Opening Alert

World's first ultra-accessible water park makes waves in Texas

With temperatures rising in Texas, we're all looking to cool off. Now there's a place where everyone, including those with physical or cognitive special needs, can splash and play without barriers.

Morgan's Inspiration Island, the world's first ultra-accessible water park, recently opened at Morgan's Wonderland in San Antonio. And it’s free for anyone with a special need.

The 90,000-gallon, tropically-themed destination cost about $17 million to build. Highlights include a seven-story lighthouse, a river boat adventure ride, five play areas, two restaurants, and a sundries shop.

"Like Morgan's Wonderland, Morgan's Inspiration Island is not a special-needs park; it's a park of inclusion," says founder Gordon Hartman in a release. "Those without disabilities and those with, including individuals in wheelchairs, guests with hearing and visual impairments, and even guests on ventilators, will be able to play alongside each other and gain a greater appreciation of one another."

Every feature is wheelchair-accessible, and the park provides waterproof wheelchairs, including a first-of-its-kind waterproof motorized wheelchair, plus private areas where guests can transfer from their wheelchairs to the waterproof ones. Wristbands worn by children allow parents to track their whereabouts, special noise cues guide the visually impaired around the water elements, and there is even a warm water feature for guests with sensitivity to cold.

Morgan's Inspiration Island is the newest facet of Morgan’s Wonderland. The popular 25-acre theme park, inspired by Hartman's daughter, Morgan, debuted in 2010 with attractions tailored to suit a wide range of cognitive and physical needs.

Morgan's Inspiration Island is open daily through mid-August and on weekends in August and September. Like Morgan's Wonderland, the water park admits anyone with a special need free of charge. Guests are encouraged to book their tickets ahead of time, as part of the goal is to provide a comfortable — and not overly crowded — environment.

Morgan's Inspiration Island is now open.

Photo courtesy of Morgan's Wonderland

Morgan's Inspiration Island is now open.

Grand-slam opportunity

Meet a Texas Rangers legend at CultureMap Dallas' Tailgate event

Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

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CultureMap is making final preparations for The Tailgate presented by Verizon, our all-out celebration of Dallas sports and the fans who cheer for them. Taking place at The Empire Room on December 9, it will be an evening of food and fun that combines the best parts of tailgating with the cool vibe readers have come to expect of a CultureMap event.

Attendees who treat themselves to VIP tickets will get a variety of perks, including early access to the event, a dedicated VIP bar, and valet parking. As a special bonus, they'll also get a personal meet-and-greet with former Texas Rangers star and baseball legend Rafael Palmeiro.

Palmeiro played 20 seasons in Major League Baseball, including two separate stints with the Rangers, from 1989-1993 and from 1999-2003. One of only seven players in MLB history to amass 3,000 hits and 500 home runs in his career, Palmeiro was one of the most feared hitters of his era. In addition to the Rangers, he also played for the Chicago Cubs and Baltimore Orioles.

Fun fact: A decade after the end of his Major League career, Palmeiro briefly ended his retirement in 2015 at the age of 50 to appear in a single game for the Sugar Land Skeeters (of the independent Atlantic League), going 2-for-4 with one walk and one RBI. In 2018, at age 53, he suited up in 31 games for the Cleburne Railroaders (of the American Association), earning six home runs and 21 RBI.

Palmeiro lives in Colleyville with his wife, Lynne, and has two adult children: Patrick and Preston, both of whom have played professional baseball at the minor league level.

Attendees of The Tailgate will enjoy a range of experiences showcasing local sports and local food. Some of Dallas' hottest restaurants will be serving game day-inspired bites, including Anaya's Seafood, Cenzo’s Pizza & Deli, McRae's American Bistro & Cocktails, Le Rêve Gelato & Pâtisserie, Postino, Snuffer's, Y.O. Ranch Steakhouse, and more.

Don't forget to vote for your favorite wings in our bracket-style Ultimate Wing Showdown; the winner will be announced at the event.

The Tailgate will also shine a spotlight on local sports organizations, including the 2023 World Series champs Texas Rangers, who will be raffling off an autographed baseball to fans. The Frisco Roughriders' mascot, Bull Moose, will be on hand for fun giveaways. And Former FC Dallas soccer star Kenny Cooper will kick it with fans in a meet-and-greet.

Attendees can expect more revelry, games, and prizes courtesy of our event sponsors and local vendors, including Verizon, HOWDY, EIGHT Beer, and more.

Verizon and CultureMap are even giving away a VIP trip for two to Super Bowl LIX*. More details on how to enter here for a chance to win. To get into the spirit, Verizon and their Super Bowl bus will host a special appearance from a surprise celebrity athlete at Tailgate. (Who will it be??? Such suspense!)

Read more about the event here, and keep up on all Tailgate-related in our special editorial series of stories leading up to the event.

Tickets for The Tailgate are $75 for VIP and $50 for general admission. For a limited time, we’re giving you $15 off all tickets; use discount code RAFAEL at checkout. Get your tickets now.

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The Tailgate is presented by Verizon and sponsored by HOWDY, EIGHT Beer, and more to be announced.

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