Press Release  DCR’s Universal Access Program to Host Annual Adaptive Recreation Fair June 7 at Herter Park in Brighton

BOSTON — The Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR) Universal Access Program (UAP) is preparing to welcome hundreds of people of all abilities to Herter Park in Brighton this Saturday, June 7, for the agency’s annual free Adaptive Recreation Fair. UAP is focused on ensuring DCR’s parks, forests, beaches, trails, pools, rinks, and playgrounds are accessible to visitors of all abilities. 

The fair will provide attendees with information about accessible, adaptive and inclusive summer recreation opportunities across the state, as well as an opportunity to use adaptive recreation equipment. The event aims to raise awareness about UAP, which provides more than 100 adaptive recreation programs that allow people of all abilities and ages to enjoy the Massachusetts State Park system. Accessibility is achieved through site improvements, specialized adaptive equipment, and accessible recreation programs.

“Our Universal Access Program provides hundreds of people with disabilities and their loved ones with opportunities to swim, hike, ski, kayak, golf, camp, bike, ice skate and more,” said Commissioner Brian Arrigo. “UAP’s annual, free Adaptive Recreation Fair is a great opportunity for families and residents to get outside and learn about the accessible recreational programming offered all across Massachusetts.” 

The fair will offer family-friendly, inclusive and accessible activities, including adaptive cycling, adaptive pickleball, adaptive golf, face painting, kite decorating, sidewalk chalk drawing, and demonstrations of adaptive equipment that helps people with disabilities hike, surf, fence, kayak and more. To promote the fair, DCR released a video on its social media channels last week, previewing what attendees will experience at the fair.

UAP staff design accessible campsites, trails, and facilities and manage specialized adaptive recreation equipment at DCR properties across the state that ensures people with disabilities have the opportunity to safely engage in various recreational activities, including ice skating, hiking, fishing, skiing, golfing, camping, visiting the beach, and more. 

Partnering with organizations including All Out Adventures, Easterseals Massachusetts, Holyoke Rows, Waypoint Adventure, and Spaulding Adaptive Sports Centers, UAP delivers a wide range of programs year-round to ensure that people of all abilities have access to outdoor recreational opportunities. These programs include adaptive equipment, professional staff, and instruction and support. Friends, family members, and companions are encouraged to join in these experiences alongside participants. 

Pre-registration is recommended for the Adaptive Recreation Fair. You can pre-register online, by calling (413) 461-7126 or by emailing DCR.UniversalAccess@mass.gov. Parking for the Fair is free but limited. The parking lot is shared with the public and is first-come, first-served. Parking attendants will be available to help direct parking.

Additionally, today DCR is announcing UAP’s summer programming. UAP summer programs run from June through August. Programs and other adaptive recreation options offered during the summer include: 

• Adaptive Canoeing and Kayaking: DCR’s partners Waypoint Adventure and All Out Adventures are running adaptive kayaking programs at locations in Andover, Great Barrington, Goshen, Clarksburg, Hopkinton, Waltham, Worcester, and Cambridge. Experience the fun and serenity of being out on waterways across the state.
• Accessible Cycling: Explorers can venture through state parks on wheels with specially designed adaptive cycles, suitable for riders of all abilities. All Out Adventures and Waypoint Adventure are running adaptive cycling programs in Hadley, Natick, Boston, Hingham and Worcester.
• Accessible Hiking: Hikers will get to experience the stunning salt marshes and ponds and waterways of the Blue Hills Reservation in Milton with Waypoint Adventure. UAP is also working to add another Boston area adaptive hiking program.
• Adaptive rowing: DCR also offers an accessible rowing program in partnership with Holyoke Rows throughout the summer in Holyoke on the Connecticut River.
• Accessible swimming: DCR offers an accessible pool program in partnership with EasterSeals at Bennett Field Pool in Worcester.
• Accessing the Water: DCR pools feature lifts and ramps for easy water access, while beaches offer boardwalks and beach mats for reaching the sand. Beach wheelchairs with balloon tires and floating beach wheelchairs enable movement across the sand and into the water. Check individual beach or pool listings for parking details, hours, and equipment availability.
• Adaptive golfing: The Massachusetts ParaGolfer Association and Golfing for All are providing adaptive golfing programming at DCR Golf Courses through the end of October. 
• Accessible sailing: Community Boating is running accessible sailing programs on the Charles River Esplanade in the Charles River Reservation through the end of September. 
• Adaptive Sport Programs: Spaulding Adaptive Sports Centers is offering a variety of adaptive sport programs at the McGraw Center for Adaptive Sports at Nickerson State Park through mid-October. 
• Fishing Discover accessible fishing spots in Massachusetts state parks, featuring accessible piers, docks, or natural shorelines. Contact the park for fish stocking and seasonal information.
• Camping: Experience accessible camping at 19 DCR facilities across the state, from the Berkshires to Cape Cod. Campgrounds provide amenities like showers, flush toilets, and R.V. hook-ups. Alternative camping options include yurts. 

For more information on DCR’s accessible summer programming including the dates and times visit UAP’s accessible summer programming webpage.

In May, UAP’s partner, Triangle, Inc., honored UAP as the Carmella Gregorie Disability Advocate of the Year for UAP’s dedication to the disability community throughout Massachusetts. On August 2, UAP and Triangle are partnering to host Triangle’s annual Beach:Ability event at Constitution Beach in East Boston. The event provides participants with the opportunity to go swimming and access the ocean – many for the first time in their lives.

DCR is committed to working with our advocacy, community and state partners to raise awareness about the accessible programming and adaptive equipment offered through UAP to ensure people of all abilities can access and enjoy Massachusetts state parks.

To stay up to date with the latest activities and events offered by UAP, visit www.mass.gov/dcr/access.Those interested in joining the mailing list to receive notifications of upcoming events and activities can call (413) 461-7126 or email DCR.UniversalAccess@mass.gov 

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