Robin Jerstad / Jerstad Photographics
SPECIAL MISSION
Behind every aquatics design lies the desire to improve people’s lives. But in the case of Morgan’s Inspiration Island, it was personal.
Morganu2019s Inspiration Island rnSan Antonio
Architect: Luna Middleman Architects
Aquatic Consultant: Aquatic Design & Engineering
Landscape Architect: TBG Partners
General Contractor: Joeris General Contractors, GH Industries
Pool/Waterfeature Contractor: Keith Zars Pools
Theming: Taylor Ochoa Communications
Structural Engineer: Lehmann Engineering
Civil Engineer: KFW Engineers & Surveying
MEP Engineer: HM3 Engineering Consultants
Morgan Hartman, daughter of philanthropist Gordon Hartman, lives with cognitive and physical disabilities. Gordon and his wife, Maggie, created Morgan’s Wonderland, a 25-acre non-profit amusement park named after their daughter and catering to those with disabilities.
SUPPLIER INFORMATION:
Controller/Filtration: Neptune-Benson
Interactive waterfeatures: WhiteWater West
Lockers: American Locker
Wheelchair design and development: Human Engineering Research Laboratory u2014 University of Pittsburgh; Stealth Products; Convaid, Ki Mobility; Accessible Designs; Stephen McCune Co.
This summer, the Hartmans and many partners added a spraypark called Morgan’s Inspiration Island. Like the amusement park, it is free of charge to those with disabilities.
Anchoring the tropically themed park is a seven-story lighthouse with rotating beacon on top. Six play features include Rainbow Reef, a warm-water splash pad specifically designed for guests who can’t tolerate regular water temperatures. A giant spouting octopus, starfish, sea turtle and six large squirting sea horses lend whimsy. A riverboat adventure snakes more than mile through a jungle setting and features a dock and vessels that allow users to walk or roll on and off more easily. Boats also feature lifts.
The Hartmans worked with a research laboratory and two firms to develop new technologies for waterproof wheelchairs.
Before the park opened, groups serving the special-needs community were invited to test the site for glitches.
