Our Inspiration
Morgan Hartman may not fully realize it, but she has provided the spark for so many good things benefitting individuals like her with special needs. It all started during a family vacation when she thought it would be fun to splash and play with other kids in the hotel swimming pool. But much to Morgan’s dismay, they took their beach ball and vanished. Observing the painful look on Morgan’s face, her parents, Gordon and Maggie Hartman resolved then and there to create a fun, colorful, barrier-free environment where those with and without special needs could come together to have fun and better understand each other.
In 2010, Morgan’s Wonderland became the world’s first Ultra-Accessible™, fully-inclusive theme park. Morgan’s boundless love and ability to soar above her physical and cognitive challenges were the true inspiration for Morgan’s Wonderland. The park’s overwhelming success and Morgan’s ongoing positive influence have created many other opportunities for inclusion, such as Morgan’s Inspiration Island splash park, Morgan’s Camp, Morgan’s Sports, and Morgan’s Multi-Assistance Center (MAC).
Together they comprise Morgan’s, a nonprofit that coordinates planning, fundraising, and communication for the entire Morgan’s “family.” It is our sincere hope that inclusion will reign for all individuals with special needs through all of our unique entities.
The Visionary
A native San Antonian, Gordon Hartman began building homes when he was 19 and spent the next 22 years growing his companies into the city’s largest locally owned homebuilding and land development enterprise. In 2005, he sold those companies and, with his wife Maggie, established the Gordon Hartman Family Foundation. The foundation was inspired by their daughter Morgan, who was born with Tatton-Brown-Rahman Syndrome.
Gordon’s work has earned him induction into the Texas Business Hall of Fame and IAAPA Hall of Fame, as well as the Governor’s Trophy for lifetime achievement in support of Texans with disabilities. He and Maggie are signatories of the Giving Pledge, committing 95% of their financial resources to charitable causes.
Gordon credits the people who have joined him in turning ambitious ideas into reality. His guiding philosophy is simple: “Together, we ARE making a difference.”
Our Vision, Mission, and Values
Vision: A world where inclusion is the standard.
Mission: Elevate inclusion through innovation and collaboration for the benefit of all.
Values: Belonging. Excellence. Creating.
Ultra-Accessible™
Ultra-Accessible™ is a standard of going beyond compliance to design environments where barriers are eliminated and people of all abilities can share the same experiences, with equal access and
a sense of belonging.