DCR’s Universal Access Program (UAP) has put together a Winter 2011 schedule with many wonderful adaptive recreation opportunities for people with disabilities and their families and friends to enjoy indoors and out this season.
The activities are held on weekends and some week days in January, February, and March. They include accessible cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, kick sledding, snowmobiling, and ice skating at DCR parks and facilities. For persons with disabilities, free use of accessible equipment such as sit skis and kick sleds, as well as staff assistance, is available. In spring and summer, UAP offers cycling, kayaking, canoeing, rowing, sailing, hiking, horseback riding, letterboxing, bird watching, interpretive programs and more. Skilled instructors and volunteers provide equipment, instruction, and support.
Indoor skating programs will take place at four primary rinks: Cronin Rink in Revere, Asiaf Rink in Brockton, Buffone Rink in Worcester, and the Fitzpatrick Rink in Holyoke. There will also be a special outdoor skating program at the Kelly Rink in Jamaica Plain on Tuesday, February 15, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. In addition, many rinks statewide have seated ice skating sleds for independent use during public skating.
For accessible outdoor winter recreation, visit the Weston Ski Track for adaptive cross-country skiing on most Sundays in February. In western Massachusetts, Wendell State Forest and Mt. Tom State Reservation will host adaptive programs on alternating Saturdays, with activities including ice skating, kicksledding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobile rides. Catch it all at the Winter Festival at Dunn Park in Gardner on Saturday, February 5, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.!
For more information on any of these programs and more, contact Gigi at 617-626-1294 or Marcy at 413-545-5758 or 413-577-2200 (TTY) or visit DCR’s Universal Access Program website for more informaiton. Also, ask about volunteer opportunities. Preregistration is required.
See you other there on the snow and ice!