on the corresponding, state-mandated TEKS requirements. Classes can qualify for either the park’s group admission rate or a grant-funded admission rate. The Morgan’s Wonderland website contains specifics.
On specified Fridays, the Moms’ Coffee and Conversation Group meets. Mothers enjoy free coffee and conversation while their kids take part in an activity supervised by the Morgan’s Wonderland staff.
Morgan’s Wonderland works closely with Cub Scouts in helping them complete achievements, requirements, and electives, and the park proudly serves as a Girl Scouts Community Partner. Two Girl Scout Overnight Adventures have been added to the 2014 calendar.
2014 Special Events
For added guest enjoyment, Morgan’s Wonderland offers special events all season long. These include:
•July 4 – 4th of July Salute to the Military and First Responders.
•September 19 – Free to Soar Gala fundraiser benefitting Morgan’s Wonderland and Monarch Academy.
•October 31 – More Delightful Than Frightful Halloween benefit for the San Antonio Food Bank in cooperation with Rotary Clubs in Greater San Antonio.
•Friday and Saturday evenings from Nov. 28 through Dec. 20, plus Dec. 18, 19, 21, 22 and 23 – “A Wonderland Christmas,” colorful lights, seasonal decorations, and special holiday entertainment.
New Neighbors
Morgan’s Wonderland boasts a colorful new neighbor – 8,000-seat Toyota Field, home of the Scorpions. In 2010, Hartman secured a North American Soccer League (NASL) franchise to generate revenue for nonprofit Morgan’s Wonderland, thus helping to offset operating expenses as well as expand programs and services for the special-needs community. This is the first time in professional sports that a team has been organized to benefit the special-needs community. More information about the Scorpions is available at www.SAScorpions.com.
Another new Wonderland, Texas neighbor is the CRIT (Centro Rehabilitación Infantil Teletón) Texas, a $17-million, 45,000-square-foot clinic serving children with physical challenges. Modeled after successful CRITs in Mexico, Central America and South America, CRIT Texas is the first CRIT rehabilitation center to be built in the U.S. This venture of the Teletón USA Foundation is scheduled to open in October 2014. Morgan’s Wonderland will offer a recreational outlet to families whose children are undergoing treatment at the CRIT.
Other Initiatives
STRAPS (South Texas Regional Adaptive and Paralympic Sports) - STRAPS now offers athletes from all age groups an ability-dependent opportunity for sports competition in seven programs – wheelchair soccer, powerchair soccer, Paralympic Soccer, Special Olympics soccer, goalball (a sport similar to soccer for visually impaired athletes), wheelchair basketball, and wheelchair softball. Additional information can be found at www.strapssoccer.com.
Monarch Academy at Morgan’s Wonderland
Another outgrowth of Morgan’s Wonderland is nonprofit Monarch Academy, a school for students with special needs that opened in August, 2011. It’s a unique learning environment that enables students from ages 12 to 24 to reach their maximum individual potential. In addition to academic instruction, Monarch Academy focuses on equipping students with life skills that will help them become productive adults. Since Monarch Academy is located next door to Morgan’s Wonderland, students get to take their physical fitness classes in a theme park! Visit www.MonarchAcademy.net for more info.
For more information: Bob McCullough, APR, (210) 637-3418 or via email at [email protected].