Ski and Para Triathlon Opportunities for Southern New Englanders

The Sports Association of the Gaylord Hospital in Connecticut has some great recreation opportunities coming up for those who live in southern New England. They are a Paralympic Sports Club and a chapter of Disabled Sports. Call 203-284-2772 for more info and to register for any of these programs.

On February 13th, there will be a free adaptive cross country skiing and snowshoeing program at Winding Trails in Farmington, Connecticut from 1-3pm.

There are three upcoming adaptive downhill ski trips! These trips are only $40! You must call at least 2 weeks in advance to register!

February 9 - Mt. Snow, Vermont
February 23 -  Mt. Bromley, Vermont
March 16 - Mt. Sunapee, New Hampshire

If you are a new or experienced hard core athlete, consider training to compete in a sprint Para Triathlon in September. The Sports Association is teaming up with the Greater Hartford YMCA and will be sponsoring several athletes and at least one relay team of three athletes. Paperwork must be submitted by March 1 so don't hesitate to call 203-284-2772 if you are interested.

Photos courtesy of the Sports Association.

Sybil Feldman 1940-2012



Sybil and her PCA at the Adaptive Recreation Fair in
Boston in June 2011.

I was saddened to find out in the past week of Sybil Feldman's death last November. I knew her as someone who loved outdoor recreation and saw her regularly through the years at adaptive recreation programs and events. In her obituary and other public announcements, she is heralded as a disability activist with the nickname "Sybil Disobedience". Sybil was seventy-two years old when she died of pneumonia.

Sybil had cerebral palsy and spent over twenty years living at the Fernald School, an institution for people with disabilities that was unfortunately known for human rights abuses and poor quality of education. She fought her way out and came to live in her own apartment with the support of personal care attendants.


Sybil at far left in her wheelchair, with BCIL members.

Sybil was a steady presence at disability events in Boston for decades and also traveled to places as far away as Washington D.C., San Francisco, and Orlando to support the rights of people with disabilities. She was arrested six times in political actions that helped lay the foundation for national change and better programs and services. She also promoted disability rights to the Massachusetts state legislature, governor, attorney general and U.S. Congress by testifying in hearings and telling her story at public meetings.

As Bill Henning of the Boston Center for Independent Living said, "Her life after Fernald was a dramatic shout in the face of those who would isolate, demean, and deny people with disabilities."

And I say, thank you Sybil for your indomitable spirit, for your lifelong fight to improve the lives of people with disabilities and for taking the time to get out and play!

Thanks to Bill Henning, the Executive Director of the Boston Center for Independent Living (BCIL) for permission to share the information in his article "Passing of a Disability Rights Champion" in the Winter 2013 issue of Disability Issues, a publication of the Spaulding Rehabilitation Network.

Ski and Play Hockey with Nancy!

Is there someone in your community who excels at helping others have fun? In any community there are usually fun-loving individuals who often work hard to raise the quality of life for those willing and able to participate. In the realm of adaptive recreation in western Massachusetts, one such individual seems to rise above all others in the endeavor to create fun for everyone - Nancy Bazanchuk.



Nancy and a young friend at a recent adaptive
skating program in Holyoke.

I've known Nancy since 1995 when she attended one of our very first adaptive rowing programs on the Connecticut River. When I asked her if she needed assistance to get into a rowing shell, she politely answered "No thanks!", then cartwheeled out of her wheelchair onto the dock, ambled over to the boat and got in, forever changing how I perceived people in wheelchairs. Over the years we've collaborated on adaptive cycling as well as witnessed and promoted each others programs year round.

Nancy and Marcy skate together
keeping an eye on participants.

I spoke with Nancy last weekend at our adaptive skating program in Holyoke and she reminded me that she just wants to make sure that people today get the same great opportunities to play that she has had. Her monthly newsletter from the CHD (Center for Human Development) Disability Resource Program, where she works in Springfield, offers an astounding array of opportunities.  Wheelchair basketball, power soccer, dance, bowling, goal ball, and swim lessons are just some of the regular activities. In winter she also manages two sled hockey teams and organizes downhill skiing trips. Year round she has a limited selection of adaptive recreation equipment (handcycles, skis, beach wheelchair, etc.) that can be rented for those who would like to recreate on their own.

