Universal Access Program P.O. Box 484 . Amherst, MA 01004 . (413) 545-5353 Volume 17, Issue 1. Winter 2013 Before You Go: 1.) Pre Register: Get into the activity sooner when you ar- rive! Come with your waiver filled out! http://www.mass.gov/ dcr/universal_access/ docs/waiver.pdf 2.) In the event of poor weather: Call the following numbers for program status: Eastern MA: (617) 626 1294 Western MA: (413) 545 5758 3.) Need to cancel? Running late? Call and leave a mes- sage so we know. Check Out Our Blog: http:// www.everyoneoutdoors.blogspot.com Photos by Marcy Marchello and other UA P staff. Trails, Bridges and Boardwalks A number of projects have already or are about to come on online, that offer greater access to the outdoors. Each project offers a unique and exciting opportunity to ex- perience our parks in an easy fashion that the whole family can enjoy. Houghton’s Pond The Marigold Marsh Boardwalk and Interpretive Signage Project at Houghton's Pond at DCR’s Blue Hills Reservation will give all visitors an up close and intimate view of the “Marigold Marsh” as you head to the new bathhouse and the beach at Houghton's Pond. This project underscores DCR's commitment to providing quality recrea- tion and access to people of all abilities. The gen- tly winding and gradually sloping pathway greatly enhances the experience of the accessible route to the beach. In addition to the new boardwalk and access route to the bathhouse, the beach at Houghton's Pond has been made accessible by a pathway leading to the beach and the use of over-the-sand rollout matting. Please check the information page on our website to get further updates as to the date for the Marigold Marsh ribbon-cutting event. Wells State Park The accessible trail at Wells State Park was reconstructed this past summer after being damaged by Hurricane Irene. This beautifully reconstructed trail has better surfacing and offers a new stone stabi- lized bridge. The loop trail takes you through some beautifully for- ested areas in and around a wetland area, where you are sure to find many interesting things to look at. Mount Tom State Reservation Mount Tom State Reservation has completed a new bridge over the wooded section of Lake Bray with a link trail connecting it to the exist- ing accessible trail. This new project opens an area not previously accessible to people with mobility impairments. The trail connection component should be completed by this coming spring and will offer a wonderful new experi- ence for visitors to this park. These projects are but a few of the new improvements made to our parks to improve accessibility. Please come out and enjoy your state parks! Bridge at Mount Tom State Reservation Trails at Wells State Houghton’s Pond Adaptive Skating - Games on Ice! Come join the fun at our Adaptive Skating- Games on Ice Program in Boston or Holyoke! Lace up a pair of conventional skates, use an ice sled, or try out your wheelchair on the ice. Propel yourself with small hockey sticks or be pushed around the rink by a friend. The whole rink is ours to play on! Activities on the ice include an obstacle course, a tower of blocks for building up and crashing down, races, tons of colorful balls and pucks to shoot around, power chair games and a gentle game of hockey! Admission and equipment are provided free of cost! Ice sleds, skate walkers, helmets, yak trax and ice skates are available. Fitzpatrick Skating Rink in Holyoke Sundays: 1:30PM 3: 30PM January 20 February 10 March 10 Thursday: 2:30PM - 4:30PM February 21 For more information and to register call 413-545-5758 or email marcy.marchello@state.ma.us Cronin Skating Rink in Revere Tuesdays: 11:30AM–1:30PM December 11 February 19 March 12 April 2 For more information and to register call 617-626-1294 or email gigi.ranno@state.ma.us Sled Skate on Your Own! Use Ice Sleds on your own during public skating hours at state skating rinks in the following towns: Auburn, Boston, Brighton, Brockton, Cambridge, Franklin, Jamaica Plain, Greenfield, Holyoke, Hyde Park, Medford, Newburyport, North Ad- ams, Plymouth, Revere, Somerville, Springfield, Taunton, West Roxbury and Worcester. For more info: Call The Universal Access Program at (413) 545-5758 or go to www.mass.gov/dcr/skating Ice Skating Opportunities! Ice Skating at the Asiaf Rink in Brockton This adaptive skating program takes place during public skating time on a separate section of the rink. Ice sleds and skate walkers are available! Call All Out Adventures to sign up: (413) 527-8980 Sundays: 1:30PM–3:30PM January 13, 27 February 10, 24 Volunteers Needed ! Call 413-545-5758 Mt. Tom State Reservation Snowshoeing, kicksledding, cross-country skiing, ice skat- ing and winter explorations as conditions permit in Holyoke. Call All Out Adventures to sign up. (413) 527-8980 11:00AM–3:00PM Saturdays: January 19 February 2 February 