It's being called the world's first park for people with special needs, and it’s now open not far from Austin.
Morgan's Wonderland is an outdoor recreation oasis that is being built into an abandoned rock quarry in northeast San Antonio. The park is completely wheelchair-accessible, features more than 25 elements and attractions including rides, playgrounds, gardens, an eight-acre fishing lake, 18,000 square foot special events center, 575-seat amphitheater, picnic area and rest areas throughout the park.
Signature elements include rides that can accommodate wheelchair-bound guests; the Sensory Village, a cluster of themed spaces such as an auto fix-it shop, grocery store and TV station that offer sensory stimulation through colors, lights, sounds and textures; and the Sand Circle play area, where even kids in wheelchairs can scoop up sand and be part of the fun.
There is also a Garden Sanctuary offering a quiet retreat in the heart of the park. It has a semicircular Memorial Wall that will be engraved with names of loved ones with special needs who have passed away.
Other park features include Braille signage, a 3-D park model, 18 ADA-compliant restrooms, a first-aid station, vending machines and seven acres of free parking.
Admission for special-needs guests is free. Family members and friends pay $5. It’s open for a limited number of guests now and will have its grand opening April 10.
