A successful businessman gave it all up to build a magical theme park for his daughter and other children with special needs.
Gordon Hartman ran a real estate business, but decided to sell up after he noticed how his daughter Morgan struggled to interact with other children while on holiday.
Morgan was born with a cognitive delay. People with the condition can struggle to learn things as quicky as neurotypical people, or need more time to process information.
The Beginning: A Father’s Determination
Mr Hartman, was a San Antonio-based real estate developer. He first became inspired to create a place for children with special needs after a family vacation in 2005.
During the trip, he noticed how Morgan struggled to interact with other children at a hotel pool. He saw how the other children were unsure of how to engage with her. This experience profoundly impacted him.
He realized there were very few places where children with disabilities could play and interact freely with others.
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The Vision: A Park for Everyone
It was at this point he decided on his mission to provide a safe and inclusive space for Morgan and others like her.
In 2006, he sold his business to focus on his vision.
It is not known how much the business was sold for. However, he used the money to set up the Gordon Hartman Family Foundation, which aimed to support people with disabilities.
Building Morgan’s Wonderland
The culmination of his efforts was Morgan’s Wonderland, a 25-acre, non-profit theme park in San Antonio, Texas.
The park opened its doors in 2010 and quickly became a groundbreaking achievement. What sets Morgan’s Wonderland apart is its universal design, meaning that all rides and attractions are fully accessible to people of all abilities.
The park includes wheelchair-accessible rides, sensory-friendly spaces, and numerous attractions designed to be inclusive and enjoyable for everyone.
The park’s slogan, “Where everyone can play!” encapsulates its inclusive ethos.
Expansion and Impact
The park was an overwhelming success. In 2017, Mr Hartman was able to expand the park to add Morgan’s Inspiration Island, a fully accessible water park. The park operates as a non-profit, with entry free for people with special needs, ensuring financial barriers do not prevent anyone from enjoying the experience.
Legacy
Gordon Hartman’s story is one of love, determination, and social impact. His decision to sell his business and create a place where all children, regardless of their abilities, can play together has had a lasting impact on countless families. Morgan’s Wonderland continues to inspire similar initiatives around the world, highlighting the importance of accessibility and inclusion in all areas of life.