16 and Wednesday: February 20 Wendell State Forest Explore the wilder side of winter in western Massachusetts. All activities, including snowmobile rides, as conditions permit. Call All Out Adventures to sign up. (413) 527-8980 11:00AM–3:00PM Saturdays: January 12 and 26 February 9 and 23 Volunteer Training: January 5 Weston Ski Track Come to DCR’s Leo J. Martin Golf Course in Weston to enjoy cross-country skiing, kick- sledding and snowshoeing on a groomed course. Call Stavros Outdoor Access to sign up. (413) 259-0009 12:00PM–4:00PM Sundays: January 27 February 3 and 24 March 3 and Monday: February 18 D.A.R. State Forest Snowshoeing, kicksledding, cross-country skiing, enjoy- ing a campfire and winter explorations as conditions permit in Goshen. Call Stavros Outdoor Access to sign up. (413) 259-0009 11:00AM–3:00PM Wednesdays: January 23 February 13 March 6 Volunteer Training: January 9 Outdoor Programs DCR UNIVERSAL ACCESS PROGRAM 2013 PARTICIPANT REGISTRATION FORM Please complete one form for each adult participant. Children may be registered along with an adult family member on the same form with adequate description. You must be a parent or legal guardian to register children under 18 years old. The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) reserves the right to deny its services and/or your participation in any of its programs, or those that are conducted by its contractors or other service providers, to any individual (or legal representa- tive) for any reason, including but not limited to failure to complete and sign this Registration Form and the Release of Liabil- ity & Photographs. DCR or its contractors will make reasonable efforts to have you sign new Registration and Release Forms for each calendar year; however, you agree that the Registration and Release Forms you sign today will extend into other cal- endar years and continue to be effective. General Information: Name(s):_____________________________________________________________________________ Address _____________________________________________________________________________ City________________________________ State_________________ Zip_______________________ Phone______________________________ Email*__________________________________________ Sex_______ Height______________ Weight______________ Birth date_________________________ Would you prefer to receive a twice yearly newsletter of activities via ____e-mail or _____mail? Emergency Contact Information: Name_______________________________________ Relationship______________________________ Address_____________________________________________________________________________ Home Phone_________________ Cell Phone__________________ Work Phone_________________ Medical Information Please check all medical conditions you have or have had in the past: __Asthma __Stroke __Seizure Disorder __Heart Disease __Heart Attack __Traumatic/Acquired Brain Injury __Diabetes __Bleeding Disorder __COPD __High Blood Pressure __Alzheimers/Dementia __Use of bladder/bowel bag __Weakness or Paralysis of Extremities: __Left __Right __Life Threatening Allergies: Explain ___________________________________________________________ (Example: bee sting, peanuts, etc.) Do you carry an EpiPen for this allergy? __Yes __No __Other (Please explain) ______________________________________________________________________ Registration Form continued: __Please explain any Medical Information checked on front page;_______________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Do you carry or take medication? __Yes __ No ______ If yes, please describe ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Do any of these medications or conditions make you sensitive to sun and/or heat? __Yes __No ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Confidential Questions So we can better serve your needs, all participants must complete the following: Yes No o o Do you have experience with outdoor recreation? o o Do you have a tendency to wander away from groups? Can you: o o Swim? o o Independently form a watertight seal with your mouth? o o Independently hold your head up in the water? o o Independently turn your body face up in the water while wearing a life jacket? o o Can you alert program staff to your needs? o o Can you follow multi-step instructions? o o Will a Personal Care Assistant accompany you? If yes, please provide his/her name___________________________________________________________ o o Will you be able to refrain from behaviors that pose a risk to yourself and/or others? (i.e. Pica behaviors, aggression, inability to set boundaries, lack of safety awareness) Please explain or offer any additional information you feel program staff should be aware of for your safety and comfort, including any special accommodations needed: ________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ Optional: Veteran Status: __yes I have served in the U.S. military __no I am not a veteran Please check your interests: ____XC Skiing ____Ice Skating ____ Snowmobiling ____Snowshoeing____ Cycling ____ Hiking ____ Kayaking ____Canoeing ____Rowing ____Sailing ____Camping _____Nature Programs ____ Horseback Riding ____Events ____Outdoor Games ____Fishing _____Other:________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ DCR UNIVERSAL ACCESS PROGRAM 2013 RELEASE OF LIABILITY & PHOTOGRAPHS Please complete one release for each adult participant. Children may be registered along with an adult family member on this release at the bottom. You must be a parent or legal guardian to register children under 18 years old. The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) reserves the right to deny its services and/or your participation in any of its programs, or those that are conducted by its contractors or other service providers, to any individual (or legal representative) for any rea- son, including but not limited to failure to complete and sign the Registration Form and the Release of Liability & Photo- graphs. DCR or its contractors will make reasonable efforts to have you sign new Registration and Release Forms for each calendar year; however, you agree that the Registration and Release Forms you sign today will extend into other calendar years and continue to be effective. Waiver and Release of Liability& Photographs The undersigned, on behalf of the below mentioned participant, in connection with his/her participation in events held by DCR’s Universal Access Program hereby release the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Con- servation and Recreation, and its employees, permittees, agents, representatives, volunteers and other governmental entities working for or with DCR (“Providers”) from any and all liability, loss, damages, costs, claims and/or causes of action, including but not limited to property damage and emotional and bodily injuries, including death, arising in any way from my or my child’s or ward’s enrollment or participation in any program, course or recreational activity of every type and description provided or sponsored by the Providers. I understand that my or my child’s or ward’s participation in such program, course or recreational activity may involve risk and the possibility of injury to myself or to my child or ward, and to others, and of property damage. I hereby release and hold the Providers harmless from liability for any such injury or damage, whether incurred by me, my minor child or my ward, and including any injury that may occur as a result of emergency care provided by the Providers. I also hereby indemnify the Pro- viders from any liability, loss, damages, costs, claims and/or causes of action brought by the minor child, the ward, or members of the minor child’s or ward’s family arising from their enrollment or participation, and from claims of others who I or my child or ward injure while participating in such program, course or recreational activity, includ- ing any injury that may occur as a result of emergency care provided to others by the Providers. The undersigned, on behalf of the below mentioned participant, in connection with his/her participation in events held by DCR’s Universal Access Program, gives my permission for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, including it DCR, to use photographs and/or videotape of me or the participant for publicity and media purposes, including but not limited to internet publications and inclusion in any DCR publication. ________________________________________ __________________________________________ PARTICIPANT NAME – Print Clearly Participant’s Age ________________________________________ __________________________________________ Participant’s Signature DATE If participant is under 18 years of age: Additional Name(s) _______________________________ ____________________________________ _______________________________ ____________________________________ _______________________________ ____________________________________ Signature of Parent/Guardian required Kathy Lowry, a Landscape Architect with the Universal Access Program, retired on September 30 of this year. She will be deeply missed by many at DCR and beyond, but most of all by the UAP staff. In her almost 20-year relationship with The Universal Access Program, Kathy led the accessibility improvement work on too many projects to name. From accessible trails, fishing areas, scenic viewing areas, beach access areas and swimming pools, to building improvements, updated camping areas, winter recreation access and much, much more. Her work helped to make the Massachusetts State Park system one of the most welcoming to people of all abilities in the nation. Thanks to Kathy, people with disabilities, along