Nancy inspires me through her deep community connections. She seems to know everyone personally and links people to each other and new possibilities continuously. People who come to her programs return again and again. This level of personal commitment to others over many years truly enriches the quality of life for everyone, for the whole community. Thanks Nancy - for all you do!!!

If you live in western Massachusetts and want to get out and have fun with Nancy, here are two winter opportunities not to miss!

Downhill Skiing - Join an upcoming trip to Mount Snow in West Dover, VT or at Pico in Killington, VT. The program includes all types of adaptive skiing, with equipment provided by either Abilities Plus (Mount Snow) or Vermont Adaptive Sports and Ski (Pico). The group carpools to the location, then skis for the day with a one-hour lunch break. $55 per person covers the lift pass, ski rental and instructor. Family members and friends are welcome to ski but the cost may vary for them. Upcoming dates are February 17 at Pico, March 3 at Mount Snow, and March 17 at Pico.

Sled Hockey - The Western Mass Knights are an adult team and the Springfield Sliders are a junior team. Both teams practice at the Amelia Park Ice Arena in Westfield, where a major sled hockey tournament takes place in April with teams from all over the Northeast. Nancy is always looking for more players for this fast-paced growing sport, and you don't have to have disability to qualify. Junior players are especially needed for the second half of this season!

You can reach Nancy at 413-788-9695 or nbazanchuk@chd.org

Fun Things To Do In State Parks This Winter!

Looking for something fun to do? Now is the time to plan an outing to break out of the house and enjoy the season! No matter what the weather, fun events are taking place around Massachusetts in state parks indoors and out. Here is a selection of some of the most accessible opportunities.

Eastern Massachusetts

Adaptive Skating and Games on Ice, Cronin Rink, Revere: Tuesdays February 19, March 12 and April 2. 11:30am - 1:30pm. Use your wheelchair, an ice sled, or conventional skates on the ice! Spin, slide, race, slalom, socialize and play gently competitive games with others! Ice sleds and conventional skates available. For more info and to attend program, call 617-626-1294 to register or email gigi.ranno@state.ma.us.

Movie Nights at Breakheart Reservation, Saugus: Fridays January 18, February 1 and February 15. 7-9pm. Come to the park for a free family friendly flick - bring the kids dressed in PJs and spread out on a cozy blanket for a fun film. Free parking. Call 781-233-0834 for more information. Call on the Friday prior to find out what movie will be shown. The Visitor Center is wheelchair accessible.

Georges Island Winter Fortress, Boston Harbor: Saturday, February 16. 11am-2pm. Looking for an outdoor adventure for the whole family? Look no further. Come check out Georges Island in the winter! If it gets too cold outdoors, warm up in the brand new Visitor Center and enjoy our short film as well as exhibits about the history of the island. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for kids. Reservations strongly recommended, as space is limited. Be sure to call in advance if you use a wheelchair - easiest access at the docks will depend on tides. For reservations call 781-770-0040 x 102 or visit:

http://www.bostonsbestcruises.com/specialty-cruises

Tracks, Scats and Nests - Interpretative Program at Borderland State Park, Sharon. Thursday, February 21. 1-2:30pm. Animal signs tell stories if we know how to read them. Watch an interactive slide show in the Visitor Center and guess who made the signs. Afterwards, we will enjoy a hike outdoors searching for wildlife and the signs they left behind for us to discover. Please dress in warm clothes and winter boots. Program meets at the Visitor Center at 259 Massapoag Street in N. Easton. Rain, snow storm, or very icy conditions will cancel the outdoor portion of the program. Program is free; there is a $2.00 per car parking fee. Please call (508) 866-2580 x 162 for more information.

Cape Cod
Interpretative programs during winter break week at Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Mashpee:

Skeletons Inside and Out - Tuesday, February 19: 10:00-11:30 am.

Learn all about skeletons and exoskeletons by examining, skulls, bones, X-rays and molts and discover fun facts about arthropods, crustaceans, birds, mammals and more. Together we will explore the beach and woods in search of animal artifacts then create a skeleton craft to take home and share. 

Bunny Trails and Cottontails - Thursday, February 21: 10:00-11:30am.

Meet a live bunny and enjoy stories, crafts and hands-on activities to discover the secret lives of local rabbits. Discover the rare New England Cottontail that researchers are studying within the Reserve and learn how you can help.

Meet at Reserve Visitor Center, 149 Waquoit Highway in Waquoit, MA. Program is free and open to the public. Reasonable accommodations available upon request. For more information, call (508) 457-0495.

Central Massachusetts

Adaptive Skating and Games on Ice, Fitzpatrick Rink, Holyoke, Sundays January 20, February 10 and March 10. 1:30 - 3:30pm. Use your wheelchair, an ice sled, or conventional skates on the ice! Spin, slide, race, slalom, socialize and play gently competitive games with others! Ice sleds and conventional skates available. For more info and to attend program, call 413-545-5758 to register or email marcy.marchello@state.ma.us.

The Holyoke Merry-Go-Round at Holyoke Heritage State Park is open weekends, holiday Mondays and school break weeks from 10am-4pm. Great place to go with the family, with several kid-friendly and educational attractions in the same downtown courtyard. Tickets for the Merry-Go-Round are $2 each or 6 for $10. The Visitor Center at 221 Appleton Street is wheelchair accessible. Call 413-534-1723 for more information.


Western Massachusetts
Comet! Visit Western Gateway Heritage State Park in North Adams where you can learn about the history of the railroad and exhibits and programs take on a monthly theme. January's theme is astronomy - culminating in a program about comets on January 26. February's theme TBD. The Visitor Center is located at 115 State Street, Building 4. Winter hours are Thursday through Monday from 10am-4pm. Call 413-663-6312 for further information.

Check here for other programs and events offered by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). For any state park program, it is advisable to call ahead if you have accessibility needs or concerns. For a full list of DCR's Universal Access Program's outdoor winter opportunities, check tab at the top of Everyone Outdoors or click here.

Adaptive Downhill Skiing Basics

Thanks to Chauncey McCarthy for this rundown on one of the most exciting adaptive sports of winter! Thanks to New England Disabled Sports for their photos and thanks to Posie Mansfield for her photo three track skiing! With these contributions I now have a good grasp of the basics of adaptive downhill skiing.

 Downhill skiing is a great way you can enjoy the winter outdoors! If you like the exhilaration of speed, open views of mountains and clean crisp air, consider trying out an exciting new adventure on the slopes! It’s a wonderful opportunity to master a new set of skills and enjoy a colorful community of thrill seekers amidst spectacular scenery! With well-developed equipment and instruction, adaptive skiing has a growing presence at many major ski resorts, serving a large range of people (kids included!) with different types of disabilities.

Seated skis are a primary mode as well as the standard image of adaptive skiing. Sit skis work well if you have a spinal cord injury, lack of balance, or inability to stand. Sit skis come mainly in two design styles - the mono ski and bi ski. Sit skiers and adaptive ambulatory skiers use outrigger poles - forearm crutches modified with a ski tip bottom to help maintain balance and initiate turns.

A bi ski is the right choice if you have limited trunk control and some upper body strength. This sit ski has a large bucket seat mounted to two skis directly underneath the seat with limited suspension. Fixed outriggers can be used to increase stability. The instructor can tether into this ski to control the experience of the skier who may be passive or participate to the level of their ability.

A mono ski is a great choice for someone with trunk control and upper body strength. This sit ski has a bucket seat mounted with a suspension system to one ski. It can be self loaded and allows for a complete independent skiing experience once the skier had learned how to fully control the ski. With a lower center of gravity, sitskiers really fly downhill!

If you are ambulatory, adaptive skiing is achieved through three and four track skiing. These terms refer to the number of tracks left in the snow by a skier. Three track skiing is when a skier is using one ski and two outrigger poles, or two skis and one outrigger pole. Four track skiing is when the skier is using two outrigger poles and two skis.

For someone with limited leg strength or balance a device called snow slider can be used. The snow slider is essentially a walker attached to a pair of skis - outriggers can be added to increase stability and a tether can also be used by a support person.

Two track skiing for those who are blind or visually impaired is accomplished with tethers, verbal commands and other methods. A blind skier and sighted guide ski together wearing designated vests so others on the ski slope are aware of their presence. Instructors may use other skiing aids during the lesson to help increase the experience.

Many adaptive ski programs also serve youth and adults with autism and other intellectual disabilities, modifying instructions and stimulating influences to the best of their ability to allow for a more successful learning experience.

Several ski resorts in the New England area offer adaptive downhill skiing. Feel free to contact them if you have more questions and want to give it a try!

New England Disabled Sports offers adaptive skiing lessons at Loon Mountain (Lincoln, NH)

Ability Plus offers adaptive skiing at Mount Snow (West Dover, Vermont) and Attitash (Mount Washington Valley, NH)

New England Handicapped Sports Association runs adaptive skiing at Mount Sunapee, NH

Stride Adaptive Sports provides adaptive skiing lessons at Jiminy Peak Ski Area (Hancock, MA)

Winter Ski Programs for Vets in New England

Veterans who are looking for some winter fun will find a lot of options this winter in New England! If you are not a veteran there is still useful program information here for anyone interested in winter sports! The New England Veterans Paralympic Regional Development Program announces its Winter 2013 Events and Programs:

Mount Washington Valley, Soldiers For Soldiers, Jan. 12 & 13, Attitash, NH
Winter Wonderland Weekend that includes Alpine skiing, Snowboarding, Nordic skiing, Snowshoeing, Ice Skating, Bonfires and Sleigh Rides. For more information, contact statem@abilityplus.org.

VA New England Winter Sports Clinic, Jan. 14-18, Mt. Sunapee, NH Skiing, sports massage, Sled Hockey, snowmobiling, air rifle shooting, and more! Contact Ralph Marche Ralph.Marche@va.gov for an application and more information.
Military Salute Weekend, Jan. 26 & 27, Attitash, NH
For more information, contact statem@abilityplus.org.



Bart Center 8^th Wounded Military Hero’s Weekend, Jan. 25-27, Bromley Mountain, VT
Skiing, snowboarding, competition and comraderie; lessons and adaptive equipment provided. Visit www.bartcenter.com, call (802) 824-5522 x 430 or email bartcenter@comcast.net.

Leaps of Faith Disabled Skiers’ Adaptive Snow Ski clinics, Mt Southington, CT
Jan. 29, Feb. 26 and March 12. No experience necessary, visit www.leapsoffaithwaterskiers.com or contact Joel at (203) 426-0666.

Veterans No Boundaries Winter Program, Feb. 1-4, Sunday River Resort, ME
For disabled veterans and active duty military personnel as well as their families, the program includes alpine and Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, biathlon and snowmobiling.
Visit www.maineadaptive.org, call (800) 639-7770 or email info@maineadaptive.org.

6th Annual USABA Winter Festival, Feb. 8-10, Pico Mt., VT
Vermont Adaptive is hosting this festival –for individuals who are visually impaired. To include Downhill, Cross-Country Skiing and Goalball; the participants will choose to either “learn to ski” or “learn to race” in each category. Whether a first-time skier or competitive racer, the festival is catered to each athlete’s ability. Guides and instructors are provided by Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports, and the event is open to all ages and abilities. Along with learning to ski and cross country ski, the participants will attend a banquet dinner with a keynote speaker, a pizza party, and will be staying the weekend in the Killington, VT region. Contact Tom Alcorn at south@vermontadaptive.org for details.

Check out the Winter Nordic & Alpine Ski Programs around New England –

Nordic & Biathlon:
AbilityPLUS (VT & NH)
Maine Adaptive Sport & Recreation (VT)
New England Disabled Sports (NH)
New England Nordic Ski Association (Northeast Adaptive Race Series)
Northeast Disabled Athletic Association (VT/Northeast Adaptive Race Series)
Northeast Passage (NH/Northeast Adaptive Race Series)
Pineland Farms (ME)
Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports (VT)

Alpine:
AbilityPLUS (VT & NH)
Adaptive Sports Partners of the North Country (NH)
Bart Center (VT)
Granite State Adaptive (NH)
Maine Adaptive Sport & Recreation (ME)
New England Disabled Sports (NH)
New England Handicap Sports Association (NH)
Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports (VT)

Ski Clubs/Trips:
CapeABLE Adventures (MA)
Sports Association at Gaylord Hospital (CT)
Leaps of Faith Disabled Skiers (CT)

Looking for more winter fun? Check out the Cape Cod Curling Club!

The New England Veterans Paralympic Regional Development Program's website for up to date information and events around New England!

Thank you to New England Disabled Sports for photographs!

Year End Appreciations

At year's end I must express my deep appreciation to all the staff and volunteers who make adaptive recreation possible in Massachusetts State Parks. Without skilled outdoor leaders, knowledgeable disability service professionals, and hands-on help from volunteers, our year round programs would simply not be possible.

