MORGAN'S WONDERLAND

Calling all runners, walkers and strollers, this holiday season, you can move to promote inclusion!

On Friday at 7 p.m., KSAT meteorologist Adam Caskey is hosting the 12th annual gala for local nonprofit Morgan’s Wonderland. The event will be broadcast live on KSAT 12 and streamed on KSAT.com and our streaming platforms.

The airport collaborated with Gordon Hartman on the initiative.

Have spooky plans for Halloween this weekend? How about scoring a ticket to a theme park?

Bringing awareness and celebrating inclusion for those with special needs is something many of us are passionate about.

Morgan’s Wonderland is looking to add five new names to its Wall of Fame and is currently taking nominations for its 2021 class of heroes, according to a recent press release.

Special Olympics Texas’ (SOTX) annual Summer Games will once again be held in San Antonio.

Ready to experience a summer adventure like no other?

Get ready to experience a summer adventure like no other: To launch a summer of fully inclusive and ultra-accessible aquatic fun, Morgan’s Inspiration Island is now open at Morgan’s Wonderland.

Morgan's Wonderland's sports component is now open in San Antonio for inclusive play.

Morgan's Wonderland, San Antonio's ultra-accessible theme park, has opened a new, three-acre fitness complex that will operate with the same focus on being a place...

Visitors can play throughout the 30 different court or field combinations for sports including baseball and softball, tennis, pickleball, football, basketball and volleyball.

Nearly 2 million people have visited Morgan’s Wonderland since opening in 2010, and now the park is open for the 2021 season.

Do you know a compassionate caregiver who goes above and beyond to help an individual or group of people with special needs?

Vaccines are prioritized for those with special needs. The Gordon Hartman Foundation will distribute the COVID-19 vaccine on Thursday. The distribution event will take place at Morgan’s Wonderland, 5223 David Edwards Drive, from 4 to 7 p.m., according to an announcement by the park. “Priority will be given to those with special needs,” a release states. Also on KSAT:Morgan’s Wonderland reopens after a year-long hiatus due to COVID-19AdSpecial Olympics postpones 2021 Summer Games at Morgan’s Wonderland due to COVID-19 pandemicPfizer says its COVID-19 vaccine protects younger teens

The theme at Morgan’s Wonderland this year is “More Fun in ‘21,″ and it’s not just at the park. Morgan’s Wonderland Sports (MWS) is offering Super Sports Saturday this coming weekend from 9 a.m. to noon, in collaboration with Camp Xtreme and Texas Regional Para Sport, which will feature ultimate Frisbee, football and softball. Located next door to Morgan’s Wonderland and Morgan’s Inspiration Island, Morgan’s Wonderland Sports is a 3-acre, $4-million ultra-accessible sports complex, offering fitness and fun for athletes of all ages and all abilities. Designed with maximum flexibility, Morgan’s Wonderland Sports can be configured to meet the needs of various programs at any given time. This inclusive nonprofit could use your helpMorgan’s Wonderland reopens after a year-long hiatus due to COVID-19Its laser-poured concrete ensures accessibility standards, while custom tinting will minimize heat during the summer months.

Morgan’s Wonderland is now open for the 2021 season, and needs support from the community by recruiting volunteers to tackle multiple projects and help the group regain its momentum. “Currently, we’re seeking Morgan’sWonderland 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,” said Brooke Kearney, Chief Mission Officer for the Morgan’s Wonderland Inclusion Foundation. “We look forward to a fun and joyful year where we can make memories together and limit the spread of COVID-19,” said a representative for Morgan’s Wonderland. Safety precautionsTo limit person-to-person interaction and to assist with park capacity, Morgan’s Wonderland is requiring tickets to be purchased online prior to your visit. AdGuests who fail to respect safety guidelines will be asked to leave and consider returning when these measures are no longer in place.

SAN ANTONIO – This month marks one year since Morgan’s Wonderland has been shutdown due to the pandemic. “We have talked to doctors, we’ve talked to professors, we’ve talked to physicians, you name it,” Jessica Lizardo, general manager at Morgan’s Wonderland said. AdThere may not be any new rides to debut at Morgan’s Wonderland, but the staff said the biggest addition will be the joy families bring to the park. The theme park will continue to follow CDC, sate and local government guidelines. To plan your visit to Morgan’s Wonderland, click here.

