Lecture Notes: Inspiration and Impact of Morgan's Wonderland

Introduction

• Speaker expresses excitement about sharing the story of Morgan, an inspiration in their life.
• Morgan and her influence on the special needs community is the central theme.

Background

• Speaker's past in the home building and land development business for 21 years.
• Transition occurred in 2005 when they sold the business and sought new opportunities.
• Personal shift to spending more time with family, especially daughter Morgan.

About Morgan

• Morgan, an 18-year-old with special needs, struggles with basic math and reading.
• Physically, she has 26 screws, two rods, and hangers in her back.
• Despite challenges, Morgan maintains a positive attitude and inspires many.

Motivation for Change

• Inspired by Morgan's attitude, the speaker decided to focus on the special needs community.
• This led to the creation of a foundation aimed at supporting long-term community resources.

Creation of Morgan's Wonderland

• Concept arose from an incident at a hotel pool where Morgan was excluded from play.
• Speaker sought to create a place where special needs individuals and others could play together.
• Extensive research and brainstorming led to the development of a specialized park.

Design and Development

• Chose professionals without prior park-building experience to ensure innovative design.
• Emphasized safety and inclusivity: RFID tags for tracking, low crowd limits for comfort.
• Features attractions accommodating all abilities, such as an inclusive carousel and train.

Impact and Outreach

• Morgan's Wonderland is free for individuals with special needs, enhancing accessibility.
• Over 200,000 visitors from 34 countries have visited since its opening.
• The park fosters an inclusive environment, breaking down barriers between those with and without special needs.

Economic and Community Involvement

• Financial sustainability through adjacent 75-acre Soccer Park and professional soccer team.
• Soccer park also serves as a community awareness tool for special needs inclusion.
• Revenue and awareness support Morgan's Wonderland and the special needs community.

Vision and Legacy

• Morgan's Wonderland is more than a park; it's a movement for inclusion and acceptance.
• The story ends with a touching anecdote symbolizing the park as a piece of heaven on earth.

Conclusion

• The speaker thanks the audience for the opportunity to share this inspirational journey.