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DCR Universal Access program schedule noted; Revere Beach adaptive day planning ongoing
Summary
The commission reviewed the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Universal Access Program spring schedule and discussed planning for an accessible day at Revere Beach in August, including possible permitting and beach-mat placement at the Shirley Avenue area.
Commissioners reviewed the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR) Universal Access Program (UAP) spring schedule and discussed coordination for Revere’s adaptive beach day.
Chair Moreno shared UAP details posted by the agency: the Universal Access Program provides adaptive outdoor recreation in state parks through site improvements, adaptive equipment and accessible programming in partnership with organizations including All Out Adventures, Easterseals Massachusetts, Holyoke Rose and Waypoint Adventures. UAP runs seasonal programs (spring: April–May; summer: June–August; fall: September–October; winter: November–March) and requires preregistration and a current release form for participants. Chair Moreno read the DCR contact as dcr.universalaccess@mass.gov and phone (413) 461-7126 and directed residents to mass.gov/dcr/access for details.
The commission also discussed plans for its Revere Beach adaptive day in August. Chair Moreno said she is working on permitting with DCR and that the likely site this year could be the Shirley Avenue area (the “bathtubs”), where there is a nearby train station. She said she is waiting for confirmation that beach mats will be in place at that site; if so, organizers believe the location will be convenient for participants. UAP and partner organizations have supported the commission’s past Revere Beach events, she said.
Why it matters: The Universal Access Program offers statewide adaptive recreation resources and partner organizations that local commissions can use to expand accessible events. Confirmed permitting and accessible equipment (such as beach mats) are prerequisites for staging a safe, accessible beach day.
Next steps: Chair Moreno will continue permitting discussions with DCR and notify commissioners when site confirmation and beach-mat availability are finalized.
