Adaptive program schedule

See a list of the current adaptive recreation programming offered in state parks, swimming pools, and skating rinks.

General information

The Universal Access Program (UAP) offers adaptive, accessible programming seasonally at state parks, pools, and rinks. We partner throughout the year with All Out Adventures, Easterseals Massachusetts, Holyoke Rows, and Waypoint Adventure to provide programs statewide. 

Our structured programs feature adaptive equipment, professional staff, and instruction and support. Friends, family members, and companions are encouraged to take part in our programs alongside participants with disabilities.

Our Spring program season runs from April through May, our Summer program season runs from June through August, our Fall program season runs from September through October, and our Winter program season runs from November through March.  If you would like to get on our mailing list to be notified of upcoming events and activities, please contact us.

A current release form is required for all of our programs, and you must pre-register with the organization running the program. You must also meet the essential eligibility criteria and follow our program attendance guidelines for the activity. Essential eligibility criteria (EEC) help you understand the skills you need to participate in our programs. For risk management considerations, everyone who attends our programs must complete a release form and meet these EEC, including caregivers and group staff. You can meet the EEC independently, or with the help of a caregiver (family member, friend, or PCA).

Several organizations also offer adaptive programming at DCR locations on their own, sometimes with the use of DCR equipment. These are called supported programs. These supported programs may have their own requirements and release forms. Please contact the providing organization for more information about a supported program.

If you need an accommodation at a program, like an ASL interpreter or a sighted guide, please let the program provider know when you're registering. Please allow at least two weeks (14 days) advance notice for accommodation requests. Program providers may not be able to fulfill last-minute requests.

Additional Resources

DCR UAP Fall 2024 Program Schedule

Adaptive Canoeing & Kayaking

DAR State Forest—Canoeing and Kayaking

78 Cape St, Goshen

Join UAP’s adaptive canoeing and kayaking program on Upper Highland Lake in Goshen, run by our partner All Out Adventures.  Paddlers will travel in small groups (pods) to explore the lake. Instruction, adaptive equipment, and assistance as needed is provided.

We will paddle on the first Wednesday of September and then switch to Thursdays.

Wednesday, 10 a.m.–2:45 p.m.

• September 4

Thursdays, 10 a.m.–2:45 p.m.

• September 12
• September 19
• September 26
• October 3

Participants may sign up for a 1 hour and 15 minute time slot: 10–11:15 a.m., 11:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m., or 1:30–2:45 p.m.  You must register by 12 p.m. the day before the program.

Cost: $8 per participant; one guest may attend at no charge. Scholarships are available for those who need them.

Questions & To Register: Call All Out Adventures at [phone] or email [e-mail]

Whitehall State Park —Canoeing

300 Wood St., Hopkinton

Join UAP’s adaptive canoeing program on Whitehall Reservoir in Hopkinton, run by our partner Waypoint Adventure.  Paddlers will travel in small groups to explore the reservoir. Experience the fun and serenity of being on the water while being part of a supportive community. Benefit from a wide array of adaptive canoe equipment and instruction designed to meet your individual needs. 

Wednesday, 2–4:30 p.m.

• October 9

Cost: $20/Participant. Cost flexible based on need.

To Register: Visit waypoint-adventure.jumbula.com

Questions:  Email [e-mail]

Beartown State Forest—Kayaking

69 Blue Hill Road, Monterey, MA

Join UAP’s adaptive kayaking program on Benedict Pond in Great Barrington, run by our partner All Out Adventures.  Paddlers will travel in small groups (pods) to explore the pond. Instruction, adaptive equipment, and assistance as needed is provided.

Thursdays, 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

• October 10
• October 17
• October 24

Participants may sign up for one of two time slots:  morning or afternoon.  You must register by 12 p.m. the day before the program.

Cost: $8 per participant; One guest may attend at no charge. Scholarships are available for those who need them.

Questions & To Register: Call All Out Adventures at [phone] or email [e-mail]

Adaptive Cycling

Norwottuck Rail Trail—Cycling

12 Railroad St., Hadley, MA

Join UAP’s adaptive cycling program in Hadley, run by our partner All Out Adventures. We offer an array of cycles that can accommodate riders of all abilities from stable, comfortable recumbent trikes, to handcycles, to tandem recumbent trikes, to wheelchair tandems. Instruction, equipment, and assistance (as needed) are provided.

Fridays, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. in September

• September 13
• September 20
• September 27

Fridays, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.  in October

• October 4
• October 11
• October 18

Participants may sign up for a one-hour timeslot during the program. You must register by 3 p.m. the day before the program.

Cost:  $5–$20. Sliding scale per session.

To Register & For Questions: Call All Out Adventures at [phone] or email [e-mail]

Blackstone River Greenway at the Blackstone River Valley Heritage Center—Cycling

3 Paul Clancy Way, Worcester, MA

Join UAP’s adaptive cycling program in Worcester, run by our partner All Out Adventures. We offer an array of cycles that can accommodate riders of all abilities from stable, comfortable recumbent trikes, to handcycles, to tandem recumbent trikes, to wheelchair tandems. Instruction, equipment, and assistance (as needed) are provided.

Wednesday, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

• September 11

Participants may sign up for a one-hour timeslot during the program.  You must register by 3 p.m. the day before the program.

Cost:  $5–$20. Sliding scale per session.

Questions & To Register: Call All Out Adventures at [phone] or email [e-mail]

Blackstone River Greenway—Cycling

85 Canal St, Blackstone, MA

Join UAP’s adaptive cycling program in Blackstone, run by with our partner All Out Adventures. We offer an array of cycles that can accommodate riders of all abilities from stable, comfortable recumbent trikes, to handcycles, to tandem recumbent trikes, to wheelchair tandems. Instruction, equipment, and assistance (as needed) are provided.

