Speechless love: Father builds $51mln theme park for daughter with disability

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It was a heartbroken moment for Gordon Hartman when he saw his daughter Morgan staring at him, with a look as if saying, “Dad I don’t understand”.

Morgan was trying to make friends with other children playing in a swimming pool, but failed at making connections.

Morgan, who was 12 years old at the time, had the cognitive understanding of a five-year-old. She was also diagnosed with a form of autism.

Photo via gordonhartman.com

Hartman then made the life-changing decision of building an all-inclusive theme park for his daughter and those in her shoes where they could feel comfortable and at ease.

A former property developer, he sold his business in 2005 and began construction of the park in 2007.

The park, called Morgan's Wonderland, with a fully-accessible Ferris Wheel, adventure playground and miniature train, set him back 34 million US dollars and opened in 2010 in San Antonio. One third of its employees have disabilities and entrance is free to visitors with disabilities.

Photo via gordonhartman.com

In the past seven years, the park has attracted over one million visitors from 67 countries, with or without disabilities. But the footfall did not translate in the bottom line of the business.

Gordon said the park loses over 1 million US dollars every year, which must be recovered through fundraising and partners.

Yet the wonderland is still expanding. This year, a fully-accessible water park, named Morgan's Inspiration Island, was opened next door. The park includes splash pads and a river ride which can be accessed by visitors on wheelchairs. The project cost 17 million US dollars.

Photo via gordonhartman.com

For Hartman, the most rewarding thing is to see Morgan playing happily, on the swings or in the sand zone.

He said Morgan has improved a lot over the years.

"She talks more and most of her physical issues have been taken care of through numerous surgeries. We're so proud of how far she has come."

Photo via gordonhartman.com