Oftentimes, when summer comes, parents and kids alike are excited to go to the amusement park or waterpark (well, parents may be less excited). Kids with disabilities and special needs, however, always able to enjoy the fun, because these parks don’t accommodate their needs. Well, now one does, thanks to Morgan’s Inspiration Island is an extension of Morgan’s Wonderland in San Antonio, Texas.
The theme park was specifically built to be inclusive of all guests, including those who use wheelchairs. According to The Huffington Post, “guests with special needs are also admitted at no cost.” In a press release, it was revealed that the park was created because the couple behind it, Gordon and Maggie Hartman, have a daughter who has physical and cognitive challenges:
“We decided to call it Morgan’s Inspiration Island because Morgan truly has been the catalyst for every project we’ve pursued to help the special-needs community.”
The press release went on to explain some of their inclusive features, and mentioned that they consulted with experts in order to best design it:
“Every Morgan’s Inspiration Island element is wheelchair-accessible, and waterproof wristbands with RFID technology are available so parents can go to a Location Station and easily ascertain the whereabouts of their children and other members of their party. Other special features include the capability of conditioning water to a warmer temperature at Rainbow Reef so guests with sensitivity to cold can still splash and play.
‘In addition, we recently unveiled with the University of Pittsburgh revolutionary new wheelchairs propelled by compressed air,’ Hartman said. ‘Our guests in expensive battery-powered wheelchairs can’t afford to get them wet, so we have special Morgan’s Inspiration Island PneuChairs™ available first-come, first-served, along with two other waterproof wheelchair models – a push-stroller type for guests needing assistance from a caregiver for mobility and a rigid-frame, manual wheelchair for guests who can push themselves. The first PneuChairs to go into service are prototypes that are already undergoing significant improvements.’”
In addition, the park collaborated with the University of Pittsburgh to include air-powered waterproof wheelchairs, so people who use wheelchairs can enjoy the water rides.
Watch this video to learn more:
Here are some photos from the park’s Instagram:
