Winter 2024-2025 programs
Check out our Winter 2024-2025 Program Schedule for adaptive recreation fun this season! We offer a variety of activities including adaptive cycling, ice skating, hiking, kicksledding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, sit-skiing, and gentle hockey (weather permitting).
General information
DCR’s Universal Access Program is dedicated to providing outdoor recreation opportunities in Massachusetts state parks for visitors of all abilities. Accessibility is achieved through site improvements, specialized adaptive recreation equipment, and accessible recreation programs.
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 our programs, and you must pre-register with the organization running the program. To pre-register, cancel, or check-in about inclement weather, please contact the providing organization listed for each 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
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Open DOCX file, 2.22 MB, DCR UAP Winter 2024-2025 Program Schedule (English, DOCX 2.22 MB)
Adaptive Cycling
Wompatuck State Park—Adaptive Tandem Cycling
204 Union St, Hingham
Join the Universal Access Program for accessible tandem cycling in Hingam. During this program, run by our partner Waypoint Adventure, small groups work together to cycle the back roads and bike paths of Massachusetts. Participants are encouraged to bring lunch and socialize on the trail and during breaks.
We have a variety of bikes that offer different amounts of support. We will match up two riders (a Captain and a Stoker). The Captain will be the leader and the Stoker is the other half of the team, who works with the Captain to enjoy the adventure of tandem cycling. Some of our bikes are more traditional upright bicycles that require teamwork and balance. We also have other models that are side-by-side or recumbent, low to the ground tandems. Some have two wheels and require more balance while others are quite sturdy with three wheels and supportive seats.
Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Registration ends November 14, 2024.
Day and Time: Friday, November 15, 2024, 10 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Meet At: Visitor Center parking lot located at 204 Union St., Hingham.
Cost: $20/Participant. Cost flexible based on need. One parent/friend/PCA may attend for no charge (see Waypoint’s registration page for details).
To Register: Visit waypoint-adventure.jumbula.com
Questions: Email programs@waypointadventure.org
Adaptive Ice Skating
Henry J. Fitzpatrick Rink—Adaptive Ice Skating
575 Maple St, Holyoke
Join the Universal Access Program and Holyoke Rows for accessible skating, socializing, and fun in Holyoke.
Use your wheelchair, an ice sled, a skate walker, ice grippers, or conventional skates on the ice. Spin, slide and play gently competitive games! There will be pucks and colorful balls to shoot around, obstacle courses, races, and a tower of blocks to crash down!
The rink is cold, so please dress warmly and bring your winter coat, gloves or mittens, and a hat!
This program is for people with disabilities, their families, support staff, and friends. All are encouraged to join on the ice to help support! Yaktrax (ice grippers) are available in the lobby for those that can’t skate.
Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Sign up for a timeslot to enter the ice and skate for one hour. You must request to register by 12 p.m. two days before the program.
Groups: Maximum group size is 15, including staff. Large school groups should register by individual classroom to minimize group size. All groups must submit a complete sign-in sheet and release forms one week in advance.
Days and Times: Sundays, 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
- November 17, 2024
- December 8, 2024
- January 19, 2025
- February 23, 2025
- March 2, 2025
Cost: FREE (entry & equipment are free-of-charge)
Questions & To Register: Email DCR.UniversalAccess@mass.gov or call (413) 461-7126.
Porrazzo Memorial Rink—Adaptive Ice Skating
199 Coleridge St, East Boston
Join the Universal Access Program and Spaulding Adaptive Sports Centers for accessible skating, socializing, and fun in East Boston.
Use your wheelchair, an ice sled, a skate walker, ice grippers, or conventional skates on the ice. Spin, slide and play gently competitive games! There will be pucks and colorful balls to shoot around, obstacle courses, races, and a tower of blocks to crash down!
The rink is cold, so please dress warmly and bring your winter coat, gloves or mittens, and a hat!
This event is for people with disabilities, their families, support staff, and friends. All are encouraged to join on the ice to help support! Yaktrax (ice grippers) are available in the lobby for those that can’t skate.
Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Sign up for a timeslot to enter the ice and skate for one hour. You must request to register by 12 p.m. two days before the program.
Groups: Maximum group size is 15, including staff. Large school groups should register by individual classroom to minimize group size. All groups must submit a complete sign-in sheet and release forms one week in advance.
