Adaptive program schedule

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, Stavros Outdoor Access, and Waypoint Adventure to run our programs. Our East Boston ice skating program is supported by Spaulding Adaptive Sports Centers.

Our main winter program season runs from November through March, and our main winter season runs from June through September. 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. Get into the activity sooner when you arrive by bringing your release form filled out! To pre-register for an activity, in the event there is inclement weather, or if you need to cancel, please contact the providing organization listed for each program.

You must also meet the essential eligibility criteria 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). Visit us at mass.gov/dcr/universal-access/eec to learn more.

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

Essential eligibility criteria for Universal Access Program participants

DCR UAP Participant Registration and Release Form

Outdoor Winter Recreation at Leo J. Martin Ski Track

Enjoy adaptive outdoor winter recreation with Stavros Outdoor Access. Hit the trails using a kicksled, sit-ski, snowshoes, ice grippers, or cross-country skis! Snow is made on site and trails are groomed daily! Adaptive equipment and staff support and instruction are provided. 

Cost: By Donation

Pre-registration is required. Call or text Brenda Kennedy Davies at [phone] or email [e-mail] to reserve an hour-long outdoor experience.

Leo J. Martin Ski Track, Weston

12 p.m.–4 p.m.

Sundays: January 26, February 2, 9, 23
Monday: February 17 (Holiday)

3 weekday programs:
Tuesday: February 18
Thursdays: February 6, 27
Weekday program times vary. Contact us for details. 

Outdoor Winter Recreation at DAR State Forest

Enjoy adaptive outdoor winter recreation with Stavros Outdoor Access. Visit the accessible trail while taking in views of snowy Highland Lake on snowshoes, cross-country skiis, ice grippers, a sit-ski, or a kicksled. Bring your lunch and roast marshmallows by the campfire with us!  Adaptive equipment and staff support and instruction are provided. 

Cost: By Donation

Pre-registration is required. Call or text Brenda Kennedy Davies at [phone] or email [e-mail] to register.

DAR State Forest, Goshen

Thursdays, times vary

January 16
March 5

Outdoor Winter Recreation at Dunn State Park

Enjoy adaptive outdoor winter recreation with All Out Adventures. Join us for adaptive ice skating under the pavilion at Dunn State Park or hit the trails to snowshoe, hike, or kicksled! Warm up by the fireplace at the accessible visitor center.

Cost: Suggested $5 per person donation

Pre-registration is required. Call [phone], email [e-mail], or register online to reserve an hour-long outdoor experience.

Dunn State Park, Gardner

Fridays, 10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

January 17, 31
February 7, 14
Weather make-up dates: February 28 & March 6

 

Outdoor Winter Recreation at Wendell State Forest

Enjoy adaptive outdoor winter recreation with All Out Adventures. Experience the winter woods with outdoor ice skating, gentle hockey games, sit-skiing, cross-country skiing, kicksledding, hiking, snowshoeing, and snowmobile rides (as weather conditions permit). Meet us at the Wendell State Forest Headquarters when you arrive! Bring a lunch and warm up next to the wood stove before heading out on the groomed trails for a group excursion! 

Cost: Suggested $5 per person donation

Pre-registration is required. Call [phone], email [e-mail], or register online to reserve an hour-long outdoor experience.

Wendell State Forest, Wendell

Saturdays, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

January 18, 25
February 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Weather make-up dates: March 7 & March 14

 

Ice Skating in Holyoke

Come as you are and play on the ice! Lace up a pair of conventional ice skates or slide around the ice in your wheelchair. Ice sleds, skate walkers, helmets, and ice grippers are also available. Activities include obstacle courses, a block tower to build up and skate through, races, colorful pucks to shoot around, and gentle hockey matches. 

Cost: Admission and equipment are provided free of cost.

Pre-registration is required. Contact Laila at [phone] or [e-mail] to register. 

Fitzpatrick Skating Rink, Holyoke

Sundays, 1 p.m.–2:50 p.m.

January 12
February 9
March 8

 

Ice Skating in Worcester

Come as you are and play on the ice! Lace up a pair of conventional ice skates or slide around the ice in your wheelchair. Ice sleds, skate walkers, helmets, and ice grippers are also available. Activities include obstacle courses, a block tower to build up and skate through, races, colorful pucks to shoot around, and gentle hockey matches. 

Cost: Admission and equipment are provided free of cost.

Pre-registration is required. Contact Laila at [phone] or [e-mail] to register. 

Buffone Skating Rink, Worcester

Thursdays, 10 a.m.–11:50 a.m.

January 23
March 12
 

Ice Skating in East Boston

Come as you are and play on the ice! Lace up a pair of conventional ice skates or slide around the ice in your wheelchair. Ice sleds, skate walkers, helmets, and ice grippers are also available. Activities include obstacle courses, a block tower to build up and skate through, races, colorful pucks to shoot around, and gentle hockey matches. 

Cost: Admission and equipment are provided free of cost.

Pre-registration is required. Contact Laila at [phone] or [e-mail] to register. 

Porrazzo Memorial Rink, East Boston

Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.

January 14
February 11
March 3

Ice Skating in Fall River

Come as you are and play on the ice! Lace up a pair of conventional ice skates or slide around the ice in your wheelchair. Ice sleds, skate walkers, helmets, and ice grippers are also available. Activities include obstacle courses, a block tower to build up and skate through, races, colorful pucks to shoot around, and gentle hockey matches. 

Cost: Admission and equipment are provided free of cost.

Pre-registration is required. Contact Laila at [phone] or [e-mail] to register. 

Driscoll Memorial Rink, Fall River

Wednesdays, 11:00 a.m.–12:50 p.m.

January 29
February 26
 

Ice Skating in Brockton

Come as you are and play on the ice! Lace up a pair of conventional ice skates or slide around the ice in your wheelchair. This program takes place during public skating time on a separate section of the rink. Ice sleds, skate walkers, helmets, and ice grippers are also available. Activities include obstacle courses colorful pucks to shoot around and gentle hockey matches. 

Cost: Admission and equipment are provided free of cost.

Pre-registration is required. Call [phone], email [e-mail], or register online.

Asiaf Memorial Rink, Brockton

Sundays, 1:20 p.m.–3:10 p.m.

January 5, 19
February 2, 16

Save the Date: Annual Adaptive Recreation Fair

Artesani Playground/Herter Park, Brighton

Saturday, May 30, 2020 from 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Join us as we kick off the summer programming season in style! Enjoy adaptive activities including cycling, hiking, equipment demonstrations, face painting, kite flying, sidewalk chalking, games, and more. Refreshments available while supplies last.

To register, contact Donna at [e-mail] or [phone].

Volunteers Needed! To get involved, contact Laila at [e-mail] or [phone].

 

Last updated:	December 26, 2019