The Multi-Stakeholder Trail Access Working Group (TAWG) is dedicated to enhancing trail accessibility and promoting inclusive outdoor experiences across Massachusetts. Currently, many trails present barriers for individuals with disabilities and seniors. TAWG aims to identify these challenges and set goals for improving access. The group recommends actions for state, local, and private programs, policies, and investments focused on adaptive trail design and outdoor recreation. Through this collaboration, TAWG seeks to make Massachusetts one of the most accessible and welcoming places for all to enjoy the outdoors.
Trail Access Working Group Members*
| Member | Organization | Industry |
|---|---|---|
| Doug Albertson | Town Planner, Town of Belchertown | Rural Municipality |
| Amber Christoffersen | Trails and Greenways Planner, Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) | State Agency, Parks, Trails |
| Jerry Berrier | Consultant for All Persons Trails, Member of the Bay State Council For the Blind | All Person Trails Consultation |
| Bill Boles | Community Engagement, New England Mountain Bike Association (NEMBA) | Trails, Adaptive Outdoor Recreation |
| Sam Burrington | Adaptive Athlete | Adaptive Recreation |
| Ronald Chick | City of Framingham | Urban Municipality |
| Jeff Dougan | Assistant Director of Community Services, Massachusetts Office on Disability | State Agency, Disability Services and Advocacy |
| David Foss | Statewide Brownfields Coordinator, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) | State Agency |
| Karen Foster | Executive Director, All Out Adventures | Adaptive Recreation |
| Lucy Gertz | Education Coordinator, Mass Audubon | Trails, Outdoor Recreation & Education |
| Chelsey Goddard | Council Member, Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council | Disability Advocacy |
| Darren Josey | Founder and CEO, First Seed Sown and The Great Malden Outdoors | Urban Municipality, Outdoor Recreation Business |
| Stephen Larrick | Digital Services Manager, Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) | Regional Planning |
| Bridget Levondowski | Council Member, Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council | Disability Advocacy |
| Caitlin McCarthy | Southern New England Trails Program Manager, Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) | Trail Building |
| Tom McCarthy | Director, Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) Universal Access Program | State Agency, Universal Access, Adaptive Recreation |
| Dorothy McGlincy | Executive Director, Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC) | Conservation |
| Liz Myska | Visually Impaired Person (VIP) Trails Consultant, Worcester Commission | Disability Advocacy, Trail Accessibility |
| Elizabeth Newlands | CR Stewardship Coordinator, Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game (DFG) | State Agency, Wildlife Outreach and Education |
| Doug Pizzi | Executive Director, Mass Parks for All | Trail and Public Land Advocacy |
| Peter Quinn | Participant, Waypoint Adventures | Adaptive Recreation |
| Cody Rooney | Vice Chairperson, Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities, MA Developmental Disabilities Council | Disability Advocacy |
| Amy Sugihara | Chair of the Northampton Disability Commission Board Member on Friends of Northampton Trails | Trails, Disability Advocacy |
| Brian Westrick | Senior Regional Stewardship Manager, The Trustees of Reservations | Trail and Public Land Advocacy |
Steering Committee Members
| Member | Organization | Industry |
|---|---|---|
| Meg Bandarra | Unpaved Trails for All | Adaptive Trails & Recreation |
| Peter Flinker | Dodson and Flinker | Planning and Landscape Architect Consultation |
| Shaine Meulmester | Dodson and Flinker | Planning and Landscape Architect Consultation |
| Rae Ettenger | Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) | Trails, Land Management, Outdoor Recreation |
| Paul Jahnige | Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation (MOOR) | State Agency, Outdoor Recreation |
*Trail Access Working Group in formation.