San Antonio is now home to the first "ultra-accessible" water park for people with physical or cognitive special needs, and admittance is free to special needs people of all ages!

KSAT-TV reports that Morgan's Inspiration Island opened its doors Saturday after two years of construction on the $17 million facility. The park is designed so that no attraction is inaccessible to special needs people or their family and friends.

According to ABC News, the park was opened before Friday to small groups so that staff could ensure that the park truly was accessible to everyone. Special RFID wristbands were developed for the park so that parents can allow their children to explore freely while they keep track of where they are.

Another incredible amenity of the park is a waterproof motorized wheelchair that uses compressed air to move. According to KSAT, these chairs are the first of their kind, and will allow people who use electric motor chairs to enjoy the park as well.

Morgan's Inspiration Island is part of Morgan's Wonderland, which is a fully-accessible theme park that opened in April of 2010. According to the park's website, owners Gordon and Maggie Hartman were inspired to open both the theme park and the water park after watching their special needs daughter, Morgan, try to interact and play with children who were wary of her because she was different.

The Hartman's are philanthropists who specialize in constructing homes for low-to-moderate income families and helping those with special needs.

From the looks of the two parks they created, it looks like they've done something truly unique and incredible for Texans of all abilities and walks of life.

While special needs people are admitted to the parks free of charge, some visitors are asked to pay, and it's recommended that people plan a visit ahead of time. You can see pricing and other details at morganswonderland.com.

 

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