Morgan's Wonderland, a new 25-acre, fully accessible park in northeast San Antonio, Texas, opened to the public in april 2010, and to rave reviews.Morgan's was built by philanthropist Gordon Hartman, father of a special needs daughter, who is dedicated to helping people with special needs enjoy themselves.
Morgan's Wonderland, a new 25-acre, fully accessible park in northeast San Antonio, Texas, opened to the public in april 2010, and to rave reviews.
Morgan's was built by philanthropist Gordon Hartman, father of a special needs daughter, who is dedicated to helping people with special needs enjoy themselves. According to the New York Times, his foundation spent more than $32 million converting what had been the former Longhorn Quarry into this remarkable playscape.
Visitors enter through the Welcome Center, where assigned wristbands using RFID technology to keep groups together and prevent kids from getting lost. Regardless of the weather, your family can enjoy the Event Center & Gymnasium, where kids and adults can play both traditional and wheelchair basketball, volleyball and indoor tennis.
Play for all Ages & Abilities
Swings, train rides, and play areas are fully accessible to those in wheelchairs, and play objects are designed to engage visitors with a variety of physical or developmental challenges.
The Sensory Village is an unusual streetscape in which movement, sounds and videos enable visitors to be part of the action. There are interactive videos, mechanical horses to ride, a TV station where guests can broadcast the weather, and other ways to stimulate the senses through the use of colors, lights, sounds and textures.
Similarly, the play environments make it possible for the mobility impaired or those with other handicaps to participate fully. Their mini-train welcomes wheelchairs; the Off-Road Adventure track has special "ultra-accessible vehicles" that are easy to board; and the playground has ramps for wheelchair-users to explore play areas side by side.
According to their website, "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."
There's more than enough fun here to keep any family busy all day. The 36-foot-in-diameter carousel features "adaptive animals" that can accommodate handicapped guests as well as any child, and the fishing pier, water squirting play area and Pirate Island-themed zone are fun for any visitor who is young at heart. The city of San Antonio is supporting the venture and has established a new bus route through Via Transit that can drop visitors off at Morgans Wonderland. Reservations are requested by phone or online.
Volunteer your Time
In addition to the nominal admission fees: free to those with special needs, $5 for their caregivers, $15 for general visitors, free for ages 3 and under; this playland needs volunteer support. Families may visit the website to fill out an online volunteer form; volunteers must be at least 16 years of age, must complete the on-line application, and must have a background check. Morgan’s Wonderland depends on the generosity of local volunteers to allow individuals with special needs to visit the park free of charge, but also welcomes travelers who want to spend time helping out during their visit to San Antonio.
For more information or to reserve your play date:
Morgan's Wonderland
5223 David Edwards Dr (opposite Heroes Stadium)
San Antonio, TX 78233
210/495-5888
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