with their family and friends, now have a wide range of choices for outdoor recreation activities they can access independently. Kathy's work also improved areas where accessible recreation programs can now take place, adding even more recreation choices for the disability community. Kathy's keen sense of natural aesthetics and good taste in design, along with her love of nature and the environment, added up to accessible improvements that reflected a sensitivity to place and surroundings rarely seen in adaptive design. We say goodbye to a tremendous resource in her depth of knowledge and talent that will be impossible to replace. We wish Kathy all the best as she focues on her painting, travels and enjoys her many other interests now that she has a little more time to explore. Best of luck and warm wishes for many happy days ahead. The UAP Staff Thank You Kathy Lowry! Wendell State Forest Warming Room Mt.Mt. Tom State Reservation Skating at Wendell State Forest CALENDAR OF EVENTS: Date Day Time Location Town Theme December 2 Sunday 1:30-3:30 Fitzpatrick Rink Holyoke Adaptive Skating-Games On Ice December 11 Tuesday 11:30-1:30 Cronin Rink Revere Adaptive Skating-Games On Ice January 12 Saturday 11:00-3:00 Wendell State Forest Wendell Outdoor Recreation January 13 Sunday 1:30-3:30 Asiaf Rink Brockton Public Skating/Assisted January 19 Saturday 11:00-3:00 Mt. Tom Holyoke Outdoor Recreation January 20 Sunday 1:30-3:30 Fitzpatrick Rink Holyoke Adaptive Skating-Games On Ice January 23 Wednesday 12:00-4:00 D.A.R. State Forest Goshen Outdoor Recreation January 26 Saturday 11:00-3:00 Wendell State Forest Wendell Outdoor Recreation January 27 Sunday 12:00-4:00 Weston Ski Track Weston X-Country Skiing/ Snowshoeing January 27 Sunday 1:30-3:30 Asiaf Rink Brockton Public Skating/Assisted February 2 Saturday 11:00-3:00 Mt. Tom Holyoke Outdoor Recreation February 3 Sunday 12:00-4:00 Weston Ski Track Weston X-Country skiing/ Snowshoeing February 9 Saturday 11:00-3:00 Wendell State Forest Wendell Outdoor Recreation February 10 Sunday 1:30-3:30 Fitzpatrick Rink Holyoke Adaptive Skating-Games On Ice February 10 Sunday 1:30-3:30 Asiaf Rink Brockton Public Skating/Assisted February 13 Wednesday 12:00-4:00 D.A.R. State Forest Goshen Outdoor Recreation February 16 Saturday 11:00-3:00 Mt. Tom Holyoke Outdoor Recreation February 18 Monday 12:00-4:00 Weston Ski Track Weston X-Country Skiing/ Snowshoeing February 19 Tuesday 11:30-1:30 Cronin Rink Revere Adaptive Skating-Games On Ice February 20 Wednesday 11:00-3:00 Mt. Tom Holyoke Outdoor Recreation February 21 Thursday 2:30-5:00 Fitzpatrick Rink Holyoke Adaptive Skating-Games On Ice February 23 Saturday 11:00-3:00 Wendell State Forest Wendell Outdoor Recreation February 24 Sunday 12:00-4:00 Weston Ski Track Weston X-Country Skiing/ Snowshoeing February 24 Sunday 1:30-3:30 Asiaf Rink Brockton Public Skating/Assisted March 3 Sunday 12:00-4:00 Weston Ski Track Weston X-Country Skiing/ Snowshoeing March 6 Wednesday 12:00-4:00 D.A.R. State Forest Goshen Outdoor Recreation March 10 Sunday 1:30-3:30 Fitzpatrick Rink Holyoke Adaptive Skating-Games On Ice March 12 Tuesday 11:30-1:30 Cronin Rink Revere Adaptive Skating-Games On Ice April 2 Tuesday 11:30-1:30 Cronin Rink Revere Adaptive Skating-Games On Ice DCR Universal COME OUT AND PLAY! From Boston to the Berkshires, we hope you’ll join us to enjoy the outdoors! Access Winter Fun! Save the Date for our Adaptive Recreation Fair! Artesani Park in Brighton (Boston) Saturday, June 8th from 10:00AM–3:00PM Meet recreation organizations that serve people with disabilities and offer a variety of recreation activities and sign up for summer fun! Enjoy recreation info, adaptive cycling, equipment demos, refreshments and festivities. Call Gigi to register: (617) 626-1294 Want to donate to Universal Access? DCR’s Conservation Trust and Urban Parks Trust Fund accepts contributions to support and enhance the outdoor recreation opportunities in Massachusetts for people of all abilities. Your tax-deductible donation will help provide accessibility to our parks through site improvements, specialized adaptive recreation equipment, and accessible recreation programs. Checks should be made out to The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, noting that the funds are for The Universal Access Program (UAP), and sent to Ms. Sharon Hoey at DCR, 251 Causeway Street, Suite 600, Boston, MA 02114. Call 617-626-1267 for more information. DCR Access News Winter 2013 Universal Access Program 251 Causeway Street, Suite 600 Boston, Massachusetts 02114 . DCR is dedicated to providing outdoor recreation opportunities in Massachusetts DCR Parks for visitors of all abilities. Accessibility to our DCR Parks is achieved through site improvements, specialized adaptive recreation equipment and accessible recreation programs. COME OUT AND PLAY!