General information
The Universal Access Program (UAP) offers adaptive, accessible programming seasonally at state parks, pools, and rinks. We partner with All Out Adventures, Easterseals Massachusetts, Holyoke Rows, Stavros Outdoor Access, and Waypoint Adventure to run our programs.
Our main summer program season runs from June through August, and our main winter season runs from November through March. Our calendar of events is published in May and December of each year. 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. You must also meet the essential eligibility criteria for the activity.
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.
Additional Resources
Hike with Stavros Outdoor Access
Take a gentle hike with Stavros Outdoor Access. Adaptive equipment and staff assistance is provided. Bring a lunch and enjoy nature activities, scavenger hunts, letterboxing, and more.
Cost: $3 per person, $12 per family, $25 per group.
Pre-registration is required. Call or text Brenda Kennedy Davies at (413) 259-0009 or email outdooraccessma@gmail.com.
| Date | Location |
|---|---|
| June 20 | George's Island, Boston Harbor |
| June 27 | Great Brook Farm State Park, Carlisle |
| July 11 | Walden Pond State Reservation, Concord |
| July 18 | Mount Tom State Reservation, Holyoke |
| July 19 | Dunn State Park (ADA Day), Gardner |
| July 25 | Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, Norfolk |
| August 26 | Robinson State Park, Feeding Hills |
| September 5 | Halibut Point State Park, Rockport |
| September 26 | Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park, Uxbridge |
| October 3 | Borderland State Park, Easton |
| October 19 | Maudslay State Park, Newburyport |
| October 24 | Pittsfield State Forest, Pittsfield |
Kayak with All Out Adventures
Cochituate State Park, Natick
Mondays, 9:45 a.m.–3 p.m.
July 8, 15, 22, 29
August 5, 12, 19, 26
DAR State Forest, Goshen
Wednesdays, 9:45 a.m.–3 p.m.
July 10, 17, 24, 31
August 7, 14, 21, 28
Quinsigamond State Park, Worcester
Thursdays, 9:45 a.m.–3 p.m.
July 25
August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
To sign up for one of these kayaking programs, contact All Out Adventures at (413) 584-2052 or register online.
Kayak with Stavros Outdoor Access
DAR State Forest, Goshen
Mondays, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
July 8, 15, 22, 29
August 5
To sign up for an hour-long paddle, contact Brenda Kennedy Davies, Director of Stavros Outdoor Access. Call or text (413) 259-0009 or email outdooraccessma@gmail.com.
Kayak with Waypoint Adventure
Kids only (under 16) on Lake Cochituate, Wayland
Introductory level
Saturday, July 13: 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Adults only (16+) on Lake Cochituate, Wayland
Introductory level
Saturday, July 13: 1 p.m.–3 p.m.
Beginners of all ages at Walden Pond State Reservation, Concord
Tuesday, July 16: 5 p.m.–7 p.m.
Tuesday, July 30: 1 p.m.–3 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug 6: 5 p.m.–7 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug 13: 1 p.m.–3 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug 20: 3 p.m.–5 p.m.
Adults only (16+) evening paddle at Magazine Beach, Cambridge
Intermediate level
Thursday, July 18: 6 p.m.–8 p.m.
Kids only (under 16) at Walden Pond State Reservation, Concord
Tuesday, July 23: 1 p.m.–3 p.m.
Full day ocean kayaking for adults only (16+) at Malibu Beach, Dorchester
Intermediate level
Saturday, August 3: 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Cost for all programs is $10 per person.
You must pre-register with Steve or Eileen. They will give you site and program specific directions and send you the forms you'll need to fill out and return.
Steve is sdastous@waypointadventure.org or call (781) 325-7980, ext 185.
Eileen is eturpin@waypointadventure.org or call (781) 325-7980, ext 184.
Adaptive kayaking for school groups, camps, or summer programs
Cost for all programs is $10 per person per session.
Register with Julia to sign up your school, camp, or summer program! Email jspruance@waypointadventure.org or call (781) 325-7980, ext 184.
Julia will give you site and program specific directions and send you the forms you'll need to fill out and return.
Walden Pond State Reservation, Concord
Introductory level
Tuesday, July 16: 2 p.m.–4 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug 6: 2 p.m.–4 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug 13: 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug 20: 12 p.m.–2 p.m.
Charles River at Kendall Square, Cambridge
Intermediate level
Thursday, August 22: 6 p.m.–8 p.m.
Canoe with All Out Adventures
Quabbin Reservoir, Fishing Area 3, Petersham
Enjoy canoeing along scenic Pottapaug Pond. Try to spot different wildlife as you paddle. Interested in fishing from a canoe? An adaptive fishing instructor will be at some of the programs! Inquire when registering.
