Program Highlight:  Morgan's Wonderland

San Antonio Opens Amusement Park for Children with Special-Needs

On March 3, San Antonio opened an amusement park with a unique mission: to create a play space for individuals with special needs. Billed as the world's first ultra-accessible family fun park, Morgan's Wonderland covers 25 acres and sits on the former site of the Longhorn Quarry, northeast of downtown. The project's inspiration came from Morgan, the special-needs teenage daughter of founder-philanthropist Gordon Hartman, who watched her struggle at birthday parties, playgrounds and pools.

"The special-needs children come first," Hartman said about the $32 million, three-year construction. "They have an opportunity to do things they've never done before, like ride in a swing or a carousel or sit with their family in a train."

While researching his idea, Hartman sought out sample rides suitable for physically challenged individuals but came up empty, so he prototyped his own. For example, he created an off-road adventure ride that allows children to cruise around a rock-strewn track. The Jeep-like vehicles can accommodate wheelchairs and feature such innovations as sensors that protect passengers with neck problems. Other attractions include swings (three equipped for wheelchairs), a sand circle with four wide paths, a pirate-themed island, a sensory village, a fishing wharf and the Garden Sanctuary, a calming space with art and piped-in music.

" San Antonio now has another venue that complements what's already here, SeaWorld and Six Flags Fiesta Texas," Hartman said.

The park is free to all special-needs guests; other visitors pay $5. Reservations are required and can be made at 210-637-3434 or http://www.morganswonderland.com. The activities-filled grand opening will be held April 10.

-From “ Coming & Going: San Antonio opens amusement park for special-needs children” Sunday, February 28, 2010 Making fun accessible, The Washington Post, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/25/AR2010022505198.html, cited in/linked from News from Margolis & Bloom, LLP - March 22, 2010, Margolis & Bloom, LLP.

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