Dad Builds World's Most Accessible Amusement Park for Daughter | Freethink

This dad couldn’t find an amusement park that worked for his daughter with special needs - so he built one. Subscribe for more videos of people moving the world: freeth.ink/instant-sub-morgan...
Morgan’s Wonderland in San Antonio, Texas isn’t your typical amusement park. It’s the first “ultra-accessible” theme park designed from the ground up with inclusivity and accessibility in mind. It came about when Gordon Hartman, a San Antonio business owner, found that typical amusement parks like Six Flags were overwhelming for Morgan, his daughter with special needs. He decided to build not just a theme park for special needs kids, but one that absolutely everyone could enjoy - whether or not they had disabilities. Now, it’s fulfilling the summer dreams of thousands of Texas kids - and even providing many special needs children with their first jobs. It isn’t just inclusive with regard to special needs; it also has special admission rates to make sure it is affordable for everyone.
Since Morgan’s Wonderland opened in 2010, its inspiring and heartwarming story has been featured in Inside Edition and by other TV networks and it’s become sponsored by Toyota. We spoke to Gordon Hartman and toured the park to look at the many innovative and accessible features that it has pioneered. Could it help people across the world come up with new ideas for special needs activities?
For more stories profiling pioneers of science and tech innovation, subscribe to Freethink on KZbin: freeth.ink/youtube-subscribe-toc
Join the Freethink forum for people interested in making a difference: / freethinkforum
And follow Freethink across other platforms here:
Facebook: / freethinkmedia
Twitter: / freethinkmedia
Instagram: / freethink
Website: www.freethink.com

[@freethink]

What's the best thing your dad did for you?

[@royaldeer87]

Love me

[@freethink]

@@royaldeer87 That's the most important thing after all.

[@freethink]

@Sonia-Rose Lyle That's great. What's your favorite dish to cook?

[@javierlopez5301]

Left

[@keinlieb3818]

I'm a 100% disabled vet. It got to the point I couldn't live on my own anymore. My father opened his home back up to me and helps me out with so many things. Even on the days when I struggle just to get out of bed, my father is there to help me out of bed. It sounds selfish, but I hope he outlives me because I don't know what I'll do without him.

[@janharris1085]

We took our special needs daughter to Morgan's Wonderland the summer the water park opened. It was a spectacular experience! Every special needs child and adult is admitted free! I make a small contribution every month to help cover the cost of those free admissions. It is an easy thing to do that makes me smile remembering our trip!

[@gracee.4844]

I live in SA. This park is so special and absolutely incredible for all! We have such a great city here that is continuously growing in places that are inclusive for all abilities.

[@freethink]

Grace E. That’s so awesome to hear! Thanks for commenting.

[@sebastianelytron8450]

There is a special place in heaven for this man. And I don't even believe in heaven.

[@lambgaming1347]

you don't believe in heaven..? seriously...

[@lola-cd3jf]

OMG, how have I not come across this Morgan's Wonderland video before?! It has my BEAUTIFUL daughter Macky🦋 in it❣ My Macky🦋 is now in heaven but I know a part of her spirit remains there at Morgan's Wonderland❣ She/ We LOVED it there so much there❣Even on days when we would pass by it on 35, she would wave and say "Momma, momma look it, there's Morgan's Wonderland!". Then often after she would say "See you soon, right Momma?". Of course I would always tell yes and she would hold me to it❣💗😄 Gordon Hartman & Ron Morander very often walk among the crowds greeting them & asking how they are doing and allowing us parents to thank them for all the work they and the entire Morgan's staff do. Of course it's All inclusive but having a loved one with special needs makes it a little more special to us than others💗. Thank you for sharing this video❣ I encourage EVERYONE to head out there when they reopen, even if you don't have a physical challenge! The smiles on the families faces is infectious and you just can't help but smile, sometimes cry ( happy tears) yourself 💗 Much love from "Macky's mom"❣💗🦋

[@pinkTonya24]

What a sweet story to share!! Thanks for sharing and so sorry for your loss...

[@Tourettes0]

thank you so much for sharing about your sweet Macky ❤️❤️

[@gailjackson]

What a brilliant idea, so obvious. This concept should be adopted everywhere.

[@freethink]

Gail Jackson let’s hope it is!

[@obehi10]

Wow this is amazing! We need more people like this guy:’)

[@freethink]

Absolutely!

[@janharris1085]

You can be a part of this. I make a small contribution every month to help cover the cost of those free admissions for guests with disabilities. You can too!

[@krystalsfuncenter7437]

I want to open something up in Minnesota but I don’t know what the steps are. I also am on the autism spectrum.

[@DifferentTypeOfFunny]

ABSOLUTELY! XOXO

[@Flowshow88]

The pneumatic chair is genius ❤

[@royaldeer87]

Such a good dad

[@Sarahlynn0105]

I LOVE THIS! Can we make one happen in California? I’m ready to help fundraising and planning. You are such a generous and incredible man for making this possible! 🙏🏻❤️

[@getschwifty5271]

You should encourage people in your area to reach out to the foundation! Gordon has helped create several other inclusive parks including one in Germany. I live in San Antonio & have been to Morgans Wonderland many times, it is a fantastic park for everyone! I think California would be a great place to have another inclusive park(:

[@randocalrissian7573]

This man is so wholesome and amazing, he’s giving Mr Roger vibes.

