Morgan's Wonderland
Non-profit theme park in Texas
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Morgan's Wonderland is an accessibility-focused theme park in San Antonio, Texas founded in 2010. The park was developed by Gordon Hartman, a former homebuilder from San Antonio. Morgan's Wonderland has had over a net million guests since its opening in 2010.[2] The park features several attractions including rides, playgrounds, gardens, a catch-and-release fishing lake, a special-event center, and 575-seat amphitheater. The park's focus on accessibility makes it free for disabled individuals to attend the park.
| |
 Entrance of Morgan's Wonderland | |
 Interactive map of Morgan's Wonderland | |
| Location | San Antonio, Texas, United States |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 29.539°N 98.392°W |
| Status | Operating |
| Opened | March 3, 2010 |
| Slogan | Where everyone can play! |
| Operating season | March - December |
| Area | 25 acres (0.10 km2)[1] |
| Website | morganswonderland |
History
In 2005, Hartman sold his homebuilding business to establish The Gordon Hartman Family Foundation so he and his wife, Maggie, could aid children and adults with special needs. During a family vacation, their disabled daughter Morgan wanted to play with kids tossing a ball in a hotel swimming pool, but when she approached them, they abruptly took their ball and vanished.[3] "I'll never forget the look of anguish and dismay on Morgan's face, so I decided there had to be a way to bridge the gap of misunderstanding about people with special needs. That incident was the tipping point for Morgan's Wonderland and ultimately Morgan's Inspiration Island," Hartman said.[4]
On March 3, 2010, Morgan's Wonderland opened,[5] with NBA legend David Robinson and actress Eva Longoria as special guests.
Starting in 2012, Toyota partnered with the park as a long-term sponsor.[6]
On June 17, 2017, Morgan's Wonderland unveiled a major addition: the Morgan's Inspiration Island splash park.
In 2020 the park closed after only 11 days into the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[7] The park reopened for the 2021 season at limited capacity.[8]
In 2022 the park hosted the Special Olympics Texas Summer Games.[9][10]
Events
The park holds a Snowball Run annually in December, which involves both 5K and 1K walking/running events.[11] The events are open to all ages and abilities.
Related complexes
Morgan's Inspiration Island
On June 17, 2017, Morgan's Wonderland unveiled the Morgan's Inspiration Island splash park.[12] The park features waterproof wheelchairs that guests can use.[13] Some parts of the park use warm water, to be accessible to visitors with certain muscular conditions.[13]
Morgan's Sports
In 2021 Morgan's Sports opened, which includes wheelchair-accessible baseball/softball and football fields, and basketball, pickleball, tennis, and volleyball courts.[14]
Morgan's Camp
In summer 2022 Morgan's Camp opened, an accessible camping program that can serve about 500 campers of any ability.[15] The San Antonio Food Bank uses the camp's kitchen year-round.[16]
Morgan's MAC
The Multi-Assistance Center (MAC), which provides medical services to disabled individuals, opened on October 2, 2022.[17] As of its opening, services provided included therapeutic care, dental care, and same day surgery.[17]
Awards and recognition
Morgan's Wonderland and Morgan's Inspiration Island have been acclaimed for their emphases on inclusion and accessible design.
| Year | Award |
|---|---|
| 2017 | World Waterpark Association – Leading Edge Award[18] |
| 2017 | Paralyzed Veterans of America – Barrier-Free America[19] |
| 2017 | Amusement Today – Park of the Year[20] |
| 2018 | TIME – World's Greatest Places[21] |
| 2018 | USA Today – Best New Attraction (Runner-up to Wonders of Wildlife)[22] |