Days and Times: Wednesdays, 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
- December 11, 2024
- January 8, 2025
- February 5, 2025
- March 5, 2025
Cost: FREE (entry & equipment are free-of-charge)
Questions & To Register: Email DCR.UniversalAccess@mass.gov or call (413) 461-7126.
Charles J. Buffone Rink—Adaptive Ice Skating
284 Lake Ave, Worcester
Join the Universal Access Program for accessible skating, socializing, and fun in Worcester. This program is run by our partner, All Out Adventures (AOA).
Use your wheelchair, an ice sled, a skate walker, ice grippers, or conventional skates on the ice. Spin, slide and play gently competitive games! There will be pucks and colorful balls to shoot around, obstacle courses, races, and a tower of blocks to crash down!
The rink is cold, so please dress warmly and bring your winter coat, gloves or mittens, and a hat!
This event is for people with disabilities, their families, support staff, and friends. All are encouraged to join on the ice to help support! Yaktrax (ice grippers) are available in the lobby for those that can’t skate.
Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Sign up for a timeslot to enter the ice and skate for one hour. You must request to register by 12 p.m. two days before the program.
Groups: Maximum group size is 15, including staff. Large school groups should register by individual classroom to minimize group size. All groups must submit a complete sign-in sheet and release forms one week in advance.
Days and Times: Mondays, 1–3 p.m.
- December 16, 2024
- January 13, 2025
- February 10, 2025
- March 10, 2025
Cost: FREE (entry & equipment are free-of-charge)
Questions & To Register: Email DCR.UniversalAccess@mass.gov or call (413) 461-7126.
Peter W. Foote Vietnam Veterans Memorial Rink—Adaptive Ice Skating
1267 South Church St, North Adams
Join the Universal Access Program for accessible skating, socializing, and fun in North Adams. This program is run by our partner, All Out Adventures (AOA).
Use your wheelchair, an ice sled, a skate walker, ice grippers, or conventional skates on the ice. Spin, slide and play gently competitive games! There will be pucks and colorful balls to shoot around, obstacle courses, races, and a tower of blocks to crash down!
The rink is cold, so please dress warmly and bring your winter coat, gloves or mittens, and a hat!
This event is for people with disabilities, their families, support staff, and friends. All are encouraged to join on the ice to help support! Yaktrax (ice grippers) are available in the lobby for those that can’t skate.
Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Sign up for a timeslot to enter the ice. You must register by 12 p.m. the day before the program and can skate for one hour.
Groups: Maximum size is 15, including staff.
Days and Times: Thursdays, 1–3 p.m.
- December 19, 2024
- January 16, 2025
- February 13, 2025
- March 13, 2025
Cost: FREE (entry & equipment are free-of-charge); AOA suggested donation—$5/person
Questions & To Register: Register with AOA online, call (413) 584-2052, or email programs@alloutadventures.org.
Gardner Veterans Rink—Adaptive Ice Skating
45 Veterans Drive, Gardner
Join the Universal Access Program for accessible skating, socializing, and fun in Gardner. This program is run by our partner, All Out Adventures (AOA).
Use your wheelchair, an ice sled, a skate walker, ice grippers, or conventional skates on the ice. Spin, slide and play gently competitive games! There will be pucks and colorful balls to shoot around, obstacle courses, races, and a tower of blocks to crash down!
The rink is cold, so please dress warmly and bring your winter coat, gloves or mittens, and a hat!
This event is for people with disabilities, their families, support staff, and friends. All are encouraged to join on the ice to help support! Yaktrax (ice grippers) are available in the lobby for those that can’t skate.
Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Sign up for a timeslot to enter the ice. You must register by 12 p.m. the day before the program and can skate for one hour.
Groups: Maximum size is 15, including staff.
Days and Times: Fridays, 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
- January 10, 2025
- January 24, 2025
- February 28, 2025
Cost: FREE (entry & equipment are free-of-charge); AOA suggested donation—$5/person
Questions & To Register: Register with AOA online, call (413) 584-2052, or email programs@alloutadventures.org
John G. Asiaf Memorial Rink—Adaptive Ice Skating
702 Belmont St, Brockton
Join the Universal Access Program for accessible skating, socializing, and fun in Brockton. This program is run by our partner, All Out Adventures (AOA).
Use your wheelchair, an ice sled, a skate walker, ice grippers, or conventional skates on the ice. Spin, slide and play gently competitive games! There will be pucks and colorful balls to shoot around, obstacle courses, races, and a tower of blocks to crash down!
The rink is cold, so please dress warmly and bring your winter coat, gloves or mittens, and a hat!
