Six kayaks lined up with happy people inside

After a tough winter many of us are beginning to plan our summer vacations and outdoor activities. This month we present an overview of accessible activities in Massachusetts for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy throughout the summer.

Website presents accessible summer optionswoman in beach wheel chair looking into the sun

The Mass Department of Conservation & Recreation Universal Access Program UAP provides accessible recreational opportunities in Massachusetts’ state parks, including accessible beaches, trails and fishing locations. UAP inclusive programs include adaptive boating (kayaking, canoeing, sailing & rowing), cycling and more. Most programs require pre-registration; paddling and hiking programs include fees. All program participants must complete a liability waiver.

Come to the Accessible Recreation Fair

DCR’s annual free Accessible Recreation Fair is Saturday, June 4 at Artesani Park, 1234 Soldiers Field Road in Brighton (Boston) from 10:00AM – 3:00PM. This is a great place to learn about summer recreation programs, meet representatives from recreational organizations in the Boston area, and to try out cycles and all-terrain wheelchairs. Refreshments provided.
Call Gigi Ranno to register at (617) 626-1294.

The month ahead

In the weeks to come, you will be introduced to Marcy Marchello, an accessible recreation coordinator for the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Universal Access Program. Marcy is a passionate outdoor enthusiast with an impressive blog, “Everyone Outdoors”. You will want to subscribe to Marcy’s blog to keep informed of all the exciting opportunities Massachusetts has to offer.

You will also learn about an accessible and very affordable sailing program on the Charles River through Marcin Kunicki, Director of the Community Boating Universal Access Sailing Program.

In our final blog of the month you will have links to a variety of accessible outdoor activities in Massachusetts including contact information to get you started on making your plans.

With all this information, we hope you get excited and make this summer a special one….be adventurous and try something new.