Accessible Theme Park is Coming to the Midwest

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A $338 million fully-accessible theme park and care campus is coming to the Midwest. It is designed by the family of a child with a disability.

A new development planned to launch in Kansas will feature Michael’s WonderWorld, a sports-themed amusement park built specifically with accessibility at its core.

The project is financed by Lamar Hunt Jr. and inspired by his grandson Michael Arkell who was born with a rare genetic condition and uses a wheelchair.

A young child sits secured in a supportive wheelchair that is positioned on an accessible playground swing platform. The swing is a large, black metal platform suspended by four thick chains. The child is barefoot and wearing a black T-shirt and shorts, with a supportive harness visible around their torso. A blue bag is tucked beneath the wheelchair seat. The child’s hands are raised slightly, and their facial expression appears engaged and focused.Two other children stand on either side of the swing, each holding one of the chains. On the left, a child wearing a light gray long-sleeve shirt, khaki shorts, white sneakers, and a light-colored baseball cap faces the swing while steadying it. On the right, another child wearing a light blue oversized sweater, light green shorts, white socks, and white Nike sneakers holds the chain and looks toward the child on the swing.The playground surface is a blue rubberized safety material. In the background, there is a black metal fence, leafless trees, benches, and a light-colored building. A closed yellow patio umbrella stands near the fence, and fallen leaves are scattered on the ground, suggesting a cool season.

The park will include more than 20 adaptive rides including what developers say will be the first wheelchair-accessible pendulum ride of its kind. Every attraction is being designed so children of all abilities can participate together.

Plans also include a multi-assistance medical office focused on individuals with special needs, a 150-room fully accessible hotel, a 4-D theater and a state-of-the-art sports arena.

The inspiration for Michael’s WonderWorld came after the family learned about Morgan’s Wonderland in Texas, a park created specifically for children with special needs. They saw firsthand how transformative an inclusive space could be and wanted to bring something similar to the Midwest.

For families across Kansas and beyond, Michael’s WonderWorld will be a place where accessibility is the starting point.

Accessible Theme Park is Coming to the Midwest

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