While on a family vacation, Gordon Hartman was devastated to see his 12-year-old daughter struggling to make friends at the pool.

His autistic daughter Morgan was born with cognitive and physical disabilities. He began looking for a welcoming public space that would be enjoyable for everyone.

When he couldn’t find one, he made the decision to construct one himself. He began Morgan’s Wonderland, a highly accessible amusement park in San Antonio, Texas, in this manner.

It’s a location where everyone can congregate for enjoyment and a deeper understanding of one another, including those with and without impairments.

No matter how severe their special needs may be, it is a park for all of the individuals, not just 90 or 80 percent of them,

according to Hartman, who spoke to individuals. That is what I dreamed, she said. Additionally, according to Hartman, admission is unrestrictedly free for anyone with a disability.

Hartman aimed to create an environment devoid of prejudice against kids. It’s about making sure that no one feels different.

We attempted to accomplish that with this park, he remarked. The park debuted in 2010 and became the first theme park in the world created with the delight of all guests in mind.

The more than 25 components of the wheelchair-accessible park include rides, playgrounds, and other vibrant attractions.

At the age of 15, Hartman began working as a landscaper before becoming a successful homebuilder.

At the age of 19, he created his own homebuilding company, and at the age of 23, he founded a land development company.

His business was San Antonio’s biggest locally owned homebuilding and land development corporation.

In order for Hartman and his wife, Maggie, to support children and people with disabilities, they sold their businesses in 2005 and founded the Gordon Hartman Family Foundation.

This decision was motivated by Hartman’s love for Morgan. He constructed the theme park in a way that integrates and breaks down the barriers between individuals with and without impairments.

Accessibility, in his opinion, is the key to both acceptance and comradery among kids. To develop the $35 million park, he worked with architects,

engineers, medical professionals, and therapists. A completely accessible railway, a playground, and a Ferris wheel are just a few of the many attractions.

Additionally, the park offers unique wristbands that can trace visitors’ whereabouts, which is helpful for those with autism.

One-third of the personnel at the park are individuals with special needs, demonstrating the park’s inclusive recruiting practices.

Morgan’s Inspiration Island, a $17 million completely accessible water park that he also founded, offers free waterproof wheelchairs,

free waterproof bags for ventilators, and free O2 water-collar covers for those who need to cover tracheas.

In 2018, Time Magazine included Morgan’s Inspiration Island on their list of the World’s Greatest Places.

Many sobbing parents have thanked Hartman for creating a setting that is accessible for those with disabilities.

He remembered the moment when a tearful father had grabbed his hand and started sobbing. He said he had never seen his child play and pointed to his older

son who was splashing around in the water. Another couple commended them for letting their kid play in the park instead of just watching.

‘So many people told us that this would be an opportunity for our daughter to finally have a place where

she wouldn’t have to sit on the sidelines, she could actually do everything,’ they said. He is motivated

by the positive reactions of his customers. ‘Exactly, that’s what this place is all about.’