Imagine being a little kid at an amusement park, watching the exciting rides and fun from afar, unable to join in because you have a disability. San Antonio homebuilder Gordon Hartman witnessed his daughter, who has cognitive and physical special needs, miss out on the city’s many attractions because they weren’t accessible. So, in 2010, he built the first theme park designed for people with special needs in his daughter’s honor. Morgan’s Wonderland is an incredible organization in our community, offering 25 acres of rides and activities. April is National Volunteer Month, and I can speak from firsthand experience about how rewarding it is to lend a helping hand to Morgan’s Wonderland. In addition to their amusement park, they have a multi-access center where families with special needs members can access essential services in one place, like social workers and health care services. I’ve volunteered at their legal clinic, my church has done community service there, and my children have all volunteered their time to help this cause. It’s gratifying to contribute to this one-of-a-kind organization that has brought joy, support, and fun to deserving families for 15 years. If you are looking for a way to give back this April, Morgan’s is a worthy cause, and they can’t do this vital work without the support of volunteers. This year, they are looking for ride assistants, safety monitors, helpers for their various programs, and volunteers for their special events. They also allow groups to come and help with various tasks like park beautification and event preparations. You can, of course, also support Morgan’s with a donation. Morgan’s Wonderland not only provides a wonderful volunteer opportunity but also allows you to witness the profound impact that accessible spaces and services have on families. Whether you donate your time, skills, or financial support, you’re helping to create lasting memories for individuals who might otherwise miss out on the joys of fun experiences like amusement parks. This April, I encourage you to get involved and support your community. Morgan’s Wonderland is a beautiful organization that proves a little kindness can make a world of difference. BUILDING A WORLD OF ACCESSIBLE FUN Morgan’s Wonderland Needs Your Help!
Rome’s Awesome Aquatic Battles THE COLOSSEUM’S WILDEST SPECTACLE The Roman Colosseum is famous for its gladiator combat, but did you know it was once flooded with water for full-scale naval battles? While this might sound like Hollywood fiction, it actually took place and is one of the more epic tales from Roman history. Known as naumachiae , a Greek term that translates to “naval combat,” these battles were a feat of ancient engineering and showcased Rome’s appetite for over-the-top entertainment. For a society captivated by lions and gladiators, transforming the iconic Colosseum into an aquatic battlefield was the ultimate flex — a bizarre yet undeniably brilliant display of Roman ingenuity and excess. The Spectacle of Naumachiae Imagine thousands of spectators cheering as tiny warships clashed in a flooded arena. Dating back to the third century B.C., these mock sea battles weren’t small staged skirmishes; they were elaborate naval reenactments complete with ships, soldiers, and condemned criminals and prisoners of war forced to play the role of combatants. In some cases, these spectacles recreated historical battles or mythological scenes. One naumachiae held by Nero in 57 A.D. even included seals and hippos. So, why did Romans go to such lengths? More than entertainment, naumachiae was a statement of imperial power. Such Roman spectacles entertained the masses while reinforcing the empire’s might. The Challenge of Arena Battles Of course, flooding the Colosseum was not easy. It’s believed the same aqueducts used to supply the city with water were also used to fill up the arena, and special flat-bottomed ships capable of navigating shallow waters made the events possible. The discovery of an ancient drainage system also provided new insights into how Roman engineers may have efficiently removed water from the arena to prepare it for other events. Why It’s More Than Just a Weird Story The logistical challenges of flooding an arena to a depth sufficient for floating ships eventually led them to abandon the naumachiae after only a handful of events. Yet, these extravagant displays reveal much about Roman culture. They highlight the empire’s unmatched ability to combine practicality and imagination to create spectacles that continue to captivate and inspire us centuries later.
To learn more about Morgan’s Wonderland and volunteer opportunities, visit MorgansWonderland.org .
– Michael Packard
2 PACKARDFIRM.COM
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