Stories of Inclusion
New Jersey
I received a link to your website over the weekend from a family support group and read about Morgan and the inspiration for building the park. In the midst of fighting to create opportunities for inclusion and a good education for our daughter, it is uplifting to see such a wonderful and powerful statement. Good luck with the park and God Bless Morgan and her family. If we ever get down to Texas, we’ll definitely come by and spend some time.
Regards,
-Kevin in New Jersey
Thanks!
Just wanted to thank Gordon Hartman for this wonderful park, we had the best time, and my son, who is high functioning didn't think he would like it, decided he loved the Sensory Village the best. The weather map was so fun for him.. he though he was a real weather man. He thoroughly enjoyed himself. Me too, especially when he caught a fish and has NEVER done that before in his whole life…What did you do to train those fish? I loved it. I can only hope the world catches on! This is exactly what all our kids need. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Just wanted to share our pics with you!
Butterfly Catcher
My name is Jennifer Upton, my precious daughter's name is Kaitlyn. She, like Morgan, loves butterflies. Her special needs are very similar to Morgan's. I cry every day for her and her struggles. Our biggest struggle is inclusion and helping her connect with peers and others. It is hard when your friends don't know how to connect with you and because of it you experience rejection and loneliness every day. I have a dear phone pal mom of a child with Asbergers, we have often spoken of getting together, but can't work it out. Besides are difficult schedules with therapies and strict routines there is frankly no safe place to go with 5 kids 2 being special needs except each other's homes but the tire quickly of being in doors and not much they can do outside without constant supervision and chaos. After visiting Morgan's Wonderland I called her and said we can meet there!! We could actually talk and our children could play and be safe and we would not be asked to leave or ask the other staring guest if they were having a problem. Her brothers loved it and everyone felt like they had a fun day out together. I cried on the way home but this time I felt grateful that so many people are making such a huge effort to help our precious children. I hope that we will be able to help maintain the wonderful work that has began here at Morgan's Wonderland.
Sincerely,
Grateful Mom & Butterfly Catcher
Thanks Morgan!
My son J.J., Julian and I went to Morgan's Wonderland for our first time March 6,2010 during the hours of 10 am to 2 pm
We had such a wonderful time. Seeing my sons play together and laugh is beyond words. We have been back 3 time and every time we go we experience new things. The grand Opening was outstanding. Seeing all of San Antonio people come together as one happy family where no one was judge by their ability or disability is great. Everyone was so helpful including those in wheelchairs. Thanks Morgan for all you have done. Putting a smile on my sons life for a day is just great. God bless you and your family.
Letty L.
Doing it Right!
Dear Morgan’s Staff:
Congrats – you are doing it RIGHT! After coming to the park today – our dreams of a place for people of all abilities exists! We had a blast and at the age of 24 my daughter was able to be the kid - she always deserved to be.
We did all we could in 2 hours and her favorite was actually the rocking seat in the play ground. That movement she had never experienced. The staff and volunteers were FAB! (Especially the engineer on the train) Granted my daughter is a woman at the age of 24 and a senior at Texas State – but having CP has limited the offerings in her life with parks. Even though we were part of the fundraising for Wisconsin’s first totally accessible playground CAMDEN. (Community Accessibility Medium Dealing w/ Exceptional Needs) - We never imagined……THIS! So, as soon as she graduates in August – you will be seeing her as a volunteer too!
Hope to see you as a volunteer soon! We are so blessed!
Jill B. and Bailey G.
Morgan’s Wonderland - A Park for All Kids and All Families
Today, I visited Morgan’s Wonderland with my children, mother, brother and nephew. My brother drove here from Detroit where he lives with his son, Justin who is autistic. He saw a spot about Morgan’s Wonderland on the national news and decided he wanted his son to have the experience.
We were excited to go as a family because we’d seen it on the news.
All of us were amazed at how awesome a park Morgan’s Wonderland is. From the employees to the volunteers to the accommodations, everything was EXCELLENT! I was most impressed at the ease with which my nephew was able to play and interact with my children. There were no barriers between them on the carousel, sand box, train or water works! It was great to see them interact in ways they hadn’t before because of Justin’s limited social proficiency.
Thank you for truly creating a “wonderland” for all kids. Not only did you create a safe, fun place for kids who are normally left out of other activities, but you also created a park for all kids and all families.
Sincerely,
Krystal A.
