Morgan's Wonderland prepares to open world-first waterpark for the disabled
Morgan’s Wonderland is preparing for the launch of its new super-accessible waterpark, with the multi-million dollar expansion opening to the public on 17 June.
Catering specifically to the disabled, the San Antonio-based theme park broke ground on the US$17m (€15.2m, £13.4m) project in November 2015, with construction starting in January 2016.
Based on five themed areas – individually known as Hang 10 Harbor, Rainbow Reef, Shipwreck Island, Castaway Bay and Calypso Cove – Morgan’s Inspiration Island is completely wheelchair accessible, and offers a selection of waterpark objects including raintrees, falls, pools, geysers, jets, water cannons and tipping buckets. A river boat ride will also take visitors through a jungle setting with bird and animal sounds playing in the background.
“Morgan’s Inspiration Island is not a special-needs park; it’s a park of inclusion,” said Gordon Hartman, founder of The Gordon Hartman Family Foundation, which since 2005 has pursued endeavors benefiting the special-needs community. “It was designed with special-needs individuals in mind and built for everyone’s enjoyment.”
Technology is at the heart of the development, with waterproof wristbands using RFID technology available so parents can know the whereabouts of children within the park. Other special features include the capability of conditioning water to a warmer temperature at Rainbow Reef so guests with sensitivity to cold can still splash and play, and use of submersible wheelchairs powered only by compressed air.
Spacious private areas are available for guests to transfer out of their wheelchairs into the waterproof wheelchairs. Other facilities include the Rusty Anchor Galley Grub and Little Italy Bistro food outlets; the Surf Shack Gifts and Gear sundries shop; a panoramic viewing deck; an air-conditioned party/meeting room; and private cabanas for rent.
Morgan's Wonderland Morgan's Inspiration Island visitor attractions disability waterparks San Antonio Gordon HartmanMorgan's Wonderland unveils world-first waterproof pneumatic wheelchair
Morgan's Wonderland breaks ground on world's first ultra-accessible waterpark for disabled people
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