contact: www.mass.gov/dcr/universal_access

A message from the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
Director, Tom McCarthy

Good News Travels Far and Wide

This past year we have received numerous requests to talk about our universally accessible outdoor
recreation in Massachusetts state parks. From both inside the United States and as far away as the
European Union, park and recreational professionals, leaders in tourism and educators at colleges
have been calling on DCR’s Universal Access Program staff to share our experience and successes
in the world of adaptive recreation. We don’t often think of ourselves as leaders in the world of outdoor recreation, but as these requests to speak about and present our work to other pro-
fessionals come in, we are reminded that in the more than 12 years that the Universal Access
Program has existed, we have made great strides in opening our rich, natural resources in
Massachusetts to everyone, regardless of ability. Too often we find ourselves focusing on the
work that still needs to be done. Although we have much work before us to ensure that all of
the great experiences available in our parks are accessible to everyone, it is good to be reminded
of how far we’ve come.

ACCESS NEWS
Integrating People of All Abilities into Massachusetts State Parks

Winter/Spring 2009
Winter Festival at DCR’s Dunn Pond

Break out of the house and come to Dunn State Park on Saturday, February 7, for
a great day! Join in sled hockey, skating, cross-country skiing, kicksledding,
snowmobile rides, letterboxing and more. Refreshments, games and
lighthearted contests will cure your cabin fever. 11AM – 4PM.
Snow date Sunday, February 15. Call 617-626-1294 to pre-register.

Indoor Skating Programs

Join us for accessible ice skating programs! Variable minimal fees may apply for both rink admission and conventional skates, usually less than $5 person. All programs take place during public skating hours, and instruction and support are provided as needed.

Brockton: John G. Asiaf Skating Rink Saturdays: 2:30 – 4:30PM
January 3, January 17, January 31, February 21

Greenfield: Collins Moylan Skating Rink Friday, January 23: 1 –3PM Wednesday, February 11: 1 – 3PM

Boston: (North End) Steriti Rink Tuesday, February 17: 1 – 3PM Sunday, March 8: 2 – 5PM

Hyde Park: Bajko Rink Sunday, February 22: 12 – 3:30PM

Medford: Flynn Rink Sunday, March 1: 12 – 1:50PM

Quincy: Shea Rink Sunday, January 25: 2 – 3:50PM

Springfield: Smead Arena Wednesdays : 11AM – 1PM, January 14, February 25

More Sled Skating Locations
Around State

The purchase of additional sled-skating equipment has allowed DCR’s Universal Access Program to provide ice sleds to 11 new rink locations. Boston and eastern Massachusetts now have numerous
opportunities for accessible skating during public skating hours. Thanks to FMC Arenas for welcoming people with disabilities with seated skates. Please see the chart on page 2 for the closest rink near
you and take a glide on the ice this winter! Sleds should be in place by February. Call ahead to confirm sled availability.

New locations indicated in parenthesis sleds (#) in place by
February 1st. Rink admission fees may apply.
Location Rink Name Address Phone #Sleds

Auburn Horgan 400 Oxford Street North 508-832-7201 (2)
Cambridge Simoni 155 Gore Street 617-354-9523 (3)
Boston – Brighton Daly Nonantum Road 617-527-1741 1
Boston – Hyde Park Bajko 75 Turtle Pond Pkwy 617-364-9188 (2)
Boston – North End Steriti 561 Commercial Street 617-523-9327 (2)
Brockton Asiaf Forest Avenue Extension 508-583-6804 3
Franklin Pirelli/Vets 910 Panther Way 508-541-7024 (2)
Greenfield Collins/Moylan Barr Avenue 413-772-6891 2
Holyoke Fitzpatrick 575 Maple Street 413-532-2929 4
Medford Flynn Woodland Road 781-395-8492 (2)
Milton Ulin 11 Unquity Road 617-696-9869 (2)
Newburyport Graf 28 Low Street 978-462-8112 1
North Adams Vietnam Vets 1010 South Church St. 413-664-8185 2
Plymouth Armstrong 103 Long Pond Road 508-746-8825 (2)
Quincy Shea 651 Willard Street 617-472-9325 (2)
Revere Cronin 850 Revere Beach Parkway 781-284-9491 (2)
Springfield Smead 1780 Roosevelt Ave. 413-781-2599 4
Taunton Alexio 1 Gordon Owen Riverway 508-824-4987 (2)

To request this newsletter in it’s entirety on cassette tape, assistive listening equipment or American Sign Language interpretation for Massachusetts park programs, please call 413-545-5353 voice or 413-577-2200 TTY.

Universal Access Program
Office DCR Central Region
Headquarters, PO Box 484
Amherst, MA 01004
413-545-5353
413-577-2200TTY

www.mass.gov/dcr/universal_access

This article was posted by WCOD Editor in category Blind/Low Vision, Disability News