Mother's Day Visit
We visited the park yesterday from 2:30-5:30 pm for Mother's Day. We just wanted you to know that we had a wonderful time at the park, one of the best times we've had together in a long time. Lots of smiles from our son!
The park was done so well. Beautifully landscaped and pretty layout. So many positives! Our son loves the swings, and we were so pleased that most were under shade! He also really liked the carousel and we were surprised that he loved the train! Your staff was so nice that they took him around again!
The staff was great, everyone from check-in, all of the ride operators/ride staff, even the woman working concessions were all friendly and helpful.
It exceeded our expectations, we even stayed longer than we thought we would, and it was so worth the drive from Austin!
Thanks so much,
The Z Family
Gordo
Thank you for making a parents dream come true, today is the DAY my son will be visiting the park. He is with United High School from Laredo,Texas and he is looking forward to visit, he is been awake since 5:00 am dress with his cap on. Eduardo, we call him GORDO and this is his first field trip alone with his class, he is 16 years old and I can totally relate with Morgan's dad, my son loves the water and we visit Cancun each year, he can be at the pool all day but because his lack of speech he sometimes will scared other children, he has Angelman Syndrome he will always be smiling, and wants to hug everyone. Thank you that is all can say, I want to visit the park with my family before we moved out of town, this is a great opportunity as a family to enjoy a park were we do not have to worry about the sounds they make, or if they going to brake something or if the lines to get on a ride are too long, you absolutely made my day.
Regards,
Alicia R.
Grand Opening - Thank You Morgan!
I was filled with tears of joy when I saw so many families smiling. For the first time in a very long time, Families became one with other people. From the beginning, the access of the buses and smiles from the drivers , our adventure of happiness for that day became apparent. To see the excitement on my sister's face, knowing she was not alone. Kay was able to enjoy other special people like her enjoying the day. There was a place that was focused on them. From ride to ride and smiles to smiles, people became one unity. Thank you Morgan and your family and so many others for bringing this smile to my family and others. Morgan's Wonderland is a place of Smiling faces.
Thank you,
Deborah D., sister of Kay F. who has Brain Stem damage from a car accident in 1973 and wheelchair bound.
P.S. I truly feel, Kay felt freedom on that day, in a very long time. Thank you again.
Lexis
My name is Renee W. and my daughter Lexis is special needs and I want to thank you very much for creating a place where she can go and feel included with her normal family and friends. To be able to see her be able to swing or ride a ride makes me feel so thankful for people like the creator of this park. I haven't been yet but me and my family are planning a trip down there so my daughter can exprience this wonderful park.
Whitney, Tx
Braiden
My name is Christy R. and I visited the park on Sunday April 11, 2010. I live in Riverside, Ca. I was happy and impressed at such a wonderful and thoughtful idea - Morgan’s Wonderland. I visited with 10 year old Braiden C. (a challenged young lady) and her family. What a great day it was for me; I am presently a middle school counselor and a former teacher and have dealt with so many students that would have enjoyed an experience at Morgan’s Wonderland! I hope that you continue to get donations from generous people and I hope someday to see parks like this all over the United States! I hope and pray this wonderful idea thrives and grows ~ it is nice to know there is good going on in our country and hope this becomes contagious! It was certainly one of the ‘bright’ days on my Spring break which I spent 5 days in San Antonio. :)
Christy R., Riverside, Ca
Most Awesome Idea Ever!
To Whom It May Concern:
This is the most awesome idea ever. My friend called to tell me about it tonight. I went online to find out. It looks absolutely wonderful. I truly wish it wasn't a 12 hour drive away. I have a foster daughter with special needs. She has lived with me for almost 12 years. She wasn't suppose to live to be 2 and she turned 20 years old in January. We would LOVE a place like this to have fun. We might just have to try to schedule a family vacation to Texas.
God Bless in your endeavors for special kids with needs!
Cheryl M. & my special, Shaley
How Awesome
Just wanted to pass on how awesome Morgan's Wonderland is going to be. I saw info on this from GMA today and am so happy for this place. I do not have special needs child, but have friends who do and will promote this park to them as well as many others.
Have a great day.
Nishia
Thank You from Alaska
What a wonderful place you have there!!! We were just watching your story on Good Morning America, and although we do not have any children with challenges, we have always had a special place in our hearts for all God's precious children. You are a miracle for them!
We are a military family currently stationed in Alaska, but we hope that in our travels we are able to visit you. We will be donating to your cause and wish you all the best!
