Sign Up for Winter Fun in Massachusetts!

Snowshoeing at D.A.R. State Forest

DCR's Universal Access Program announces its Winter 2011 Schedule this week with many wonderful recreation opportunities around the state to enjoy. Visit an indoor program at at state skating rinks to kickstart your outdoor adventures in a warmer environment where you can play on the ice and find out more about outdoor opportunities - or - just head straight for the great white playground at any one of the state park programs listed below! You'll find friendly faces and camaraderie - and all programs are free! Most equipment use comes as part of the program, though some may need to be rented on site for a fee. Call the numbers listed to reserve space and get more information regarding programs. Consider returning to some locations to play on your own! Please contact the site in advance to ensure equipment is available.


Eastern Massachusetts:
Join Stavros Outdoor Access for each week in February and early March for outdoor activities at the Weston Ski Track - the only place in the state that makes snow for cross-country skiing! With 2 kilometers of groomed trails, sitskiing is a blast! At this popular program, kicksleds, snowshoes and conventional cross country skis are available as well as sitskis. Call 413-259-0009 to register  - see sidebar for dates and times. You can also go on your own and use 2 sitskis independently, and 2 kicksleds are available by request for universal access users. Call 781-891-6575 to reserve equipment for independent use.

In Brockton, skate indoors during public skating at the Asiaf rink next to the high school. Use conventional skates or ice sleds on 3 Sundays -January 16, January 30, and February 13- from 2:40-4:40pm with All Out Adventures.  Call 413-527-8980 to register. Three ice sleds and a few skate walkers available for independent use during public skating outside of the scheduled program. Call 508-583-6804 to inquire about independent use of sleds.




Try out a seated ice skating sled indoors or out!

In Revere, if you can make Tuesday at mid-day, Adaptive Skating and Ice Games continue once a month at the Cronin Rink. The entire indoor rink is devoted to Universal Access activity which includes sled hockey games, power chairs on ice, an agility course, a crash tower, and a variety of other spontaneous games. Free hot chocolate at this one! Call 413-577-3840 to register for any or all of the following dates: January 11, February 8, March 8 and April 5 from 11:30-1:30. You can also go on your own during public skating time and use the 4 ice sleds and 2 skate walkers on site independently. Call 781-284-9491 to inquire about equipment use.

On Tuesday, February 15, we will be offering a special outdoor skating event at the Kelly Rink in Jamaica Plain. From 11am -2pm join the Universal Access Program and All Out Adventures using the entire rink for Adaptive Skating and Ice Games outside! Please call 617-626-1294 to register. One ice sled available on site for independent use otherwise. Call 617-727-7000 to inquire about sled use.

Central Massachusetts:
Saturday, February 5 from 11am -3pm, visit our Winter Festival at Dunn Park in Gardner! We'll be offering cross country skiing, snowshoeing, kicksledding, snowmobile rides, an outdoor campfire and refreshments in a scenic setting. Please call 617-626-1294 to pre-register for this free event.

In Worcester, Adaptive Skating and Ice Games continue once a month on Thursdays at the Buffone Rink. Times vary from month to month. Call 413-577-3840 to register for any or all of the following dates: January 20, February 17, March 17 and April14. Times vary. 4 ice sleds and two skate walkers available for independent use during public skating on site. Call 508-799-0910 to inquire about equipment use.

Take a snowmobile ride with park staff in Wendell.

Western Massachusetts:
Enjoy outdoor recreation activities at Mt. Tom State Reservation in Holyoke, Wendell State Forest and/or D.A.R. State Forest in Goshen. Mt. Tom offers wonderful outdoor skating when Lake Bray is frozen and trail exploration in most conditions. Wendell has an outdoor skating rink and offers snowmobile rides in addition to trail excursions. All three locations feature accessible warming rooms and restrooms with D.A.R. being the most rustic. See sidebar for dates and times.

In Holyoke, Adaptive Skating and Ice Games continue once a month on Saturdays from 12 - 2pm at the Fitzpatrick Rink. Call 413-57-3840 to register for any or all of the following dates: January 22, February 12, March 12 and April 9 from 12-2pm. Six ice sleds and several skate walkers available on site for independent use during public skating. Call 413-532-2929 to inquire about equipment use.

SEE YOU OUT THERE in the snow and on the ice!