This event is for people with disabilities, their families, support staff, and friends. All are encouraged to join on the ice to help support! Yaktrax (ice grippers) are available in the lobby for those that can’t skate.
Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Sign up for a timeslot to enter the ice. You must register by 12 p.m. the day before the program and can skate for one hour.
Groups: Maximum size is 15, including staff.
Days and Times: Sundays, 12:20–2:10 p.m.
- January 19, 2025
- February 2, 2025
- February 16, 2025
Cost: FREE (entry & equipment are free-of-charge); AOA suggested donation—$5/person
Questions & To Register: Register with AOA online, call (413) 584-2052, or email programs@alloutadventures.org.
Arthur R. Driscoll Memorial Rink—Adaptive Ice Skating
272 Elsbree St, Fall River
Join the Universal Access Program and All Out Adventures (AOA) for accessible skating, socializing, and fun in Fall River.
Use your wheelchair, an ice sled, a skate walker, ice grippers, or conventional skates on the ice. Spin, slide and play gently competitive games! There will be pucks and colorful balls to shoot around, obstacle courses, races, and a tower of blocks to crash down!
The rink is cold, so please dress warmly and bring your winter coat, gloves or mittens, and a hat!
This event is for people with disabilities, their families, support staff, and friends. All are encouraged to join on the ice to help support! Yaktrax (ice grippers) are available in the lobby for those that can’t skate.
Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Sign up for a timeslot to enter the ice and skate for one hour. You must request to register by 12 p.m. two days before the program.
Groups: Maximum size is 20 (including staff). Large school groups should register by classroom to minimize group size. All groups must complete a sign-in sheet and submit release forms one week in advance.
Days and Times: Wednesdays, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
- January 29, 2025
- February 26, 2025
Cost: FREE (entry & equipment are free-of-charge)
Questions & To Register: Email DCR.UniversalAccess@mass.gov or call (413) 461-7126.
Adaptive Outdoor Programs: Hiking, Kicksledding, Snowshoeing, Cross-Country Skiing, Sit-Skiing, & Gentle Hockey
Middlesex Fells Reservation—Adaptive Hiking
3 Woodland Road, Stoneham
Join the Universal Access Program for accessible small group hiking in Stoneham. During this program, run by our partner Waypoint Adventure, you'll see stunning forests, ponds/waterways, eat lunch, and connect with new people. You’ll benefit from our selection of adaptive equipment, receive instruction to meet any learning style, and be encouraged to reach your individual goals.
Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Registration ends November 16, 2024.
Day and Time: Sunday, November 17, 2024, 11–3 p.m.
Meet at: Parking Lot address: 3 Woodland Rd, Stoneham MA. Turn off Woodland Road onto New England Sana Acc. From there, follow the Waypoint Adventure signs around the buildings to the parking lot in the back of the complex.
Cost: $20/Participant. Cost flexible based on need. One parent/friend/PCA of program participant with a disability may attend at no charge (see Waypoint’s Registration page for details).
To Register: Visit waypoint-adventure.jumbula.com
Questions: Email programs@waypointadventure.org
Blue Hills Reservation—Adaptive Hiking
860 Hillside St., Milton
Join the Universal Access Program for accessible small group hiking in Milton. During this program, run by with our partner Waypoint Adventure, we will see stunning forests, ponds/waterways, eat lunch, and connect with new people. You’ll benefit from our selection of adaptive equipment, receive instruction to meet any learning style, and be encouraged to reach your individual goals.
Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Registration ends December 6, 2024.
Day and Times: Saturday, December 7, 2024, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. or 1–3 p.m.
Meet at: Houghton’s Pond Parking Lot (860 Hillside St, Milton MA 02186). Look for the green and blue signs for directions.
Cost: $20/Participant. Cost flexible based on need. One parent/friend/PCA of program participant with a disability may attend at no charge (see Waypoint’s Registration page for details).
To Register: Visit waypoint-adventure.jumbula.com
Questions: Email programs@waypointadventure.org
Wendell State Forest—Adaptive Outdoor Winter Recreation
392 Wendell Rd, Millers Falls
Join the Universal Access Program for accessible winter recreation in Millers Falls. This program is run by our partner All Out Adventures (AOA).
Enjoy the winter woods with hiking, outdoor ice skating, cross-country skiing, sit cross-country skiing, gentle hockey games, kicksledding, or snowshoeing. Activities offered may vary depending upon weather conditions. Instruction, adaptive equipment, and assistance provided.