To help the community during this difficult time, KSAT12 recently donated $25,000 towards the Let’s Help SA fund. By donating $25,000 to the “Let’s Help SA” project with Morgan’s Wonderland, we can help the city get back on the road to healing. These organizations are SAMMinistries, the San Antonio Food Bank and Haven for Hope. Haven for Hope provides, coordinates and delivers an efficient system of care for people experiencing homelessness in San Antonio. AdThe Let’s Help SA emergency fund will be open for donations through 11:59 pm this Sunday, February 28.

These organizations are SAMMinistries, the San Antonio Food Bank and Haven for Hope. The San Antonio Food Bank provides food to those in need. AdHaven for Hope provides, coordinates and delivers an efficient system of care for people experiencing homelessness in San Antonio. To help the community during this difficult time, KSAT12 recently donated $25,000 towards the Let’s Help SA fund. By donating $25,000 to the “Let’s Help SA” project with Morgan’s Wonderland, we can help the city get back on the road to healing.

Morgan’s Wonderland is looking forward to opening on Friday, March 5 for its 12th season. As the world’s first theme park of its kind, Ultra-Accessible Morgan’s Wonderland has always been committed to the health and safety of its guests and staff. In accordance with CDC, state and local government guidelines, the park has modified policies and procedures around the park. Safety precautionsTo limit person-to-person interaction and to assist with park capacity, Morgan’s Wonderland is requiring tickets to be purchased online prior to your visit. Guests who fail to respect our safety guidelines will be asked to leave and consider returning when these measures are no longer in place.

SAN ANTONIO – An emergency fund was set up Monday to help San Antonio residents recover from last week’s devastating winter storm. “Our research indicates the greatest needs right now are food, water and shelter,” Hartman said. A companion relief effort, SAWS’ Community Pipe Repair Fund, has been established to help pay for urgently-needed plumbing repairs, said San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg. AdThe fund will provide help for San Antonio Water System residential customers in Bexar County who suffered water pipe damage in their homes due to the storm, Nirenberg said. “The program will prioritize emergency pipe repair that risks causing harm to life, health or safety of the occupants,” Nirenberg said.

SAN ANTONIO – Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Morgan’s Wonderland, an inclusive San Antonio theme park built for people of all abilities, was forced to temporarily close. To kick off the new year, the theme park proudly announced that guests will be able to return on Friday, March 5, just in time for spring break. The nonprofit is also introducing its latest addition, Morgan’s Wonderland Camp. Located on the northern outskirts of San Antonio, near the intersection of Bulverde and Evans roads, nonprofit Morgan’s Wonderland Camp is only a 20-minute drive from Morgan’s Wonderland. Guests will be required to buy tickets online before visiting the theme park, due to capacity limits.

TOM REEL, STAFF / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWSSan Antonio families can enjoy outdoor fun safely as Morgan's Wonderland is set to reopen later this year. According to their website, the theme park will open March 5 for their 12th season. "While the start of 2021 may look a little different than years past, we remain committed to providing a safe, clean, and beautiful environment, free of physical and economic barriers that all individuals – regardless of age, special need or disability – can enjoy," their website states.

The views expressed in this article are those of the advertiser and do not necessarily reflect those of this site or affiliated companies. The COVID-19 pandemic may have temporarily closed Morgan’s Wonderland in 2020, but work is still going on to make it bigger and better, spreading its message for inclusion. Morgan’s Wonderland has several projects in the works right now, including the Multi-Assistance Center. The MAC, as it’s also known, is set for construction in late January with 165,000 square feet. Morgan’s Wonderland is anticipating opening its doors in mid-2022 for The MAC.

The advertiser paid a fee to promote this sponsored article and may have influenced or authored the content. SAN ANTONIO – The COVID-19 pandemic may have closed Morgan’s Wonderland, but that has not stopped the nonprofit from continuing its mission of inclusion. This year, the group is offering an Online Giving Tree and is asking the community to consider purchasing a gift within your means to donate to Morgan’s Wonderland, or to purchase an item from its Amazon Wishlist. Holiday gift-giving support will allow Morgan’s Wonderland to continue to impact many lives well into next year. To register for the Online Giving Tree, click or tap here.

SAN ANTONIO – The COVID-19 pandemic may have closed Morgan’s Wonderland, but that has not stopped the nonprofit from continuing its mission of inclusion. This year, the group is offering an Online Giving Tree and is asking the community to consider purchasing a gift within your means to donate to Morgan’s Wonderland or purchase an item from its Amazon Wishlist. Holiday gift-giving support will allow Morgan’s Wonderland to continue to impact many lives well into 2021. The nonprofit group is also holding a virtual Snowball 5K on Dec. 19. To register for the Online Giving Tree, click or tap here.

