The park, which doesn’t officially open until April 10, is already getting rave reviews. Debbie West,whose 11-year-old son Ashton has cerebral palsy and ditaxia, says she never thought her child would have the opportunity to experience what Morgan’s Wonderland has to offer.
“You see them struggle with so many different things, little things that no one could even imagine. You know seeing here without that limitation, it is just, it’s overwhelming, it is amazing, it is fun.
As for Hartman, he couldn’t be more pleased. In creating a safe and fun place for his daughter to play, he’s bringing joy to lives of so many others. And that, he says, is the best reward of all.
Image: morganswonderland.com
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2 Comments
Leila commented on Mar 11 10 at 1:30 pmThanks for posting this. I don’t live in Texas, but I’m spreading the word to a national Special Needs group I belong to.
blue commented on Mar 12 10 at 12:00 pmThat is the best thing I’ve heard all day. Blessings to Mr. Hartman and his daughter, as well as the rest of his family.
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