Morgan Hartman was born with both physical and cognitive disabilities, but they went undiagnosed for many years. But she had one thing going: a bright mind. Her father, Gordon Hartman, never wanted to see that mind slow down. But unfortunately, sometimes it did.
“On a family vacation in 2006, I saw Morgan not be able to participate in pool activities with three other children simply because she couldn’t speak,” Hartman told CBS News. “It broke my heart because I felt sad because all she wanted was to participate. She just wanted to play.”
Seeing his daughter being left out, Hartman began thinking about creating a space where no one would feel left out. His idea was a theme park that anyone could take part in.
Gorgon Hartman wanted to build a fully accessible theme park that everyone could enjoy. He opened Morgan’s Wonderland in San Antonio in 2010. CBS News
He has experience as a builder and with the help of other professionals, he transformed his dream into what is now Morgan’s Wonderland.
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Hartman said the San Antonio theme park isn’t just for people with disabilities, it’s for everyone, but he made sure all experiences and rides were “ultra-accessible.”
“The great thing about this place is that everyone has the opportunity to really enjoy playing together, and it doesn’t matter what their condition is anymore,” Hartman said.
Opened in 2010, the park is believed to be the only one of its kind in the world and has been expanded to include a sports centre and campground with an outdoor adventure park.
Kids on a field trip to the theme park were eager to meet Morgan and her dad. CBS News
All of the recreational areas named after her include Ferris wheels, zip lines, and even a water park, all of which are fully accessible.
For those who don’t want to get their power wheelchair wet, Hartman and his team have a solution: “We have wheelchair attendants,” Hartman says. “They’ll transfer you from your wheelchair to a wheelchair that’s custom-made for the size you need. If you’re in a battery-powered wheelchair, we’ll give you a Nomadic wheelchair that runs on compressed air. It will work in water.”
Hartman has seen firsthand how an inclusive theme park can change lives through the joy it brings to people. “I met a couple from Mexico City who had never had the opportunity to splash around in the water together because they have special needs. They heard about the theme park and came here. They cried with me and told me this was the best opportunity they’ve ever had,” Hartman said.
Morgan Hartman’s favorite attractions at theme parks are the trains and the swings. All are fully accessible. CBS News
Morgan’s favorite ride? The train that circles the theme park. He also loves the swings, which he took his dad on during a recent visit by CBS News. He also attracted attention from visitors on school field trips, who wanted to meet Morgan, the man behind “Wonderland.”
Morgan’s Wonderland welcomes visitors from dozens of countries and all 50 states, and offers free admission to individuals with disabilities.
“It’s the little things that make a big difference – having fun,” Hartman said. “I think for a long time, people just watched and said, ‘I want to be a part of it.’ Here at Morgan’s Wonderland and other Morgan’s locations, you don’t watch, you participate.”
In 2022, at nearly 29 years old, Morgan finally found answers to her lifelong questions when she was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called Tatton-Brown-Lahman Syndrome, and her happy spirit is still there, shared with the millions who visit the theme park she inspired.
About Caitlin O’Kane