SAN ANTONIO – Morgan’s Wonderland is once again ensuring that everyone can play together by teaming up with the YMCA on Sunday to open its first ever inclusive field. The field allows anyone, regardless of their physical or mental ability, to play on it. According to a statement by the park, the field is capable of hosting baseball and softball games. You can watch the full story in the video player above. Related: Morgan’s Wonderland celebrates 10th anniversary with virtual gala

The advertiser paid a fee to promote this sponsored article and may have influenced or authored the content. The views expressed in this article are those of the advertiser and do not necessarily reflect those of this site or affiliated companies. Morgan’s Wonderland may be closed due to the pandemic, but that doesn’t mean you can’t stay connected to the park and the resources it provides. Following the success of the park’s virtual Memory Matters Meetup program, the park is now launching MemorAbility, a virtual program for family members and caregivers of individuals with special needs who may also be dealing with Alzheimer’s disease-related dementias. Many of the staff members are Dementia Friends certified through Dementia Friends USA, an organization that advocates in changing the way people think, act and talk about dementia.

Parents, if you need something fun to do with the kids, there’s a fun and safe drive-thru event coming up. The people at Morgan’s Wonderland invite you to join them for a Halloween Drive-Thru on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Morgan’s Wonderland, the world’s first fully inclusive, ultra-accessible nonprofit theme park, is currently closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Donations can be dropped off inside Morgan’s Wonderland Welcome Center, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Morgan’s Wonderland staff and volunteers will be following COVID-19 CDC guidelines.

The views expressed in this article are those of the advertiser and do not necessarily reflect those of this site or affiliated companies. While Morgan’s Wonderland made the difficult decision to close for the remainder of the 2020 season due to COVID-19, that included delaying the grand opening of Morgan’s Wonderland Sports. Morgan’s Wonderland Sports is a three-acre ultra-accessible sports complex, offering fitness and fun for athletes of all ages and all abilities, the group said. “It’s the latest addition to our growing ‘family’ of ultra-accessible, fully inclusive facilities for those with and without special needs,” said Gordon Hartman, CEO and founder of Morgan’s Wonderland. “Just like Morgan’s Wonderland, we are ultra-inclusive and we all about inclusion," said Brooke Matula, recreation therapy director for Morgan’s Wonderland Sports.

So while the park is closed for now, that doesn’t mean you can’t lend a hand. Morgan’s Wonderland Inclusion Foundation, a new nonprofit, will coordinate fundraising and planning among all Morgan’s Wonderland-associated projects for years to come, including The MAC (Multi-Assistance Center), the group said. [RELATED: ‘Captain Inclusion’ promotes superpowers of kindness and acceptance for kids at home]The closure of the nonprofit parks will have a dramatic economic impact – a loss estimated at more than $1.3 million, according to Morgan’s Wonderland. Click here for more details on how you can support this mission of inclusion, or simply text MWCHEERS to 797979 to donate today. During the virtual gala through Sunday, if you enter the promo code MWCHEERS in the Favor app, you can get free service from the delivery company.

Morgan’s Wonderland, the world’s first fully inclusive, ultra-accessible nonprofit theme park, is closed due to the pandemic, and had to cancel its annual in-person fundraising gala. But regardless of the COVID-19 pandemic, Morgan’s Wonderland has decided to gather together -- well, apart, but together -- for its annual gala. Whether you’re joining the virtual event or want to get involved in another way, here’s the inside scoop on what to expect for this year’s “Cheers to Ten Years” virtual gala. “The success of Morgan’s Wonderland has generated many new exciting ventures for us to help our friends with special needs,” said Ron Morander, CEO of Morgan’s Wonderland. Morgan’s Wonderland Inclusion Foundation (MWIF), a new nonprofit, will coordinate fundraising and planning among all Morgan’s Wonderland-associated projects for years to come, including The MAC (Multi-Assistance Center), the group said.

