America's Number-One Dad!

It's not often in life that you get a chance to meet your heroes. Standing at the front gates of Morgan's Wonderland in San Antonio, Texas, I'm about to meet one of mine. At well over six feet, Gordon Hartman's warmth is clear immediately. He gives me a firm handshake, and we begin our talk. He's charming and masculine in the way most people might characterize a typical Texan, and he speaks with enthusiasm, even though today, like most days for Hartman (at right), started at 6:30 a.m., and after our chat, he has two speaking engagements across town.

Upon opening this past April, Morgan's Wonderland became the first park in the world built entirely with the requirements and desires of those with special needs in mind. This 25-acre refuge includes an amphitheater for shows, event center and gymnasium, playgrounds with activities for those with both mental and physical special needs, and, of course, rides.

Five years ago, Hartman sold his real estate development company in order to spend more time with Morgan, his daughter, who was born with a form of autism. This time together gave Hartman more insight not only into Morgan's daily struggles, but also into what many of her friends with special needs are up against. He soon learned that Morgan is actually one of the lucky people born with special needs in that the Hartmans can afford top-quality care, giving Morgan access to speech therapists, doctors and others to improve her quality of life. Hartman recognized the struggles that those without his financial situation were faced with, and this was one of the impetuses behind making Morgan's Wonderland free for anyone with special needs. It's no overstatement to say that the park exists because of Hartman's dedication to his daughter and the other causes she has helped bring to his attention.

Sitting across a table within the Morgan's Wonderland offices, Hartman points outside. "If I were to build a park just for Morgan," he explains, "it would just be a bunch of swings." Of course, Morgan's Wonderland is equipped with plenty of those. There are even swings made specially to accommodate wheelchairs. "But what Morgan cares most about," Hartman continues, "is how other people feel. She wanted a park that everyone could enjoy." So Hartman made sure of just that. To figure out exactly what was needed, Hartman held forums where people from parents to medical workers showed up to give ideas for the park. Nowhere are those design considerations more apparent than in the Garden Sanctuary, which overlooks the 8-acre lake. In this calm area with benches and greenery, guests can take a moment to step away from the excitement of the park, calm down an overly-excited visitor, or simply reflect on what they've just experienced.

Like many along the autism spectrum, Morgan has certain fears that other children might not. When she first saw the carousel at Morgan's Wonderland, a ride complete with "wheelchair chariots," she wouldn't get within a hundred feet of it. "So, I got on the carousel," Hartman proclaims. "The next day, she felt ready, and she got on the carousel. She kept asking, 'Dad, are you proud of me?' It really built her confidence." Because the park accommodates a range of special needs, many visitors can attempt new activities. Best of all, because no one will be staring, they can try them without fear of being judged.

Also designed to build confidence are the park's cartoon superheroes. X-Ray, Jette, Rocker, and, of course, Morgan (outfitted with wings), who were created specifically for Morgan's Wonderland. Costumed versions of the characters, Hartman assures me, will soon meet and greet park guests. Of course, the superheroes' images are perfect for merchandising, but they also serve to inspire visitors. Each of the four characters can exceed his/her limitations once inside the park.

Although this is his first venture into amusement parks, Hartman is no stranger to philanthropy. "I'm not one of those folks who likes to write a check. I like to get my hands dirty." Hartman's parents were also philanthropically-minded, and he hopes Morgan will carry on the tradition. At 16, she is at the age where she can begin working as a volunteer at Morgan's Wonderland. Throughout the park, volunteers with all kinds of special needs are on-hand. They can be seen at the Sensory Village explaining how to ensure that the butterflies on-screen will land on your shadow's shoulder or in the Music Garden, where they might contribute a little extra background music while you rock out on the percussive instruments provided.

With 1200 volunteers registered, it's apparent that people want to get involved, but aside from time, what the park needs now are donations. Hartman envisioned Morgan's Wonderland as any other manicured first-class park, and he's built just that. With a price tag of more than $30 million, Morgan's Wonderland was no low-cost endeavor. "Every day I lose money, and it's the best job I've ever had," Hartman smiles. But it's clear from the look on his face that he's not altogether joking. "Since the park is finished," Hartman says, "people think we don't need any more money, but that's simply not the case." At this point, there is at least $7 million still needed for operating costs, so donations are always welcome.

Recently, a school in nearby Seguin, Texas sold pickles to help raise money for the park. For their hard work, they were invited to Morgan's Wonderland to learn to play alongside people with special needs. "It was important for us to put Morgan's Wonderland right off the expressway, because we wanted to make sure it would be seen. More often than not, homes and schools for special needs individuals are off the beaten path. We wanted this park and these people to be just as visible and part of San Antonio as Sea World or any other attraction." Hartman's commitment to bring people with special needs into contact with the larger population also compelled him to build the STAR soccer fields, which sit just opposite Morgan's Wonderland and help to fund a portion of the park.

When I ask him how the park came together, he beams. "The people who designed this park had never done a park before. The reason I wanted to do it that way was because I didn't want the old way of thinking." With most successful amusement parks — think Six Flags, Disney — accessibility for special needs is often the last consideration. Generally speaking, there are a limited number of ramps, and the rides that are accessible frequently force special needs riders to separate from the rest of their group.  From the beginning, Hartman saw Morgan's Wonderland as a park of inclusion where people with all kinds of special needs, and those without them, could play side-by-side. Take the Wonderland Express, for example. This train, which takes you in a loop past a sort of mini-Epcot, includes visits to Mexico, Italy, Japan, the Caribbean, Germany and Africa. It also has sections built specifically for wheelchairs rather than relegating them to the caboose. If that's not enough, check out the playgrounds, where you'll find entire sections of Braille for visually impaired guests.

Even now, after the park has officially opened, Hartman is still considering each potential visitor. "We have a great catch and release program," he says, referring to the fishing area where anglers can sit or stand to catch catfish swimming below. "But the other day someone pointed out that we were missing fishing reels for people who are left-handed. So this weekend," he promises, "we will have them."

With the Alamo, the River Walk and a variety of mainstream amusement parks nearby, San Antonio was already a major destination city for families. The response to the park has been phenomenal — visitors have arrived from all over the world — and Hartman is open to building other parks in other cities. But for now, we're lucky to have Morgan's Wonderland. For those still looking for time or money or an excuse to visit, the Morgan's Corner section on the Morgan's Wonderland website provides a coloring book of some of the attractions so future visitors might get a sense of this unique park.

"This isn't the end," Hartman says with a confidence that makes you believe in him instantly. "This is just the beginning."

As you start to plan your trip, remember that extended summer hours have begun. Be sure to make reservations at least 24 hours ahead of time, as Morgan's Wonderland is intent on limiting crowds. Parking is free and, since there is no restaurant onsite, food from outside is allowed in the park.

And, whether or not you decide to visit, make a donation here to sustain this father's remarkable gift.

Photos by Sophie Rosenblum and via Morgan's Wonderland Facebook page.