SAN ANTONIO – Gordon and Maggie Hartman, who spearheaded creation of world-renowned, nonprofit Morgan’s Wonderland theme park and many other endeavors to help those with special needs and disabilities, will be inducted into the IAAPA (International Association of Parks and Attractions) Hall of Fame during March 3 ceremonies in Las Vegas.
“The IAAPA Hall of Fame award is the highest honor bestowed to professionals in the global attractions industry,” said IAAPA official Scott Fais. “These pioneers have made a significant contribution that’s led to the advancement of the entire industry. The IAAPA award serves as a testament to their unwavering commitment, outstanding achievements and lasting legacy.”
Inspired by Morgan, their daughter with special needs, the Hartmans created the world’s first and only theme park designed with children and adults with special needs in mind and built for everyone’s enjoyment. Thus far, Morgan’s Wonderland has attracted almost 3 million guests from all 50 states and more than 120 other countries, and all guests with special needs are admitted free of charge.
“Upon opening in 2010, guests found rides custom-designed to accommodate all riders,” Fais said. “Since then, the Hartman family has added Ultra-Accessible™, fully-inclusive attractions that include a splash park, a sports complex and a camp on San Antonio’s outskirts that offers a summer-camp-like experience year-round. For their vision that has changed perceptions and for their passion that has changed lives, IAAPA will welcome the Hartman family into the IAAPA Hall of Fame.”
The Hartmans expressed sincere appreciation to IAAPA “for acknowledging successes in pursuit of our mission of inclusion and, by doing so, recognizing the efforts of our dedicated employees and steadfast supporters, both organizations and individuals.”
The overwhelming success of Morgan’s Wonderland and the ventures that have followed led to the recent establishment of Morgan’s, the umbrella organization that coordinates planning, fundraising, marketing and communications for the Morgan’s Wonderland “family” of Ultra-Accessible™, fully-inclusive initiatives. The newest – Morgan’s MAC (Multi-Assistance Center) – embraces inclusion and provides coordinated medical and non-medical solutions to problems faced by children and adults with special needs. For more information, visit www.Morgans.org.
IAAPA is a diverse community of global attractions professionals and the largest international trade association for permanently-located attractions. Founded in 1918, IAAPA represents leading industry attractions and supplier companies, consultants and individual members from more than 100 countries. Members include professionals from amusement parks, theme parks, attractions, water parks, resorts, family entertainment centers, zoos, aquariums, science centers, museums, cruise lines, manufacturers and suppliers. For more information, visit www.IAAPA.org.
