One of the perks of being a school bus driver is that you have a chance to see some interesting sites around the area. At times I will venture out with the group and other times I will stay behind and rest or read. One trip that I was excited about driving was to Morgan's Wonderland. Morgan's Wonderland is a new park in San Antonio. I first heard about it a number of years ago when it was only a dream. Being in the construction business for a while I knew the name Gordon Hartman Homes. Gordon Hartman is the builder and Morgan is his daughter who the park is named for. I heard about the park when it was undergoing the construction phase and I watched the special on the local TV channel informing the public about the wonderful new attraction for everyone. I was intrigued and anxious to find out everything I could.
Morgan's Wonderland is designed specifically for adults and children with special needs, their family members, caregivers, friends and the entire community. I was impressed with the price of admission. Admission is free to special needs persons. For the Person(s) accompanying special needs individuals the cost is $10.00. General admission is $15.00 and age 0 to 2 are free. The park is uniquely funded. Next to Morgan's Wonderland is the STAR Soccer Complex. The STAR Soccer Complex is a premier soccer facility located on a site that once was the Longhorn Quarry. The site was developed into 13 fully lit, quality championship size fields as well as one smaller practice field. Alongside the fields are facilities such as playgrounds, bathrooms, refreshment stands. The spacious size and outstanding quality of the STAR Soccer Complex enables San Antonio to host a variety of soccer leagues and to accommodate large local, statewide, national and international soccer tournaments. Proceeds from soccer leagues and competitions will assist the operation and maintenance of Morgan's Wonderland.
It is suggested that you call ahead for reservations to Morgan's Wonderland. For security purposes, and to help keep your visit as stress free as possible, entry and exit strategies have been put into place. Special bracelets will be put on each person in your party when you arrive. They have a security chip included. By scanning the wristbands at one of several location station monitors located throughout the park, you can find the location of any member of your party. This security feature is a luxury that calms the fears of caregivers in the event that a child disappears and helps to prevent the possibility of a child leaving the park without the knowledge of the caregiver. If you have ever lost a child at a park you know that the panic that will ensue can ruin and otherwise happy day.
Everything in the park is easily wheel chair and special needs accessible. The train, the amphitheater, an off-road adventure ride, sand box, a playground built especially for kids with wheelchairs in mind and a large, wheelchair-accessible playscape will make the day fun for all. A carousel has adaptive electronic animals created to serve guests who are incapable of sitting upright, and will allow a friend or caregiver to sit next to them. Custom chariots designed for wheelchairs go up and down like the other creatures on the ride. A lake allows for catch and release fishing, or you can shoot a water cannon at brightly colored spinning targets, or pilot remote-controlled boats. Providing a number of stimulating experiences is a Sensory Village which includes a simulated test drive through San Antonio and a TV station that allows guests to do a weather forecast and see themselves on TV. There is even a Village Market with fun and colorful groceries providing interactive sensory stimulation through the use of colors, sounds, lights, and textures. And the one feature that really caught my attention was that the park has more than 30 traditional and adaptive swings including wheelchair swings. Now kids and adults do not have to sit on the side watching. They can enjoy the experience of swinging.
One of my daughters said that she was getting goose bumps as I told her about the park. I asked the special needs teachers their impression of the park and to describe it, all they say is that it's incredible, and wonderful, tremendous, and the most fun, a great place to take any child too. I am anxious to take my young grandchildren there next time they visit. I can't wait.
Jacquelyn Graham is the mother of 8 children and grandmother of 5. She also drives a school bus in her spare time. She is President of Operations at Fiesta Toy Store.
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