Cost: $8/person per session
Tuesdays, times vary
July 23, 30
August 6, 13, 20, 27
To sign up for canoeing, contact All Out Adventures at (413) 584-2052 or register online.
Cycle with All Out Adventures
Explore a wide variety of adaptive bikes for adults and kids this summer. Reserve your one-hour time slot!
Cost: $5/person per session
Norwottuck Rail Trail, Hadley
Fridays, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
June 14, 21, 28
July 12, 26
August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Artesani Playground/Herter Park, Brighton
Wednesdays, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
September 11, 18, 25
October 2
To sign up for cycling, contact All Out Adventures at (413) 584-2052 or register online.
Row with Holyoke Rows
Jones Ferry, Holyoke
Learn to row or scull and/or train for competition! Sign up for an hour-long row on the CT River!
Cost: Free
Thursdays, by appointment only
June–October
To sign up, call Stephanie Moore of Holyoke Rows at (413) 320-3134 or email smoore@holyokerows.org.
Swim with Easterseals Massachusetts
Bennett Field Pool, Worcester
Go for a swim with Easterseals Massachusetts. This program focuses on recreation skills and safety awareness and is not a learn to swim program.
Cost: $30 for 6-week program. Scholarship is available upon request
Friday mornings
June 28
July 5, 12, 19, 26
August 2
To sign up or for more information, contact Patrick at (508) 751-6417 or premy@eastersealsma.org.
ADA Day Celebration
Come celebrate the 29th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Statewide Independent Living Council and the Universal Access Program! We'll be offering hiking, kayaking, and lunch at Dunn State Park in Gardner. Go for a swim using a floating beach wheelchair, play games on the lawn, and dance to the live band!
Friday, July 19
11 a.m.–3 p.m.
RSVP by July 8 to Sadie at (508) 620-7452 or email Sadie@masilc.org.
If you’d like to sign up for an activity including kayaking or hiking/letterboxing, contact Laila at (857) 260-1519 or email Laila.Soleimani@mass.gov.
Skating in Summer Social
Porrazzo Memorial Skating Rink, East Boston
Wednesday, August 28, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
You’re invited to our annual skating in summer event! Beat the heat and join us for skating at this beautiful indoor rink located next to Constitution Beach. We’ll be grilling burgers and hot dogs and playing games on the
ice!
Register with Laila at (857) 260-1519 or Laila.Soleimani@mass.gov.
UAP supported programs
These programs are offered on DCR properties by other organizations, independent from the Universal Access Program.
Sailing with Community Boating, Inc. on the Esplanade
Take sailing lessons or go out for a recreational sail with Community Boating, Inc on the Esplanade in Boston. Please make sure that you are familiar with the Community Boating, Inc's UAP Policies.
April–October, 7 days a week, by appointment only.
Cost: $50 for the season.
Book online when possible! If you would like to request additional information or if you have trouble scheduling an appointment, please email uap@community-boating.org, or call (617) 651-1209.
McGraw Center for Adaptive Sports at Nickerson State Park
The McGraw Center for Adaptive Sports at Nickerson State Park in Brewster offers programs hosted by Spaulding Adaptive Sports Centers.
Water- and land-based activities include: cycling, hiking, boccia, corn hole, yoga, kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing.
May–October
Cost: $20 per program.
For the schedule of events, to sign up, or for more information, visit the Spaulding Adaptive Sports Center online calendar or call (877) 976-7272.
Golfing at Ponkapoag Golf Course
The Massachusetts Paragolfers Association (MPGA) offers adaptive golfing opportunities at Ponkapoag Golf Course. The MPGA promotes recreational and competitive play for individuals with visual impairments or limited mobility.
10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
June 3, June 17
July 1, July 15, July 29
August 12, August 26
September 9, September 23
Cost: Program with MPGA is free, but DCR green fees and rental fees apply.
To sign up or for more information, contact Steve Kuketz at (508) 889-7581 or email steve.kuketz@comcast.net.
AccesSportAmerica activities on the Charles River
AccesSportAmerica offers a range of activities along the Charles River at the Woerd Ave Boat Ramp, 31 Woerd Ave, Waltham.
Activities include windsurfing, Hawaiian outrigger canoeing, kayaking, rowing, stand-up paddleboarding, cycling, and tennis.
Cost: $20/session per person, $120/session per group.
For a schedule of events, visit goaccess.org. To register, contact Nate at (978) 790-2960 or email nate@goaccess.org.
Contact
Phone
Online
Fax
Address
Amherst, MA 01004
| Last updated: | June 5, 2019 |
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