Peter Chase has volunteered in
Worcester for 2 years and
brings his son to programs.

We operate many of our programs by hiring adaptive recreation organizations to facilitate activities at selected parks that feature accessible locations. Countless volunteers join these organizations to share their skills and expertise and enjoy a fun service opportunity. Many volunteers return year after year. Some are students in physical or occupational therapy, therapeutic recreation, nursing, outdoor leadership and other related or non-related fields. Others are parents or retirees or making time for community service even while employed. All are a huge support we could not do without!

Waves of gratitude to the following organizations and their staff and volunteers: All Out Adventures, Community Boating, Holyoke Rows, Stavros Outdoor Access, Waypoint Adventures and Windrush Farms. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to providing great quality inclusive recreation opportunities!

Heidi Marie-Peterson also
developed a games program.

With the end of our REC Connect grant, we lost our grant coordinator Heidi Marie-Peterson. Heidi worked with us for two years, helping us build our Adaptive Skating and Games on Ice programs in Boston, Worcester, and Revere. She recruited participants and coordinated volunteers in addition to gracing our office and programs with her friendly and easy-going personality, outdoor leadership perspective, equipment support and gentle sense of fun. Even after her position ended, Heidi continues to volunteer at the Holyoke skating program. Thanks Heidi for a job well done! We wish you well in your quest for a new one!

Steve Jewett has assisted on the ice in Revere for 3 years.

Some volunteers work with the Universal Access Program directly, helping us with the programs we run in-house. Three people who provided exceptional volunteer assistance with Adaptive Skating and Games on Ice are Steve Jewett, Peter Chase, and Steve Frieman. Thank you all for your sustained commitment to helping out!



Steve Freiman has helped us
 in Holyoke for 2 years.

We are all feeling the pinch with current challenges to our economy. DCR's Universal Access Program will continue to seek creative ways to keep our programs thriving and support adaptive recreation. Check out our Winter Calendar on the tab at the top of the page! We know it will take continued volunteer support to counteract reduced funding. With deep gratitude we thank those who have assisted us over time and welcome new volunteers to join the fun!

Training for outdoor winter recreation activities will take place on January 5 at Wendell State Forest and January 9 at the D.A.R. State Forest. Contact All Out Adventures at 413-527-8980 for January 5 and Stavros at 413-259-0009 to attend on January 9. Anyone interested in assisting with indoor ice skating can call 413-545-5758 for more information.

Adaptive Snowboarding

Guest Post from Chauncey McCarthy, DCR Universal Access Program's Equipment Specialist. Chauncey is a snowboarder, so I asked him to research adaptive snowboarding so more of us could understand how it works. Thanks Chauncey! Don't miss the inspiring video at the end of his post!

World class adaptive snowboarder Nicole Roundy is training
for the 2014 Winter Paralympic snowboarding team. Follow
her progress at www.nicoleroundy.com

Snowboarding is a great way to escape from the distractions of life and connect with nature and friends. There is nothing better than the sensation of carving down the slopes on a nice winter day, or surfing the powder after a snowstorm. Even the chairlift ride can be a great time to catch up with old friend or make new ones. The mountain community is a great place to spend time and make memories.

Snowboarding has come a long way since its start in the 1970s. As the sport has progressed so has the equipment and the range of people it can serve. Adaptive snowboarding is now more available and is offered at many ski resorts.

Adaptive snowboarding can serve a wide range of different disabilities but not all - if the person does not have the ability to stand or walk adaptive downhill skiing would be the right alternative. Currently there is not a sit snowboard available for widespread use.


Outriggers

Ski resorts are able to accommodate people with different disabilities by using a wide range of snowboarding adaptations and teaching styles. New snowboarders should plan on using a tradition snowboard setup. Depending on the rider's disability they will be outfitted with different adaptive equipment. Often this includes ski poles or outriggers to help increase balance. Outriggers can also be used for someone with limited muscular control or strength.

Snowboard lesson using Sno-wing.

The Sno-wing is an adaptive training tool that goes over the rider and attaches around their waist. The instructor can then control the ring that is around the rider helping the rider control the board while getting a better feel for the equipment and how to maintain balance.

A rider bar is another adaptation that is available to someone with low balance or a lower extremity disability. This is a bar that is attached to the toe edge of the snowboard creating a place the rider can hold onto while snowboarding. As the snowboarder progresses through the learning period their instructor might also use a tether to help control the board.

