commerical feature
A waterpark for everyone, regardless of ability
ABOVE: The waterpark is accessible for everyone RIGHT: The joy of splashing
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aterparks are first and foremost places where you can relax and enjoy yourself. They enable families to create great memories, individuals to experience joy, and communities to be generally happier. They can bring even greater joy to people with disabilities. Unfortunately, most waterparks are not designed with those people in mind – and there are obvious difficulties in getting people in wheelchairs onto waterslides, for example. But times are changing, and more waterparks are being built with at least some elements that
“Rainbow Reef has warmer water for guests with sensitivity to cold.” are easily accessible – especially the splash and spray elements. One location has taken that idea and smashed it out of the park – Morgan’s Inspiration Island. 88 SPLASH! June/July 2018
An inspiration to help a community come together
Morgan’s Inspiration Island in San Antonio, Texas, is billed as the world’s first ultra-accessible splash park where guests of all ages and abilities can get wet and have fun together. It opened last year next to the unique Morgan’s Wonderland theme park, which also caters for people and especially kids with disabilities. Both the theme park and the waterpark were inspired by Morgan Hartman and her ability to smile through physical and cognitive challenges. Her parents, Gordon and Maggie Hartman, decided to do something never before accomplished for individuals with special needs and their families – not only to create a one-of-akind theme park but also a unique school and other initiatives benefitting the special-needs community. The tipping point occurred in 2005 when Gordon observed Morgan wanting to play with other vacationing kids at a hotel swimming pool, but the kids were wary of Morgan and didn’t want to interact with her. Then and there, he resolved to create opportunities and places where those with
