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THE POTENT POWER OF INCLUSION SPECIAL-NEEDS
As an example, Hartman points to special swings CHILDREN

in which guests in wheelchairs can experience the Top: The Children’s Rehabilitation Institute of TeletónUSA partner-
thrill of a taken-for-granted playground pleasure, ship with Morgan’s Wonderland enables young patients with physical
many of them for the first time. disabilities to do some of their physical therapy sessions in the park. Photo
by Brenda Pena. Bottom: Morgan’s Wonderland guests in wheelchairs can
The Morgan’s Wonderland guiding principle is experience the thrill of a taken-for-granted pleasure thanks to special
the potent power of inclusion. “Morgan’s Wonder- swings. Photo by Robin Jerstad
land is a special place where anyone can have fun,”
Hartman said, “but it was created with special- Continued on page 16
needs individuals in mind. It’s just like any other visit us at www.bcms.org 15
theme park except for the added benefit of a culture
and environment that assures 100 percent enjoy-
ment by everyone who enters through our Wel-
come Center. Unfortunately, countless children and
adults with special needs don’t have access to facil-
ities that can help them fully enjoy outdoor recre-
ation. We truly believe Morgan’s Wonderland is
changing that.”

In 2005, Hartman sold a successful homebuild-
ing business to establish his philanthropic family
foundation and pursue a dream of helping special-
needs children and adults. The Hartmans’ devotion
to this cause is inspired by their 21-year-old daugh-
ter with special needs, Morgan. Her soaring spirit
despite multiple challenges sparked within them a
deep desire to create Morgan’s Wonderland, a haven
not only for special-needs individuals but also for
their families, caregivers, friends and the general
public. Anyone with a physical or cognitive special
need is admitted free of charge.

VacationHomeRentals.com, an affiliate of Trip
Advisor, recently named Morgan’s Wonderland the
“best family attraction” in Texas. The 25-acre park
has become the anchor of Wonderland, Texas, a
family destination in the former Longhorn Quarry
that exists for fun as well as helping the special-
needs community. Other attractions are the South
Texas Area Regional (STAR) soccer complex, with
13 first-class lighted fields for league and tourna-
ment play; the San Antonio Scorpions pro soccer
team, 2014 North American Soccer League cham-
pions; Toyota Field, the multi-purpose stadium
home of the Scorpions; and Monarch Academy at
Morgan’s Wonderland, a school for students with
special needs ages 12 through 24.