Texas Dad Built The World’s First Fully Accessible Theme Park For His Daughter

In San Antonio, Texas, a one-of-a-kind theme park stands as a testament to a father’s love for his daughter. 

Opened in 2010, Morgan’s Wonderland is the world’s first and only fully accessible theme park built for those with special needs in mind. With 25 wheelchair-accessible attractions across 25 acres, the park has welcomed more than 2.3 million guests from all 50 states and 121 other countries. 

The mission of Morgan’s Wonderland is inclusion for all those with disabilities and special needs, but it started with just one person. 

Founder Gordon Hartman was inspired to build the park by his daughter Morgan, who was born with physical and cognitive disabilities. He said the “tipping point” for the construction occurred in 2006 when the family was on vacation. 

"I watched Morgan not be able to participate in a pool activity with three other children, and it was simply because she was not able to be verbal," Hartman told CBS News last year. "It almost puts a lump in your throat because it gives you a sad feeling… all Morgan wanted was to participate. She just wanted to play."

Hartman said that seeing Morgan's “anguished look of misunderstanding” convinced him of the need for more places where people with and without special needs can come together and interact in safe, non-judgmental, barrier-free environments.

So, the developer turned philanthropist decided to build one.

“This unique park is a special place where anyone can have fun,” Gordon said in a statement, “but they were created with individuals with special needs in mind. Morgan’s Wonderland and Morgan’s Inspiration Island are just like other theme parks except for the added benefit of a culture and environment that assures 100 percent enjoyment by everyone who enters through our Welcome Center. Unfortunately, countless children and adults with special needs do not have access to facilities that can help them fully enjoy outdoor recreation. We truly believe we’re changing that.”

Today, adapted rides at Morgan’s Wonderland and Morgan’s Inspiration Island include a half-mile train ride, ferris wheel, carousel, fishing dock, 4D theater, pirate cruise, and even a zipline—all fully accessible. The park also boasts an “Ultra-Accessible” splash park and sports complex.

"It's the small things that make the big difference: Having fun," Hartman told CBS News. "And for too long, I think, individuals had to watch and say, 'I wish I could.' Here at Morgan's Wonderland and all the different Morgan's venues, you don't watch. You participate."

Admission to Morgan’s Wonderland is free for those with special needs. For tickets and more information visit morganswonderland.org.