SAN ANTONIO – Mark your calendars, you’re invited to Morgan’s Wonderland “Cheers to Ten Years” Virtual Gala! This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Morgan’s Wonderland has decided to gather together apart for its annual gala. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Morgan’s Wonderland made the difficult decision to remain closed for the remainder of 2020. Morgan's Wonderland“As a nonprofit organization, Morgan’s Wonderland relies on our community to support us in growing our mission of inclusion,” said Gordon Hartman, founder of Morgan’s Wonderland. “Your generosity will benefit our new Morgan’s Wonderland Inclusion Foundation (MWIF), which has been created to support the entire Morgan’s Wonderland “family” including Morgan’s Wonderland, Morgan’s Inspiration Island, Morgan’s Wonderland Sports, Morgan’s Wonderland Camp and the Multi-Assistance Center at Morgan’s Wonderland or The MAC,” Hartman said.

SAN ANTONIO – Day 1 of the Morgan’s Wonderland blood drive is complete, and organizers hope to have just as good a turnaround for the drive’s second day. The blood drive is in partnership with the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center (STBTC). Morgan’s Wonderland staff members say they know this is a community need with which they can assist. "Due to COVID-19, right now giving blood and donating blood is extremely important to our community," Morgan's Wonderland Chief Missions Officer Brooke Kearney said. Click here for the link to sign up for the blood drive.

SAN ANTONIO The South Texas Blood & Tissue Center announced today that the founder of Morgans Wonderland and a park executive donated plasma on Wednesday to help the San Antonio community combat COVID-19. The center is the only organization in the area collecting convalescent plasma that can be transfused directly to patients with COVID-19. The community blood center has supplied more than 6,000 convalescent plasma doses to patients in area hospitals to date. The average convalescent plasma donation provides enough for three doses, and a donor can give every four days. Limited slots remain open for Morgans Wonderland blood driveThe blood center is taking donations by appointment only at the Donor Pavilion in San Antonio and its donor room in Victoria.

The advertiser paid a fee to promote this sponsored article and may have influenced or authored the content. The views expressed in this article are those of the advertiser and do not necessarily reflect those of this site or affiliated companies. SAN ANTONIO Morgans Wonderland, the worlds first fully inclusive, ultra-accessible nonprofit theme park may be closed due to the pandemic, but that hasnt stopped the park from sharing its mission of inclusion, friendship and kindness. Morgans Wonderland mascot Professor Flutterwing, portrayed by Schedel Luitjen, along with his colleague Dr. Kindly, shared ways in which everyone -- all ages and abilities -- can be ambassadors of kindness. I study kindness in the world in human beings or in creatures in the animal kingdom, Luitjen said.

SAN ANTONIO Morgans Wonderland, an amusement park for individuals with mental and physical disabilities, is not letting the current health crisis stop them from delivering joy to families this summer. The parks Delivering Joy team started arriving at the homes of program nominees the week of July 20. The team, led by the parks butterfly mascot, Joy, began making its rounds to homes in the area to uplift spirts with entertainment. On May 28, we announced the difficult-but-necessary decision to close Morgans Wonderland for the rest of 2020, Hartman said in a press release. We received so many heartfelt messages that inspired us to think out of the box, outside the park, to go beyond Morgans Wonderland.

SAN ANTONIO Morgans Wonderland, the worlds first fully inclusive, ultra-accessible nonprofit theme park is closed due to the pandemic, but that doesnt mean you cant stay connected to the park. To help the community feel included at home, Morgans Wonderland hosts a free program -- Memory Matters Meet-up -- twice a month for people who have been diagnosed with Alzheimers disease-related dementias and their caregivers. Individuals with Alzheimers disease-related dementias engage in socialization activities online, as well as presentations and information provided for caregivers, said Morgans Wonderland edutainment director Nikki Young. We want to provide that support service.Caregivers and those who are dealing with Alzheimers disease-related dementias will engage in a series of educational sessions presented by the Alzheimers Association. Technology has actually brought more people together for this program.In addition to Zoom meetups, all ages and all abilities can enjoy entertaining and educational videos about inclusion and friendship through the Morgans Wonderland YouTube channel.

Although closed for the remainder of the 2020 season due to COVID-19, Morgans Wonderland remains focused on sharing its mission of inclusion. Morgans Wonderland is a fully inclusive and ultra-accessible theme park for individuals of all ages and abilities. To help spread cheer and positivity during this unprecedented time, Captain Inclusion (aka David Pitts) and Joy the butterfly are ambassadors of goodwill at the park. SA Live kicks off new series, Inclusion Tuesday with Morgans Wonderland to help connect with children at homeMorgans (Wonderland) emphasizes superpowers like kindness, friendship, acceptance and, of course, my personal favorite, inclusion -- thats why they call me Captain Inclusion, Pitts said. Everybody is included at Morgans Wonderland.With the park closed, the group has pivoted to offer more virtual activations, conversations and events.

