Page 14 - Layout 1

SPECIAL-NEEDS ‘Taking Flight,’ a massive bronze sculp-
CHILDREN ture, greets Morgan’s Wonderland guests.
Butterfly theming throughout the 25-acre
park reminds special-needs guests they can
‘spread their wings’ and build confidence
doing fun things thought not personally
possible. Photo by Robin Jerstad

The healing power of

Morgan’s Wonderland

Special to San Antonio Medicine

In its five busy years of existence, Morgan’s Wonderland not only has become known as a fun place but also as a place of rehabilitation
and healing.

The fully-accessible theme park in Northeast San Antonio – the only one of its kind in the world – opened in spring 2010, and
since then, it has welcomed more than 500,000 guests from all 50 states and 54 other countries. The park’s 25 attractions, including
rides, playscapes, gardens and other facilities, enable those with cognitive or physical challenges to do the same things as individuals
without disabilities and boost their confidence in a safe, colorful, affordable atmosphere of enjoyment.

“I couldn’t begin to give you a number as to how many lives Morgan’s Wonderland has touched,” said Gordon Hartman, CEO of
the Gordon Hartman Family Foundation, who, along with wife Maggie, spearheaded creation of the unique park. “But I believe it’s
a big number. Special-needs guests immerse themselves in having fun with family and friends, and they surprise and amaze themselves
in doing things they thought were not personally possible.”

14 San Antonio Medicine • August 2015