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?
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Пікірлер: 87

  • @freethink
    @freethink4 жыл бұрын

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

  • @royaldeer87

    @royaldeer87

    4 жыл бұрын

    Love me

  • @freethink

    @freethink

    4 жыл бұрын

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

  • @freethink

    @freethink

    4 жыл бұрын

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

  • @javierlopez5301

    @javierlopez5301

    4 жыл бұрын

    Left

  • @keinlieb3818

    @keinlieb3818

    2 жыл бұрын

    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
    @janharris10853 жыл бұрын

    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!

  • @sebastianelytron8450
    @sebastianelytron84504 жыл бұрын

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

  • @lambgaming1347

    @lambgaming1347

    3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @gracee.4844
    @gracee.48444 жыл бұрын

    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

    @freethink

    4 жыл бұрын

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

  • @lola-cd3jf
    @lola-cd3jf3 жыл бұрын

    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

    @pinkTonya24

    Жыл бұрын

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

  • @Tourettes0

    @Tourettes0

    3 ай бұрын

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

  • @gailjackson
    @gailjackson4 жыл бұрын

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

  • @freethink

    @freethink

    4 жыл бұрын

    Gail Jackson let’s hope it is!

  • @Flowshow88
    @Flowshow88 Жыл бұрын

    The pneumatic chair is genius ❤

  • @obehi10
    @obehi104 жыл бұрын

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

  • @freethink

    @freethink

    4 жыл бұрын

    Absolutely!

  • @janharris1085

    @janharris1085

    3 жыл бұрын

    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

    @krystalsfuncenter7437

    3 жыл бұрын

    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

    @DifferentTypeOfFunny

    Жыл бұрын

    ABSOLUTELY! XOXO

  • @royaldeer87
    @royaldeer874 жыл бұрын

    Such a good dad

  • @Kentucky_red_1798
    @Kentucky_red_17982 жыл бұрын

    This man wins the best dad award every year

  • @randocalrissian7573
    @randocalrissian7573 Жыл бұрын

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

  • @PolinaLee94
    @PolinaLee942 жыл бұрын

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

  • @Sarahlynn0105
    @Sarahlynn01053 жыл бұрын

    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

    @getschwifty5271

    2 жыл бұрын

    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(:

  • @nathalieriley6539
    @nathalieriley653916 күн бұрын

    God bless this father wonderful

  • @PaulCreane
    @PaulCreane4 жыл бұрын

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

  • @mastax1234
    @mastax12344 жыл бұрын

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

  • @DifferentTypeOfFunny
    @DifferentTypeOfFunny Жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @courtneyjeffries390
    @courtneyjeffries390 Жыл бұрын

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

  • @PabloJones819
    @PabloJones819 Жыл бұрын

    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
    @CorHor2 жыл бұрын

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

  • @lux1975
    @lux19754 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @missamanda2703
    @missamanda2703 Жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @OfficialAfflection
    @OfficialAfflection4 жыл бұрын

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

  • @freethink

    @freethink

    4 жыл бұрын

    Aww, thanks for following! Have a great weekend.

  • @marypatten9655
    @marypatten96552 жыл бұрын

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

  • @bennnnu380
    @bennnnu3802 жыл бұрын

    So basically this man’s a saint

  • @lenniewatson687
    @lenniewatson687Ай бұрын

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

  • @ivonned32
    @ivonned32 Жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @aerynthompson167
    @aerynthompson1674 жыл бұрын

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

  • @marziasadat5591
    @marziasadat55913 жыл бұрын

    Wow. It makes me feel better about humanity 💛💙

  • @georgetheodoropoulos7565
    @georgetheodoropoulos75652 жыл бұрын

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

  • @drateretulosba
    @drateretulosba4 жыл бұрын

    made me cry

  • @atribecalledjudah5436
    @atribecalledjudah54362 жыл бұрын

    He beat greedy Disney to the punch!!!

  • @lepham5271
    @lepham5271 Жыл бұрын

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

  • @aristarkhus5804
    @aristarkhus58044 жыл бұрын

    God bless this man & love this channel

  • @hotrod4d
    @hotrod4d2 жыл бұрын

    I wish there were more parks like this across the world

  • @marklavania3680
    @marklavania3680 Жыл бұрын

    Lovely! Much respect and best wishes!

  • @fungusrumpus
    @fungusrumpus Жыл бұрын

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

  • @winstonsmith101
    @winstonsmith101 Жыл бұрын

    Beautiful. 🥰

  • @astharajput9373
    @astharajput93733 жыл бұрын

    We need people like you in India also.

  • @apurvarajput9128

    @apurvarajput9128

    3 жыл бұрын

    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
    @renanmagalhaes37064 жыл бұрын

    Amazing!

  • @freethink

    @freethink

    4 жыл бұрын

    Yeah, we were blown away! Thanks for watching.

  • @Thelordshark
    @Thelordshark Жыл бұрын

    I'm not crying you are..

  • @Here_Today_
    @Here_Today_4 жыл бұрын

    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

    @freethink

    4 жыл бұрын

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

  • @brandonlackstudio6834
    @brandonlackstudio68344 жыл бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @freethink

    @freethink

    4 жыл бұрын

    Cheers!

  • @colindevoe3460
    @colindevoe34604 жыл бұрын

    SUPERDAD!

  • @deborahzahler913
    @deborahzahler9133 жыл бұрын

    In the Unity and Oneness of Love💜✨🌈

  • @lytcreation9996
    @lytcreation99963 жыл бұрын

    amazing

  • @davidcause4106
    @davidcause41062 жыл бұрын

    Absolutely amazing. Find a solution!

  • @dingaling9639
    @dingaling96394 жыл бұрын

    No dislikes good

  • @freethink

    @freethink

    4 жыл бұрын

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

  • @freethink

    @freethink

    4 жыл бұрын

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

  • @sff.f1114
    @sff.f1114 Жыл бұрын

    That’s great

  • @iluan_
    @iluan_3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @isabelhuang_1
    @isabelhuang_14 жыл бұрын

    I want to do something like that with my retirement

  • @ryanturcin3112
    @ryanturcin31123 жыл бұрын

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

  • @mayawison
    @mayawison Жыл бұрын

    Very Nice

  • @ungata101
    @ungata101 Жыл бұрын

    I want to go there

  • @BobBobby-ew3du
    @BobBobby-ew3du Жыл бұрын

    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
    @samuelconsuegra12064 жыл бұрын

    Morgan can be a basketball player

  • @willmtz5683
    @willmtz56832 жыл бұрын

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

  • @kaitlynszmidt4605
    @kaitlynszmidt46053 жыл бұрын

    #notallheroeswearcapes

  • @ColonizersBlow
    @ColonizersBlow Жыл бұрын

    I needed this today 🥲🥰