Using a rider bar.

If this has spiked your interest in adaptive snowboarding there are many mountains in the New England area that offer this service.

Ability Plus offers adaptive snowboarding at Mount Snow (West Dover, Vermont) and Attitash (Mount Washington Valley, NH)

New England Handicapped Sports Association runs adaptive snowboarding at Mount Sunapee, NH

Stride Adaptive Sports provides adaptive snowboarding lessons at Jiminy Peak Ski Area (Hancock, MA)

New England Disabled Sports offers adaptive snowboarding lesson a Loon Mountain (Lincoln, NH)

Being on Ice Inspires Play!

With winter comes ice, something many people avoid for its potential hazards, yet in the right context, ice brings out a sense of fun and playfulness. Where an ice rink is defined, indoors or out, any sort of game or play activity is bound to be going on. Being on ice propels the body into movement to stay warm.  Testing the slickness of ice translates into sliding, spinning, gliding, chasing and smiles. Ice inspires play!

I've loved the playfulness of being on ice all my life. I grew up in a neighborhood where a baseball field was flooded every winter by the local boy scout troop. The kids, teens and adults attracted to this local patch of frozen water became an impromptu winter community where play ruled. For many years an adult I often sought out frozen bodies of water to play games with my dogs. Now, as an adaptive recreation professional I observe and join people's delight on ice every winter in our programs. I love the way disability seems to evaporate when people with and without disabilities use ice sleds to play hockey.

Spontaneity and inventiveness abound in our adaptive skating programs. There seems to be a new game created at almost every program we facilitate. Some of the games we've generated include spinning donuts in power wheelchairs, ice sled races, hockey games with balls and pucks of all sizes and styles, flying kites while skating, lining up in ice sled trains, building foam block towers and walls to crash into, slaloms, and power chair towing of people in ice sleds in a variation of crack-the-whip. With skaters on conventional skates, using skate walkers, ice sleds and/or their own wheelchairs, and others using ice grippers over their shoes, the possibilities are still being discovered!

 If you are feeling hum drum about winter or need a therapeutic dose of fun and games, consider getting out on the ice wherever you are! If you live in Massachusetts we have a few programs coming up in the next ten days, with more scheduled for January through March.

December 2 - Holyoke
December 6 - Worcester
December 11 - Revere

Call 413-545-5758 to register for these programs sponsored by DCR's Universal Access Program! The whole rink is ours to play on for two hours! Come as you are (with warm clothes, gloves and a hat) and embrace winter with a spin on the ice!

Do you play on the ice? Please share your game inventions using the comment link below!

Accessible Public Skating At Massachusetts State Rinks!

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has officially announced the start of public ice skating November 23 at 42 rinks around the Commonwealth. DCR's Universal Access Program maintains adaptive ice skating equipment at 20 of these rinks.

Towns with state rinks that feature adaptive ice skating sleds are Auburn, Boston, Brighton, Brockton, Cambridge, Franklin, Greenfield, Holyoke, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Medford, Newburyport, North Adams, Plymouth, Revere, Somerville, Springfield, Taunton and West Roxbury.

Ice sleds offer a seated option for skaters who cannot use their legs or who have balance issues too difficult for conventional skating. Those who can use their upper bodies evenly can use two shortened hockey sticks with a figure skating pick on the opposite ends of the blades for self propulsion. A stroller bar handle can be inserted into the back of the ice sled to push sled skaters who cannot self propel or steer. Anti-tippers prevent people from tipping over backwards and an adjustable leg tray allows kids and adults to use most sleds. This equipment offers more inclusion of people with disabilities into the rink experience. Whole families can skate together!

Click here for a reference list of where ice sleds are located in the Massachusetts State rink network. Most rinks have two sleds, two sets of sticks, and one stroller handle. Some rinks (Brockton, Holyoke, Revere, Springfield, West Roxbury, Worcester) have more sleds and handles, and some rinks (Cambridge, Hyde Park) only have kid-sized sleds. (Kids fit well into adult-sized sleds but not usually the other way around!) Call the rinks directly (using phone numbers listed on the link above) or DCR's Universal Access Program at 413-545-5758 for more specific information.

For a full list of DCR skating rinks with public skating hours and directions, click here.