The world’s first fully accessible water park has opened in the state of Texas, and it’s right here in the Texas Hill Country. Morgan’s Inspiration Island in San Antonio opened June 17, and it’s one of a kind. No longer will parents and grandparents of children with disabilities have to make alternate plans for fear that their child won’t be able to make use of the attractions, and no longer will the child feel incapable of enjoying the same things their siblings or counterparts do.
Texas Hill Country News
Fully Accessible Water Park Makes a Splash: First for Texas and the World
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Photo: Facebook/Visit San Antonio
Morgan’s Inspiration Island is an “ultra-accessible” splash park and an offshoot of the popular Morgan’s Wonderland. The brainchild of the theme park’s developer, Gordon Hartman, it’s built on the premise that everyone, regardless of ability or age or ability, is included. Like Morgan’s Wonderland, the water park component is every bit accessible, including those with wheelchairs.
Photo: Facebook/Morgan’s Wonderland
In a recent media release, Hartman explained, “Morgan’s Inspiration Island promises to give individuals with physical or cognitive special needs a place where they can splash and play without barriers. Like Morgan’s Wonderland, Morgan’s Inspiration Island is not a special-needs park; it’s a park of inclusion.” Overlooking the eight-acre lake (which is also a catch-and-release fishing spot). The focal point of the water park is a seven-story lighthouse complete with a rotating beacon. The $17 million development includes six major elements and features “Calypso Cove” – two different tropically-themed types of splash pads centered around an accessible pirate ship which also has a giant dumping bucket on top. The park was inspired by the Hartman family’s daughter Morgan, who is now 23 and also has special needs.
Photo: Facebook/Morgan’s Wonderland
Hartman explained, “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.” Before its official opening, Morgan’s Inspiration Island invited groups that serve families with special needs to ensure all the new aspects of the park were up to par. They’ve even ensured that finding your child and other members of your party is easily achievable with the availability of waterproof wristbands with RFID technology. With limited capacity, advance ticket purchases are encouraged. However, the park is free to anyone with special needs.
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