[@PolinaLee94]

He took his pain and made something incredibly beautifull out of it.

[@Kentucky_red_1798]

This man wins the best dad award every year

[@PaulCreane]

Why is this not world wide? Friking amazing....

[@mastax1234]

This is beautiful. Thank you Gordon Hartman. We need more people like you, in this world.

[@DifferentTypeOfFunny]

I love in Kentucky. I have all of my 36yrs I have been to Texas at least 4 different times and I NEVER new this place exists. But all I have to say is - BRAVO! THIS PLACE IS TRULY THE MOST OUTSTANDINGLY AMAZING PLACE I HAVE EVER SEEN! I literally cried a bit during the video. I have a handicap sister who has a shunt which causes mild - very serious seizures and this place is a place she would actually and finally be able to go. I wish I could take her I wish I had the money or was able to save the money that it would cost to get her from here and take her there and was even able to stay for at least two days, shes never been able to experience anything like this. The owner/founder and father whom created this heaven for special needs - IS TRULY a wonderful human being and must have a true heart made of gold.

[@PabloJones819]

This gentleman is an amazing example of the way an individual can change the world. Bless him for this amazing contribution to our wonderful youth. We are nothing without our children.

[@CorHor]

This is amazing, more people need to know about this place. Hope everyone involved is still doing well

[@courtneyjeffries390]

I love this footage. I'm definitely going to bring my daughter there very soon.

[@lux1975]

What a truly wonderful thing. This father has a beautiful and inspirational mindset, calling himself gifted for having a special needs child. The world needs more people like this.

[@lenniewatson687]

My autistic grandson would love this park!!! Please build one in California!!🙏🏼🙏🏼🕊🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@missamanda2703]

This is one of the few charities that is 💯 for the people. I love it. ❤️ I try to donate and have them in my trust.

[@ivonned32]

If all the wealthy people were as loving and giving as Mr Hartman. This society will be very advance already! There will be no disadvantage.

[@marypatten9655]

love this. we need more parks like this all over America. the rest of the world too.

[@lepham5271]

Amazing. Thank you Morgan 's Dad. He's very thoughtful.

[@aerynthompson167]

It is nice to see that there are still nice people that care in this world

[@bennnnu380]

So basically this man’s a saint

[@georgetheodoropoulos7565]

I wish all the best to mr. Hartman and everyone involved in the park! You are a light in this world

[@OfficialAfflection]

What a wonderful man, and what a great video, as always. Love ya

[@freethink]

Aww, thanks for following! Have a great weekend.

[@marziasadat5591]

Wow. It makes me feel better about humanity 💛💙

[@drateretulosba]

made me cry

[@aristarkhus5804]

God bless this man & love this channel

[@atribecalledjudah5436]

He beat greedy Disney to the punch!!!

[@marklavania3680]

Lovely! Much respect and best wishes!

[@hotrod4d]

I wish there were more parks like this across the world

[@fungusrumpus]

What a beautiful place!! i will be going there very soon. just amazing!

[@winstonsmith101]

Beautiful. 🥰

[@astharajput9373]

We need people like you in India also.

[@apurvarajput9128]

Yes exactly government in India have a lot money to invest on making temples and mosques and dividing people on the basis of religion but it can't spend it on making something useful. Basically what they are looking for is votes and not the feelings and comfort of people.

[@renanmagalhaes3706]

Amazing!

[@freethink]

Yeah, we were blown away! Thanks for watching.

[@brandonlackstudio6834]

Thank you!

[@freethink]

Cheers!

[@Thelordshark]

I'm not crying you are..

[@lytcreation9996]

amazing

[@deborahzahler913]

In the Unity and Oneness of Love💜✨🌈

[@davidcause4106]

Absolutely amazing. Find a solution!

[@iluan_]

If I ever go to Texas I want to go there :D

[@colindevoe3460]

SUPERDAD!

[@Here_Today_]

There are a few theater groups that are vested in this thinking. Absolutely some of the best plays and musicals I've ever seen. Great minds build great things, well done sir.

[@freethink]

That's amazing to hear! Feel free to share links if you have them.

[@sff.f1114]

That’s great

[@dingaling9639]

No dislikes good

[@freethink]

We have one...there's always one :)

[@freethink]

@John Hurley Cheers, we're not going to lose sleep over it! Thanks for watching and have a great weekend.

[@mayawison]

Very Nice

[@isabelhuang_1]

I want to do something like that with my retirement

[@ungata101]

I want to go there

[@ryanturcin3112]

I think i found my most favourite person in the world 😁

[@BobBobby-ew3du]

It would be an honor to come work for you. I would pack my family up and move there so I could work there

[@samuelconsuegra1206]

Morgan can be a basketball player

[@willmtz5683]

Mostly one of the first time you see MGM movies promoting park

[@kaitlynszmidt4605]

#notallheroeswearcapes

[@ColonizersBlow]

I needed this today 🥲🥰