Morgan's Wonderland is located in San Antonio, Texas. It is the World's First Ultra Accessible Family Fun Park designed specifically for children and adults with special needs, their family members, caregivers, friends and the entire community. This 25-acre park is a unique oasis, that through the spirit of inclusion, allows people of all abilities to play, learn and share life changing experiences together, in a fun and safe environment.

Our History

The inspiration for Morgan’s Wonderland originated in 2006 when philanthropist Gordon Hartman observed a poignant occurrence involving his daughter Morgan, a child with special needs, and a group of other children.  All were on vacation splashing in a hotel swimming pool.  Morgan appeared as if she wanted to take part in the fun, and the others exhibited similar interest in interacting with Morgan.  Unfortunately, the connection never materialized.

Hartman thought then and there how wonderful it would be to create a special place for special friends.  It would be an environment for inclusion and understanding.  It would be an oasis for those needing a safe place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.  Hartman quickly learned that millions of children and adults with cognitive and physical challenges generally do not have access to facilities specifically established to assist them in enjoying outdoor activities.

Thus, Morgan’s Wonderland began with a desire to re-image the possibilities of what an inclusive park could be, if everyone were free to soar beyond their perceived limitations.  This colorful and ultra-accessible 25-acre park serves as a haven not only for those with special needs but also for their families, friends and the entire community.

To take Morgan’s Wonderland from dream to reality, the Gordon Hartman Family Foundation in 2007 created non-profit Sports Outdoor And Recreation (SOAR) to raise funds for the park and to provide for professional management.  Then came the decision to develop one-of-a-kind Morgan’s Wonderland on the former site of the Longhorn Quarry in Northeast San Antonio, and construction began in spring 2009.  To encourage inclusive recreation where individuals of all abilities can play side by side, the park became part of a 106-acre sports center that includes the South Texas Area Regional (STAR) Soccer Complex, featuring 13 fully lit, tournament-quality soccer fields.  Also located nearby is the North East Independent School District’s 11,000-seat Heroes Stadium as well as venues for baseball and track and field.

Funding for Morgan’s Wonderland began with an initial gift of $1 million from Gordon and Maggie Hartman in love and admiration for Morgan.  Financial commitments from the City of San Antonio, the State of Texas, charitable foundations, corporations and individuals made it possible for park construction to be completed.  Additional gifts and grants as well as proceeds from the STAR Soccer Complex will enable Morgan’s Wonderland to admit special-needs individuals free and others at a nominal charge.

Morgan’s Wonderland is the first park of its kind in the world specifically designed for the recreation and enjoyment of individuals with special needs.  SOAR envisions Morgan’s Wonderland serving as a model for additional ultra-accessible family fun parks across the nation.  In so doing, San Antonio will become known as a national leader in the promotion of family-oriented activity and fun for those of all ages with special needs.

SOAR, Morgan’s Wonderland and STAR offer deepest gratitude to all those now and in the future that care enough to make a difference and change lives, one special friend at a time.

Morgan’s Inspiration

Anyone who comes in contact with Morgan Hartman never forgets the meeting. She brings smiles, hugs and unconditional love to everyone she encounters. When you interact with Morgan, what you see and hear is truly from her heart. There are no filters or barriers to Morgan’s expressions and her genuine desire to be your true friend.

Morgan is very outgoing yet shy about certain things.  She recognizes her special needs and at times wishes she “were another kid,” but even so, she never forgets to be kind, thoughtful and witty . . . something we all wish we could achieve more often. She embraces life not truly understanding every detail of that which surrounds her, but has a keen eye and ear for the little details many of us take for granted or never pay attention to.

She is a typical teenager who enjoys her music, videos and her dog and cat. Morgan has had to deal with some physical challenges in her life, but she has overcome them beyond all expectations because of her positive attitude and perseverance.

While recuperating on a ventilator in ICU after an extremely complicated surgery, Morgan still made sure all around her were comforted whether through her unforgettable smile or an occasional thumbs up to let everyone know she was alright.

Morgan’s boundless love and ability to “soar” above her challenges were the true inspiration for this amazing park.  Morgan’s desire to make everyone around her happy is magnified and expanded by the worldwide appeal of this park. That happiness will spread to all those who have special needs, their families, caregivers and those loving friends who volunteer their time to help ensure the success of Morgan’s Wonderland. It is Morgan’s fervent hope that everyone with special needs— young and old, healthy or ailing, introspective or outgoing—will be touched in a very special way by this park.  An oasis of friendship . . . a shrine of inclusion . . . an unforgettable wonderland . . . Morgan’s Wonderland!

Mission Statement

To provide a safe, clean beautiful environment free of economic barriers for special needs individuals of all ages.

Vision

Our vision at Morgan’s Wonderland is to establish a special place where  smiles and  laughter make wonderful memories with family members caregivers and friends.  Where the common element of play creates an atmosphere of inclusion for those with and without disabilities so everyone can gain a greater understanding of one another.