Press Release   Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces Accessible Summer Recreation Opportunities  

Boston — As part of its commitment to ensuring residents and visitors of all abilities can connect with nature through outdoor recreation, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) today announced the summer programming schedule for its Universal Access Program (UAP).  

UAP provides adaptive and accessible recreation opportunities at DCR parks throughout the year, helping make Massachusetts’ park system more welcoming and inclusive for all. This summer’s programming includes hiking, boating, swimming, cycling, and golfing at DCR properties located throughout the state. 

“At DCR, we’re committed to ensuring our public lands are welcoming and accessible to all,” said DCR Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle. “We want every resident and visitor to know that our parks, trails, beaches, and waterways are spaces where they belong. Through our Universal Access Program and the support of our partners, more people are able to connect with nature, spend time on the water, and enjoy all that our parks have to offer during the summer months.”  

From June through August, free and low-cost adaptive programming will be offered at 29 DCR properties. Each activity is designed to accommodate a wide range of needs and includes adaptive equipment and support. Programs are open to individuals of all ages and abilities. Friends and family of participants are also encouraged to participate. 

DCR also supports accessible and adaptive camping needs at many of our campsites. A full list of accessible sites can be found on DCR’s accessible camping webpage. 

The following activities will be featured at multiple DCR properties on dates throughout the summer:  

• Canoeing/Kayaking: Ranking among UAP’s most popular summer activities, DCR partners with Waypoint Adventure and All Out Adventures to offer kayaking and canoeing opportunities at Cochituate State Park in Natick, Hopkinton State Park in Hopkinton, the Middlesex Fells Reservation in Stoneham, DAR State Forest in Goshen, Whitehall State Park in Hopkinton, the Charles River Reservation in Cambridge, Beartown State Forest in Great Barrington, Walden Pond in Concord, Belle Isle Marsh in East Boston, Quinsigamond State Park in Worcester and the Upper Charles River Reservation in Waltham. 
• Hiking: In partnership with Waypoint Adventure, UAP is hosting group hikes at Blue Hills Reservation in Milton and Beaver Brook Reservation in Waltham. Each hike will highlight the natural and historic significance of each area while taking visitors through wooded areas and alongside ponds and waterways.  
• Cycling: A variety of cycling equipment, including recumbent bikes, tandems, hand cycles, trikes and wheelchair accessible bikes will be made available by All Out Adventures and Waypoint Adventure at the Blackstone River Valley Heritage Center in Worcester, Norwottuck Rail Trail in Hadley, Wompatuck State Park in Hingham, Blackstone River Greenway in Blackstone, Nashua River Rail Trail in Ayer, and Mass Central Rail Trail. 
• Swimming: Visitors in need of support while swimming will have the chance to cool off with staff from Easterseals Massachusetts at Worcester’s Bennett Field Pool this summer. Additionally, all of DCR’s 24 swimming pools, which open on June 20, feature outdoor chair lifts that provide access to the water. Several pools also have ramps or zero-depth entry and select pools and spray decks also have beach wheelchairs for use.  
• Rowing: Holyoke Rows is once again offering trips down the Connecticut River this summer. Participants will receive an introduction to rowing and can choose between a leisurely trip or competitive activities.  
• Sailing: In partnership with Community Boating, participants will get to sail along Boston’s Charles River Esplanade with programming designed for first-time and returning sailors.   

Additional adaptive recreation activities, including cycling, kayaking, paddleboarding and yoga, will be offered at Nickerson State Park in Brewster through October with Spaulding Adaptive Sports Centers. Golf For All and the Massachusetts ParaGolfer Association are hosting adaptive golf programming at Ponkapoag Golf Course in Canton and Leo J. Martin Golf Course in Weston. Greens access in Weston will be limited due to ongoing repairs. 

DCR will also have all-terrain wheelchairs (trackchairs) available at Windsor State Forest in Windsor starting June 19 and at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport effective immediately. Maudslay State Park will also have mobility scooters available to visitors. All motorized mobility devices must be reserved at least three days in advance of visiting a DCR property.  

For a full list of DCR’s 22 accessible beaches, which feature beach mats and beach wheelchairs, visit DCR’s DCR's website.  

UAP will also be hosting summer adaptive ice skating at Porrazzo Memorial Rink in East Boston on August 24. 

Participants need to register in advance to take part in UAP programming. To register and view the full Summer Adaptive Program Schedule, including program locations, dates and times visit the UAP website. 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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