While on a family vacation, Gordon Hartman was devastated to see his
12-year-old daughter struggling to make friends at the pool. His autistic
daughter Morgan was born with cognitive and physical disabilities. He began
looking for a welcoming public space that would be enjoyable for everyone.
When he couldn't find one, he made the decision to construct one himself. He
created Morgan's Wonderland, a very accessible amusement park in San
Antonio, Texas, in this manner. It's a location where everyone may
congregate for enjoyment and a deeper understanding of one another,
including those with and without impairments.
No matter how severe their special needs may be, it is a park for all of
the individuals, not just 90 or 80 percent of them, according to Hartman,
who spoke to PEOPLE. That is what I dreamed, she said. Additionally,
according to Hartman, admission is unrestrictedly free for anybody with a
handicap.
Hartman aimed to establish an environment devoid of prejudice against kids.
It's about making sure that no one feels different. We attempted to do that
with this park, he remarked. The park debuted in 2010 and became the first
theme park in the world created with the delight of all guests in mind. The
more than 25 components of the wheelchair-accessible park include rides,
playgrounds, and other vibrant attractions. At the age of 15, Hartman began
working as a landscaper before going on to become a successful home builder.
At the age of 19, he created his own homebuilding firm, and at the age of
23, he founded a property development company. His business was San
Antonio's biggest locally owned homebuilding and land development
corporation.
In order for Hartman and his wife, Maggie, to support children and people
with disabilities, they sold their businesses in 2005 and founded the Gordon
Hartman Family Foundation. This decision was motivated by Hartman's love for
Morgan. He constructed the theme park in a way that integrates and breaks
down the barriers between individuals with and without impairments.
Accessibility, in his opinion, is the key to both acceptance and comradery
among kids. To develop the $35 million park, he worked with architects,
engineers, medical professionals, and therapists. A completely accessible
railway, a playground, and a Ferris wheel are just a few of the many
attractions. Additionally, the park offers unique wristbands that can trace
guests' whereabouts, which is helpful for those with autism.
One-third of the personnel at the park are individuals with special needs,
demonstrating the park's inclusive recruiting practices. Morgan's
Inspiration Island, a $17 million completely accessible water park that he
also founded, offers free waterproof wheelchairs, free waterproof bags for
ventilators, and free O2 water-collar coverings for those who need to
protect tracheas. In 2018, Time Magazine included Morgan's Inspiration
Island on their list of the World's Greatest Places.
Many sobbing parents have thanked Hartman for establishing a setting that
is accessible for those with impairments. He remembered the moment when a
tearful father had grabbed his hand and started sobbing. He stated he had
never seen his child play and pointed to his older son who was splashing
around in the water. Another couple commended them for letting their kid
play in the park instead of just watching. He was assured by several
individuals that this would be the chance for his daughter to finally have a
location where she wouldn't have to watch from the sidelines and could
actively participate in everything. He is motivated by the positive
reactions of his customers. "Exactly, that's what this place is all
about."
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