Adaptive Program Schedule

See a list of the current adaptive recreation programming offered in state parks, pools, and 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 run our programs. Some of our programs are supported by Spaulding Adaptive Sports Centers.

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 main winter program season runs from November through March, and our main summer season runs from June through September. 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 meet these EEC. 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.

Each providing organization may follow their own COVID-19 protocols for in-person programming, including mask wearing and social distancing. Please check their website or inquire for more details when registering for a program.

Additional Resources

Essential eligibility criteria for Universal Access Program participants

Adaptive ice skating

Come join the fun at our adaptive skating programs in Holyoke, Worcester, and East Boston!

Lace up a pair of conventional skates or slide around the ice on your manual or power wheelchair. Ice sleds are also available to glide around—propel yourself with small hockey sticks or be pushed around the rink by a friend.

Depending on location, activities on the ice include obstacle courses, a tower of blocks for building up and crashing down, races, colorful balls and pucks to shoot around, power chair games, and gently competitive hockey matches. 

Ice sleds, skate walkers, helmets, ice grippers, and ice skates are available.

Admission and equipment are provided free of cost.

Pre-registration is required. To register, email [e-mail]. You must fill out a release form and meet our essential eligibility criteria for skating.

Holyoke Adaptive Skating

Fitzpatrick Skating Rink

Sundays, 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m.

November 20, December 4, March 5, 12, and 26

Worcester Adaptive Skating

Buffone Skating Rink

Mondays, 1–3 p.m.

January 16, February 27, March 20

East Boston Adaptive Skating

Porrazzo Skating Rink

Wednesdays, 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

November 9, December 7, January 18, February 15, March 15

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing

Leo J. Martin Ski Track in Weston

Join Waypoint Adventure for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on a groomed course. Snow is made on site, and trails are groomed daily! Reserve an hour-long outdoor experience. Times may vary.

Pre-registration is required. You can register online with Waypoint Adventure. For questions, please call [phone] or email [e-mail].      

12 p.m.–4 p.m. on Wednesdays

January 11, 18, 25

February 8, 15, 22

March 1

Sundays: January 22 and February 5

Seeking Volunteers!

Help at some or all of the programs at Leo J. Martin Ski Track. Required training date on Wednesday, January 4 (Weather make up date of January 6.)

Western Mass

Wednesday February 1 and Monday March 13

Visit accessible trails on snowshoes, skis, ice grippers, a sit-ski, or kick sleds. Bring your lunch and enjoy the warm campfire with us!

Outdoor winter recreation

Dunn State Park, Gardner

Join All Out Adventures for adaptive ice skating under the pavilion or hit the trails to snowshoe, hike, or kick sled. Warm up by the fireplace in the accessible visitor's center!

Pre-registration is required. Call to reserve your time for an outdoor experience! For more details and to register, contact All Out Adventures at [e-mail] or [phone].

Fridays: 10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

January 27

February 3, 10, 17

Weather Make-up Date: March 3

Wendell State Forest, Wendell

Enjoy the winter woods at Wendell State Forest with All Out Adventures. Try outdoor ice skating, gentle hockey games, sit-skiing, cross country skiing, kick sledding, hiking, and snowshoeing. After you hit the trails, you can warm up by the fire in the warming hut!

Pre-registration is required. Call to reserve your time for an outdoor experience! For more details and to register, contact All Out Adventures at [e-mail] or [phone].

Saturdays: 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

January 14, 21, 28

February 4, 11, 18, 25

Weather Make up Dates: March 4 & March 11

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.

Sled Hockey at Allied Veterans Memorial Rink in Everett

The sport of sled hockey lets you play hockey while sitting down. The concepts and rules are the same, but instead of standing on skate, you are fitted into a sled and use 2 specialized hockey sticks to move and steer the sled and to shoot the puck. All ability levels, ranging from first-timers to experienced players are welcome! Sessions are also open to able-bodied friends and family member. Coaching and equipment are provided. Practices and clinics consist of group drills, small games, scrimmaging, and individual coaching.

Offered by Spaulding Adaptive Sports Centers at Allied Veterans Memorial Rink in Everett.

Alternating Wednesdays from 1–2:30 p.m.

November 2, 16, 30

December 14

January 11, 25

February 8, 26

Sundays from 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.

November 6, 13, 20

December 4, 11, 18

January 8, 15, 22, 29

February 12, 19

March 5, 12, 26

April 2

Register on the Spaulding Adaptive Sports Center website. For more information, call [phone] or email [e-mail]

Adaptive Downhill Skiing at Wachusett Mountain State Reservation

Spaulding Adaptive Sports Ski/Ride Club provides instructors and equipment for skiers and snowboarders with disabilities at Wachusett Mountain State Reservation. Lessons are designed in collaboration with Wachusett Mountain Ski Area and provide all adaptive gear necessary for stand-up or sit-down skiers. Certified adaptive snow sports instructors provide private lessons for skiers of all levels, regardless of ability or experience, to reach their most independent skiing or riding ability.

Thursdays January through March

January 12, 19, 26

February 2, 9, 16

March 2, 9

Register on the SASC online calendar. For more information, call [phone] or email [e-mail].

Last updated:	November 10, 2022