Not wanting his differently-abled daughter to feel left out, this US man built a theme park for her

Even in this day and age, people with disabilities find it difficult to access public spaces, transportation, buildings, and more. Accessibility remains a major challenge for the differently-abled, which intentionally or unintentionally sidelines them.

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Father moved by disabled daughter's pligt

This is an issue Gordon Hartman from San Antonio, Texas, saw firsthand when his disabled daughter, Morgan, was discriminated against by other children due to her physical disability.

Also read: 18 Brilliant Inventions That Make Life Easier For People With Disabilities

Hartman, a former homebuilder, was on a family vacation in 2005 when his daughter wanted to play with kids tossing a ball in a hotel swimming pool. However, when she approached them, they abruptly took their ball and left. The look of disappointment and dejection on Morgan's face made Hartman think about what he could do for her and people like her.

Morgan's Wonderland

Sold business to start accessibility-focused theme park

This was how the idea of the world's first accessibility-focused theme park was born. After selling his homebuilding business, Hartman founded Morgan's Wonderland in San Antonio, Texas, in 2010.

According to its website, Morgan's Wonderland is a fully inclusive theme park designed with individuals with special needs in mind and built to be enjoyed by everyone.

Morgan's Wonderland

Morgan's Wonderland

Since then, Morgan¡¯s Wonderland has welcomed more than 2 million guests from all 50 states and more than 100 other countries through park visitation and special events.

Also read: This First Of Its Kind Supermarket In Mumbai Is Run By Children With Special Needs

Internet salutes Hartman

The inspiring story of Hartman and Morgan¡¯s Wonderland was recently posted on the subreddit r/BeAmazed, which has now gone viral.

A Father Didn't Want His Daughter To Feel Excluded, So He Built A Park Called Morgan's Wonderland In San Antonio, With Free Admission To Those With Special Needs.
byu/CommercialBox4175 inBeAmazed

"I live right outside of San Antonio and I have passed by this place countless times and it almost always has people playing at it. Handicapped and non-handicapped people. It makes my heart happy every time," a Reddit user wrote while responding to the post.

"I¡¯ve been there. It¡¯s as amazing as you can imagine. They even do an Easter egg hunt in different areas for different abilities," wrote another.

"Best thing I've read on the internet today. Salute to the dad," wrote one user, while another added, "Eyes well up with tears. That's nice."

One even suggested that Hartman should get the 'Father of the Century Award.'

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