Skip to main content

Trail Access Working Group

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 OrganizationIndustry 
Doug AlbertsonTown Planner, Town of BelchertownRural Municipality 
Amber ChristoffersenTrails and Greenways Planner, Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) State Agency, Parks, Trails
Jerry BerrierConsultant for All Persons Trails, Member of the Bay State Council For the BlindAll Person Trails Consultation
Bill BolesCommunity Engagement, New England Mountain Bike Association (NEMBA)Trails, Adaptive Outdoor Recreation
Sam BurringtonAdaptive AthleteAdaptive Recreation
Ronald ChickCity of FraminghamUrban Municipality 
Jeff DouganAssistant Director of Community Services, Massachusetts Office on DisabilityState Agency, Disability Services and Advocacy 
David FossStatewide Brownfields Coordinator, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)State Agency
Karen FosterExecutive Director, All Out AdventuresAdaptive Recreation
Lucy GertzEducation Coordinator, Mass AudubonTrails, Outdoor Recreation & Education
Chelsey GoddardCouncil Member, Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities CouncilDisability Advocacy 
Darren JoseyFounder and CEO, First Seed Sown and The Great Malden OutdoorsUrban Municipality, Outdoor Recreation Business
Stephen LarrickDigital Services Manager, Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC)Regional Planning
Bridget LevondowskiCouncil Member, Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities CouncilDisability Advocacy 
Caitlin McCarthySouthern New England Trails Program Manager, Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC)Trail Building
Tom McCarthyDirector, Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) Universal Access Program State Agency, Universal Access, Adaptive Recreation
Dorothy McGlincyExecutive Director, Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC)Conservation
Liz MyskaVisually Impaired Person (VIP) Trails Consultant, Worcester CommissionDisability Advocacy, Trail Accessibility 
Elizabeth NewlandsCR Stewardship Coordinator, Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game (DFG) State Agency, Wildlife Outreach and Education
Doug PizziExecutive Director, Mass Parks for AllTrail and Public Land Advocacy 
Peter QuinnParticipant, Waypoint AdventuresAdaptive Recreation
Cody RooneyVice Chairperson, Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities, MA Developmental Disabilities CouncilDisability Advocacy 
Amy Sugihara

Chair of the Northampton Disability Commission 

Board Member on Friends of Northampton Trails

Trails, Disability Advocacy
Brian WestrickSenior Regional Stewardship Manager, The Trustees of Reservations

Trail and Public Land Advocacy 

Steering Committee Members

MemberOrganizationIndustry
Meg BandarraUnpaved Trails for AllAdaptive Trails & Recreation
Peter FlinkerDodson and FlinkerPlanning and Landscape Architect Consultation
Shaine MeulmesterDodson and FlinkerPlanning and Landscape Architect Consultation
Rae EttengerAppalachian Mountain Club (AMC)Trails, Land Management, Outdoor Recreation 
Paul JahnigeMassachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation (MOOR)State Agency, Outdoor Recreation

*Trail Access Working Group in formation.

Member Bios 

Events

Resources

News

Press Release

Healey-Driscoll Administration Launches ‘Trails for All’ Initiative to Build Universally Accessible Trails  

11/07/2024 Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs

New initiative to improve access to nature for people with disabling conditions and promote inclusivity across Massachusetts’ trails

Help Us Improve Mass.gov  with your feedback

Please do not include personal or contact information.
Feedback