SAN ANTONIO, TX, February 5, 2021 – Morgan’s Wonderland is now actively recruiting volunteers for the 2021 season that begins Friday, March 5, according to Brooke Kearney, chief mission officer for the Morgan’s Wonderland Inclusion Foundation (MWIF), which is assuming volunteer recruitment responsibilities heading into the new season.
MWIF, an outgrowth of the success of the world’s first theme park designed with individuals with special needs in mind and built for everyone’s enjoyment, coordinates planning, fundraising and communication among Morgan’s Wonderland and other ventures to help those who deal with physical and cognitive disabilities.
“Morgan’s Wonderland made the difficult decision to close for most of the 2020 season because of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Kearney, “so we’re looking for lots of volunteers to tackle multiple projects and help us regain our momentum. Currently, we’re seeking Morgan’s Wonderland volunteers, but in the future, there will be opportunities at Morgan’s Inspiration Island splash park, Morgan’s Wonderland Sports complex and soon-to-open Morgan’s Wonderland Camp.”
Those interested in volunteering their time to assist Morgan’s Wonderland guests, especially those with special needs, as well as handle maintenance tasks and tackle other projects as assigned can visit https://www.MorgansWonderland.com/MWIF/#volunteer to register.
Prospective volunteers must be at least 16 years old, undergo a background check and complete volunteer orientation before reporting for duty. They also must be able to work independently and unsupervised outdoors for a minimum of two hours at a time and abide by all Morgan’s Wonderland COVID-19 preventative measures, including wearing a face mask at all times.
Kearney said both individuals and groups can apply to become Morgan’s Wonderland volunteers. Groups of volunteers are especially needed to get the park ready to receive guests beginning March 5.
She added that businesses, corporations and community groups can sign up for the Morgan’s Wonderland Adopt-A-Spot program and assist park personnel with ongoing beautification, maintenance and special projects in 12 defined zones at Morgan’s Wonderland and Morgan’s Inspiration Island.
“Volunteers are absolutely vital to our long-term success,” Kearney said. “They make up approximately a third of our staffing, and this helps us to continue offering free admission to guests with special needs. We’re trying to make the process of volunteering as easy, enjoyable and fulfilling as possible.”
Non-profit Morgan’s Wonderland features more than 25 attractions including wheelchair-accessible rides, playscapes, gardens, an 8-acre catch-and-release fishing lake, 18,000-square-foot special-events center, 575-seat amphitheater, picnic area and rest areas throughout the park.
The inspiration for Morgan’s Wonderland came from philanthropists Gordon and Maggie Hartman’s 27-year-old daughter Morgan. Her soaring spirit despite personal challenges sparked within the Hartmans a deep desire to create a haven not only for those with special needs but also for their families, caregivers, friends and the general public. “Inclusion is the mission,” Gordon Hartman explained. “Everyone can have a good time at safe, colorful, barrier-free Morgan’s Wonderland.”
Morgan’s Wonderland is located at 5223 David Edwards Drive in Northeast San Antonio, a half-mile west of IH 35 near the intersection of Wurzbach Parkway and Thousand Oaks Drive. For more information, call (210) 495-5888.