Thank you so much for what you are doing in San Antonio! We hope it catches on in other places as well!
God bless you!
Mel and Katrina A., Eagle River, AK
THIS IS SO EXCITING!!
My name is Marcia M., I have three adopted special needs daughters, who are now 21, 24, and 29.
They came to live with us as children, one was 8, another was 2 1/2 and the other 8 months old. Laura-Lee, our youngest is in a wheelchair having CP. When she was about 7, we visited Bush Gardens in Tampa, Fl. They had just built the part of the park called Land of the Dragons. It was for youngsters, but I guess the planning was poor and Laura-Lee had nothing accessible for her to do. I complained to guest relations and thought that would probably be the end of it. Four days later, I received a call from Donny Mills who was VP in charge of operations. He invited us to come back to the park walk the park together and give our input as to what Bush Gardens could do better for those with special needs. We readily agreed and, as a little added incentive, I brought Laura-Lees PT along to give her input as well. By the end of the day, Donny had a long list of changes and improvements that we recommended.
Eight months later, we were invited again to the park to see the actual improvements. A local news channel greeted us upon our arrival. The changes were apparent as we walked the park, making Laura-Lee's life and other experiencing disabilities much happier to enjoy Bush Gardens.
Laura-Lee is a senior at University of Central Florida and will graduate in December, she will continue on for her Masters in special education. When we saw Morgan's wonderland, you can imagine how happy we both were.
Wow, you took the ball and ran with it! How incredibly awesome! My only wish would be to have a park such as this here in Florida, somewhere near Disney and all the other theme parks. These parks bring people from all over the world, wouldn't it be wonderful to have a Morgan's World there as well?
We have been so excited all morning and wish we had know about your park earlier, It would have been great to be at the Grand Opening. Laura-lee and I have discussed the possibility of make the trip to visit this summer as Laura will need derotation surgery on her ankle and will be in a cast, which limits the things she will be able to do, but a trip to San Antonio is not out of the question. So hopefully we will see you this summer
Again, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR CONTINUING TO FURTHER INCLUSION AND CHANGING DISABILITIES TO ABILITIES!!
Sincerely,.
Marcia M., Valrico, Fl 33596
Wishing the Best
Hi.. I just wanted to say I saw the Park was opening up soon on GOOD MORNING AMERICA. Fantastic! Love the idea..
I do not have a special needs child..It takes very special people who are blessed with children who are so very special..
I have to be honest, I never thought about children not being about to enjoy the fun of a park and just being with other children, it was eye opening.
My daughter teaches special needs children and loves it. Also, i am sending your link to a very dear friend of mine who has a special needs son, due to a boating accident which also took the life of the boy's father.. thank you so much ... I wish your park the best..
once again.. thank you..
Eileen D., Massachusetts
Visited from Detroit
Today, I visited Morgan's Wonderland with my children, mother, brother and nephew. My brother drove here from Detroit where he lives with his son, Justin who is autistic. He saw a spot about Morgan's Wonderland on the national news and decided he wanted his son to have the experience.
We were excited to go as a family because we'd seen it on the news.
All of us were amazed at how awesome a park Morgan's Wonderland is. From the employees to the volunteers to the accommodations, everything was EXCELLENT! I was most impressed at the ease with which my nephew was able to play and interact with my children. There were no barriers between them on the carousel, sand box, train, or water works! It was great to see them interact in ways they hadn't before because of Justin's limited social proficiency.
Thank you for truly creating a "wonderland" for all kids. Not only did you create a safe, fun place for kids who are normally left out of other activities, but you also created a park for all kids and all families.
Sincerely,
Krystal A.
Kansas City
A friend of mine just forwarded me your website. What an amazing place! We live in Kansas City, but we'll be planning a trip to bring our daughter down (she has Down syndrome) soon! Thank you creating a place that focuses on the needs of everyone. You have made my day!
Robin W., Olathe, Kansas
A Wonderful Time
Hi Everyone,
We attended the park on Friday, March 29, 2010. There were 4 adults, 2 toddlers, and a special person in a wheel chair, attending. We all had a wonderful time. Staff and volunteers were all wonderful. We live about an hour north of Austin, but will be coming back as often as we can. This is one place where our special person and our toddlers can all have a great time.
Emma our 4 year old was impressed with the fact that you had a carousel, and a train, where she could ride with Kelsey in her wheelchair. This was very important to her.
The park is beautiful. Our family had a great time.
Thank you,
Linda N.