Wednesday, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

• September 25

Participants may sign up for a one-hour timeslot during the program.  You must register by 3 p.m. the day before the program.

Cost: $5–$20. Sliding scale per session.

Questions & To Register: Call All Out Adventures at [phone] or email [e-mail]

Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, Farnams Crossing—Cycling

50 Farnams Rd., Cheshire, MA

Join UAP’s adaptive cycling program in Cheshire, run by our partner All Out Adventures. We offer an array of cycles that can accommodate riders of all abilities from stable, comfortable recumbent trikes, to handcycles, to tandem recumbent trikes, to wheelchair tandems. Instruction, equipment, and assistance (as needed) are provided.

Wednesdays, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

• September 18
• October 2
• October 9
• October 16
• October 23

Participants may sign up for a one-hour timeslot during the program.  You must register by 3 p.m. the day before the program.

Cost:  $5–$20. Sliding scale per session.

Questions & To Register: Call All Out Adventures at [phone] or email [e-mail]

Adaptive Rowing

Connecticut River Greenway State Park—Rowing

25 Jones Ferry Rd., Holyoke, MA

Join UAP for some adaptive rowing on the Connecticut River in Holyoke! This program, run by Holyoke Rows, uses specialized equipment, modifications, and adaptations to meet your needs while rowing or sculling. Instruction, adaptations, and staff support are all provided. You will receive instruction and the opportunity to practice, and also have the chance to participate in competitions! Our program serves people of all capabilities, from beginners to leisure rowers, to competitive racers!

This program is free of charge and is open to people with disabilities and their families and friends. Pre-registration is required.

Thursdays, By Appointment Only

• September 5
• September 12
• September 19
• September 26
• October 3
• October 10
• October 17
• October 24
• October 31

Cost: Free

Questions & to Register: Call Holyoke Rows at [phone] or email [e-mail]

Fall 2024 supported programs

Several organizations also offer adaptive programming at DCR locations on their own, sometimes with the use of DCR equipment. These are called supported programs. These supported programs may have their own requirements and release forms. Please contact the providing organization for more information about a supported program. Each providing organization has their own requirements for programming, including EEC and program attendance guidelines. Please check their website or inquire for more details when registering for a program.

Golfing with Massachusetts Para-Golfers Association 

The Massachusetts ParaGolfer Association (MPGA) promotes recreational and competitive adaptive golf for players with visual impairments, amputations, loss of mobility, and spinal cord injuries.  MPGA provides adaptive golf lessons, recreational programs, and competitive events. Lessons are private and always free, and we offer flexible dates and times. Please make a reservation in advance by calling or texting Steve [phone].

Website: mpga.club

Locations: DCR Golf Courses

• Ponkapoag Golf Course, 2167 Washington Street, Canton, MA,
• Leo J. Martin Memorial Golf Course, 190 Park Rd, Weston, MA

Contact: Steve Kuketz, [e-mail], [phone]

Golfing with Golf for All

Golf for All runs year-round programming for veterans, people with autism, Parkinson’s Disease, spinal cord injuries and paralysis, cerebral palsy, golfers with amputations, golfers with visual impairments, and more. Golf instruction is tailored to suit the specific needs of each participant and is taught by PGA Professionals who have successfully completed a certification process for teaching golfers with adaptive needs. Golfers of all abilities and gender are welcome, and no previous experience is necessary. During each clinic, golfers are provided with instruction, balls, adaptive equipment, and vehicles, as needed.

Website: golfforall.org

Locations: DCR Golf Courses

• Ponkapoag Golf Course, 2167 Washington Street, Canton, MA,
• Leo J. Martin Memorial Golf Course, 190 Park Rd, Weston, MA

Contact: Fred Corcoran, Exec. Director,  [e-mail], [phone]

Sailing with Community Boating, Inc. 

Nestled in the heart of Boston, Community Boating allows individuals to take responsibility for their learning, push themselves to overcome challenges, and experience the freedom sailing offers. With top-notch instruction and quality equipment, the program provides support and encouragement to individuals who might not otherwise be able to sail. Members include veterans, individuals with visual impairments, children with developmental disabilities, adults with chronic injury or illness, and many more.

Website: community-boating.org/accessible

Location: Charles River Esplanade in the Charles River Reservation, 21 David G Mugar Way, Boston, MA

Dates:  May 1–September 27

Times: Afternoons and weekends: see scheduling page for appointment times

Annual Membership: $50 or reduced fee of $1 upon request

Eligibility:  Any individual who needs additional assistance

Contact:  [e-mail], [phone]

Adaptive Cycling & Golfing with Spaulding  Spaulding Adaptive Sports Centers

The McGraw Center

Spaulding Adaptive Sports Centers (SASC) will be offering adaptive cycling at the McGraw Center for Adaptive Sports at Nickerson State Park from May 14 through mid-October.  Spaulding staff provide equipment, adaptations, and support. Pre-registration for all activities is required.

Visit SASC’s on-line calendar for further information about McGraw Center Programs.

Location:  McGraw Center for Adaptive Sports, Nickerson State Park, Brewster

Back on Course-Boston

SASC offers a return to golf program designed for those who are ready to play between 4–9 consecutive holes on the course. Prior participation in the Back in the Swing (BITS) series is helpful as a pre-requisite for new golfers or those returning to golf post-injury. Coaching and golf etiquette guidance provided by SASC Golf Pro.

Visit SASC’s on-line calendar for further information about Back on Course Programs

Location: Leo J. Martin Memorial Golf Course, 190 Park Rd, Weston, MA

Date: Thursday, September 26

Time: 9:30 a.m.–11 a.m.

Cost: $40 per session

Website: sasc.spauldingrehab.org

Contact:  [e-mail], [phone]

Last updated:	September 9, 2024