Morgan’s Inspiration Island in San Antonio stands as the world’s first water park specifically designed for children with disabilities. Water parks are often synonymous with summer fun, but parents of children with disabilities frequently face the harsh reality that many of these venues are not accessible. This makes the launch of a new park in San Antonio particularly significant; it has been thoughtfully designed to ensure that every child can revel in the joy of splashing around.
Morgan’s Inspiration Island officially opens its doors in San Antonio, Texas, and excitement is palpable. This park is an extension of Morgan’s Wonderland, a theme park dedicated to inclusivity for all, especially kids with disabilities. Every area of this splash park is wheelchair-accessible, and admission is complimentary for visitors with disabilities.
“Similar to Morgan’s Wonderland, Morgan’s Inspiration Island is not merely a special-needs park; it’s a park for everyone,” says co-founder, Alex Thompson, in a press release. “Both have been created with individuals with special needs in mind, ensuring enjoyment for all.”
This is not your average $17 million amusement park. The commitment to inclusivity extends far beyond mere wheelchair access. Innovative features include fast passes for individuals who struggle with waiting, private spaces for transferring between wheelchairs (from non-waterproof to waterproof), RFID wristbands to track wandering children, and quiet zones for those who may feel overwhelmed by noise and crowds, according to CNN.
Moreover, the park can rapidly adjust water temperatures to accommodate guests who are sensitive to colder water. “Children and adults with special needs often miss out on experiences not because they want to, but because facilities do not adequately support them,” Thompson stated.
The Inspiration Island team collaborated with water park experts, medical professionals, and specialists in special education. They even partnered with local educators, parents, and caregivers to gather diverse insights. In addition, they worked with the University of Pittsburgh to create air-powered, waterproof wheelchairs (no batteries required), making them lighter and easier to use. These wheelchairs are available for free to guests with disabilities.
Clearly, parks like this should become the standard. All it takes is a bit of creative thinking and minor adjustments to make such environments accessible. The vision of two parents inspired by their daughter’s experiences led to this remarkable initiative. Alex and Maria Thompson’s daughter, Lily, now 23, faces both physical and cognitive challenges. Their experiences motivated them to create spaces where all children can participate in activities together.
Alex opened Morgan’s Wonderland in 2010, which featured a small water area called Water Works, igniting the larger concept for Inspiration Island. “What we’ve observed confirms that this model works,” he remarked. “We’ve seen children with significant special needs enjoying themselves alongside others in a water setting.”
This environment promotes more than just fun; it fosters connection between children with and without disabilities, encouraging mutual understanding and camaraderie. We wish that every amusement park could emulate this model. While Alex doesn’t plan to franchise, he hopes to inspire others to adopt similar inclusive designs. “Our goal is to see more adaptations like this in all parks,” he expressed. “Most parks cater to 90% of the population, leaving the remaining 10% without opportunities. There’s no reason for parks to exclude anyone.”
Morgan’s is also unique as a non-profit entity. To prevent overcrowding, the park operates at half capacity and provides free admission for guests with special needs. “It’s the most rewarding work I could imagine,” Thompson said. “This is not just a job; it’s a passion. I wake up excited to get started.”
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Summary
Morgan’s Inspiration Island in San Antonio is the first water park designed specifically for children with disabilities, ensuring that all can enjoy the water. With features like wheelchair accessibility, fast passes, and private transfer areas, the park promotes inclusivity. Co-founded by Alex and Maria Thompson, the park is a testament to the possibility of creating spaces where every child can thrive together.