World’s First Ability Inclusive Water Park Opens in Texas

This is so special to my heart. When my special needs sister was still with us, I would have never guessed a splash pad swim park would be built for individuals with special needs. I am beyond happy this not only exists, but that my home state Texas is leading the world in inclusivity!

Morgan's Inspiration Island opened this past weekend and is truly catered to special needs and wheelchair bound individuals, but also built for everyone. I truly believe that inclusiveness for everyone is best for everyone, regardless of ability.

Morgan's Inspiration Island is just part of a larger park. Morgan's Wonderland was built in 2010 to include all kids and adults. In fact, folks with special needs get in free. I love the origin story so much, that I'm not crying, YOU'RE CRYING! :

Native San Antonian Gordon V. Hartman is a philanthropist and former businessman who at the age of 15 started his own landscaping business while attending a local seminary.  By age 19, he had saved enough to begin his homebuilding business, and by age 23, he had started a land development company.  Founded in 1983, Gordon Hartman Homes built housing for low- to moderate-income families.  Over the next 22 years, Gordon grew his company into the largest locally owned homebuilding and land development enterprise in San Antonio.

In 2005, Gordon sold his companies and established The Gordon Hartman Family Foundation so he and wife Maggie could pursue their dream of helping children and adults with special needs.  In 2007, he recognized the tremendous need for fully accessible outdoor recreational facilities, so he made another dream come true – the April 2010 grand opening of Morgan’s Wonderland.  Two years later, global automotive giant Toyota, a leader in mobility solutions for drivers with disabilities, opted to become the presenting sponsor of Morgan’s Wonderland under a long-term philanthropic agreement with Gordon.

Morgan’s Wonderland has welcomed more than 1 million guests from all 50 states and 65 countries through park participation and special events. Gordon’s realization that families with special-needs members have great demands on both their financial and emotional resources led to his commitment to admit anyone with a special need free of charge.

For more information, you can head over to their Facebook or their website. They strongly encourage getting tickets online prior to driving out to the park to make sure they can get you in. What an incredible place!