SAN ANTONIO Today at 1 p.m. on SA Live, Inclusion Tuesday with Morgans Wonderland, Try It Tuesday with Mike & Fionas dogs, a slow-moving sloth youll be fast friends with, advice for sports collectors and more. Share your canine movie picks on the @SALiveKSAT Facebook and Twitter pages, and dont forget to follow us on Instagram! Morgans Wonderland shares a new program to deliver joy to doorsteps across the San Antonio area. SA Live airs weekdays at 1 p.m. on KSAT 12. Stream the show anytime from the KSAT TV app on Roku, Fire Stick, your smart TV or your smartphone.

SAN ANTONIO A local nonprofit amusement park may be closed for the rest of the year due to COVID-19, but that doesnt mean it cant deliver joy. Morgans Wonderland is bringing the happy to the front doors of people in San Antonio who need a lift during this pandemic through the Delivering Joy program. Delivering Joy is one of our new programs and we are really excited about it, Kearney said. One of our favorite things is when people come to the park is the joy we see in our guests faces, and one of the biggest things is when they get to meet Joy, our butterfly mascot, we wanted to bring Joy to you.To nominate someone for a Joy the Butterfly visit, click here. Each Delivering Joy visit will be unique to the level of joy needed by each individual, said Nikki Young, the parks director of entertainment.

SAN ANTONIO Right now, we could all use a little joy in our lives and Morgans Wonderland wants to do just that to those who need it the most. The Delivering Joy team is now accepting nominations for people who may need something uplifting in their lives right now. Our doors may be currently closed, but were committed to safely delivering joy to the front doors of our friends who need it most, park founder Gordon Hartman said. Morgans Wonderland sculpture symbolizes bright future on 10-year anniversaryEach special visit will be different and unique. You can go to the parks website to nominate a person needing some joy in their lives and beginning the week of July 20 the Delivering Joy team will start making visits.

The advertiser paid a fee to promote this sponsored article and may have influenced or authored the content. SAN ANTONIO Morgans Wonderland made the difficult but necessary decision during the pandemic to close the park for the rest of the 2020 season. Gordon Hartman, founder of Morgans Wonderland and Morgans dad, and his team have been brainstorming ways to go beyond wonderland and still help everyone at home while staying safe together. Morgans Wonderland has been a nonprofit, accessible theme park in San Antonio for guests of all ages and abilities throughout the past 25 years -- and it became the worlds first theme park designed with special-needs individuals in mind and built for everyones enjoyment. In each Inclusion Tuesday feature on SA Live, Hartman, a friend of Morgans Wonderland, will discuss some fun ways kids can stay connected with the park during the pandemic.

SAN ANTONIO Inclusion Tuesday is all about making everyone feel welcome and accepted. SA Live is teaming up with Morgans Wonderland to teach you and the kiddos about tough topics and understanding differences. Have a happy Tuesday, San Antonio! And be sure to stop in on the SA Live Facebook and Twitter pages to let us know your outdoor summer plans. Stream the show anytime from the KSAT TV app on Roku, Fire Stick, your smart TV or your smartphone.

Its hard to figure out where we can go, but the KSAT Kids page has it all figured out for you. We will continue you to update you all summer long to make sure you dont miss out on any fun. Taco Cabana has free lunch for kids all summer long at all Texas locations. We cant forget about our critter alert for this week, and we tell you all about apple snails and why you should report one if you see it. To stay on top of the latest KSAT Kids content, sign up for our newsletter or follow the KSAT Kids pages on Facebook and Twitter.

SAN ANTONIO Morgans Wonderland, the San Antonio theme park designed to bring together people with and without special needs, will remain closed through 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, officials announced Thursday. Arriving at this conclusion has been truly heart-wrenching, said Gordon Hartman, founder of The Gordon Hartman Family Foundation that helped create the park. The Morgans Wonderland sports complex is being considered for limited use with final details coming soon, according to the news release. Anyone interested in supporting Morgans Wonderland, a nonprofit park, can visit www.MorgansWonderland.com for more information. This past year, TripAdvisor inducted Morgans Wonderland into its Certificate of Excellence Hall of Fame.

Morgan's Wonderland is teaming up with the Edwards Aquifer Authority for its next venture in inclusion a summer camp experience for those with and without special needs.