The guiding principle for Morgan’s Wonderland is inclusion. “Morgan’s Wonderland is a special place where anyone can have fun,” says Gordon Hartman, CEO of The Foundation, “but it was created with special-needs individuals in mind. Morgan’s Wonderland is just like any other theme park 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 hope Morgan’s Wonderland will begin to change that.”
In 2005, Hartman sold his successful homebuilding business to establish The Foundation so he and his wife, Maggie, could pursue their dream of helping children and adults with special needs. Their devotion to this cause is inspired by their 20-year-old daughter, Morgan. Her soaring spirit despite physical and cognitive challenges sparked within the Hartmans a deep desire to create Morgan’s Wonderland, a haven not only for those with special needs but also for their families, caregivers, friends, and the general public.
Nonprofit Morgan’s Wonderland is the very first theme park of its kind. Now in its fifth season, the park has welcomed more than 500,000 guests from all 50 states and 49 other countries.
Admission for those with special needs is free; admission fees for accompanying family members, friends, caregivers and the general public are nominal.
Morgan’s Wonderland is the anchor of Wonderland, Texas, a new family destination that exists for fun as well as helping the special-needs community. Other attractions are the STAR (South Texas Area Regional Soccer) Complex, the San Antonio Scorpions FC pro soccer team, Toyota Field multi-purpose stadium, and Monarch Academy, a school at Morgan's Wonderland for students with special needs.
A Summer WOnderland
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