Father Sold His Business To Create $51 Million Theme Park For His Disabled Daughter

A father from Texas found himself in a bind when he couldn't locate a theme park that was accessible for his disabled daughter, prompting him to take a dramatic step: he decided to build one himself.

Back in 2006, Gordon Hartman was on vacation with his daughter, Morgan, who has both physical and cognitive disabilities.

During their time at the hotel pool, he noticed that other children were avoiding Morgan because she couldn't speak.

The sight of his daughter's confused and upset expression pushed Hartman to look for a place that would welcome her without reservations.

Gordon Harman built the theme park for his daughter, Morgan. BBC

Unfortunately, Hartman couldn't find a suitable location that met his needs.

Driven by a strong desire to create an inclusive environment, he sold his homebuilding business with a new goal in mind.

He envisioned a theme park where 'everyone could do everything, where people with and without special needs could play' together.

In 2007, Hartman, who was a former property developer, began consulting with doctors, therapists, and families to gather advice.

This consultation was in preparation for building the park on a 25-acre site in San Antonio, Texas. By 2010, Morgan's Wonderland was ready to open its doors.

This inclusive theme park featured several accessible attractions including a Ferris wheel, an adventure playground, a miniature train, and a carousel designed especially for wheelchair users.

Interestingly, Morgan was not immediately taken with the carousel. It actually took her three years to gather the courage to ride it.

The park is full of accessible attractions. BBC

Her father shared with the BBC: "When we opened she was too scared to go on it. She didn't understand why it was going around and the animals were going up and down.

"First she would stand near it, then she'd get on an animal but we wouldn't start it. It was a slow process but now she loves going on it. Overcoming something she was scared of meant a lot to her. Little things achieved in play can make a big difference."

In 2017, Hartman set out to expand his vision by launching the world's first 'ultra-accessible' splash park, Morgan's Inspiration Island.

This new addition, which cost an additional $17 million, included 25 attractions and five interactive splash pads.

Talking about the waterpark and its sister site, he told Southern Living: "This unique park is a special place where anyone can have fun but they were created with individuals with special needs in mind. 

"Morgan's Wonderland and Morgan's Inspiration Island are just like other theme parks except for the added benefit of a culture and environment that assures 100 percent enjoyment by everyone who enters through our Welcome Center."

Brent Fields, CEO of the umbrella organization that oversees Morgan's parks, noted that around four million people from every state in the US and over 120 countries have visited the park.

"[It's] helped us spark that spirit of inclusion," he mentioned to Texas Public Radio.