Space is limited and pre-registration is required. You must register by 12 p.m. the day before the program.
Days and Times: Saturdays, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Timeslots: 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.; 12–1:30 p.m.; 1:30–3:00 p.m.
- January 11, 2025
- January 18, 2025
- January 25, 2025
- February 1, 2025
- February 8, 2025
- February 15, 2025
- February 22, 2025
- March 1, 2025
Meet At: Wendell State Forest Headquarters, at 392 Wendell Rd in Millers Falls.
Cost: FREE; AOA suggested donation—$5/person.
Questions & To Register: Register with AOA online, call (413) 584-2052, or email programs@alloutadventures.org
Leo J. Martin Ski Track—Adaptive Cross-Country Skiing
190 Park Rd, Weston
Join the Universal Access Program for accessible Cross-Country Skiing in Weston. During this program, run by with our partner Waypoint Adventure, you will hit the trails using a kicksled, sit-ski, snowshoes, ice grippers or cross-country skis. You’ll receive instruction to meet any learning style and be encouraged to reach your individual goals.
Snow is made on site and trails are groomed daily!
Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Registration ends the day before the program.
Days and Times: 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Wednesday, January 15, 2025
- Wednesday, January 22, 2025
- Sunday, January 26, 2025
- Wednesday, January 29, 2025
- Wednesday, February 5, 2025
- Sunday, February 9, 2025
- Wednesday, February 12, 2025
- Wednesday, February 19, 2025
- Thursday, February 20, 2025
- Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Cost: $20/Participant. Cost flexible based on need.
To Register: Visit waypoint-adventure.jumbula.com
Questions: Email programs@waypointadventure.org
DAR State Forest—Adaptive Outdoor Winter Recreation
78 Cape St., Goshen
Join the Universal Access Program for accessible winter recreation in Goshen. This program is run by our partner All Out Adventures (AOA).
Enjoy the winter woods with hiking, cross-country skiing, sit-skiing, kick sledding, or snowshoeing. Activities offered may vary depending upon weather conditions. Instruction, adaptive equipment, and assistance provided.
There is an accessible warming hut on site.
Space is limited and pre-registration is required. You must register by 12 p.m. the day before the program.
Days and Times: Thursdays, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
- January 9, 2025
- January 23, 2025
- February 6, 2025
Cost: FREE; AOA suggested donation—$5/person
Questions & To Register: Register with AOA online, call (413) 584-2052, or email Programs@alloutadventures.org
Dunn State Park—Adaptive Outdoor Winter Recreation & First Day Adaptive Hiking
289 Pearl St., Gardner, MA
Join the Universal Access Program for accessible winter recreation in Gardner. These programs are run by our partner All Out Adventures (AOA).
Enjoy the beauty of winter by exploring wooded trails! Join us for hiking, kick sledding, or snowshoeing. Activities offered may vary depending upon weather conditions. Instruction, adaptive equipment, and assistance provided.
A warm building, fireplace, and indoor restrooms available in the accessible Visitors Center!
Space is limited and pre-registration is required. You must register by 12 p.m. the day before the program.
First Day Adaptive Hike: Wednesday, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
- January 1, 2025
Cost: FREE; AOA suggested donation—$5/person
Questions & To Register: Register with AOA by calling (413) 584-2052, or emailing programs@alloutadventures.org
Accessible Winter Recreation: Fridays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
- January 31, 2025
- February 7, 2025
- February 14, 2025
- February 21, 2025
Cost: FREE; AOA suggested donation—$5/person
Questions & To Register: Register with AOA online, call (413) 584-2052, or email Programs@alloutadventures.org
Pittsfield State Forest—Adaptive Outdoor Winter Recreation
1041 Cascade St., Pittsfield
Join the Universal Access Program for accessible winter recreation in Pittsfield. This program is run by our partner All Out Adventures (AOA).
Enjoy the beauty of winter by exploring wooded trails! Join us for hiking, kick sledding, or snowshoeing. Activities offered may vary depending upon weather conditions. Instruction, adaptive equipment, and assistance provided.
There is an accessible warming hut on site.
Space is limited and pre-registration is required. You must register by 12 p.m. the day before the program.
Day and Time: Thursday, February 20, 2025, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Cost: FREE; AOA suggested donation—$5/person
Questions & To Register: Register with AOA online, call (413) 584-2052, or email Programs@alloutadventures.org
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| Last updated: | November 22, 2024 |
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