Come see us at the DCR Accessible Recreation Fair this Saturday!

DCR to Host Accessible Recreation Fair at Artesani Park in Brighton

Boston –Thursday, May 21, 2015- With spring and summer being prime recreational seasons, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has scheduled an Accessible Recreation Fair at Artesani Park in Boston that will feature displays and demonstrations of accessible recreation equipment for cycling and other activities.

The festival is scheduled for Saturday, May 30, from 10:00AM-3:00PM, at Artesani Park on Soldiers Field Road in Boston’s Brighton neighborhood. 

The event is sponsored by DCR’s Universal Access Program; the free fair is targeted toward persons with disabilities, their friends, and family. The fair will showcase a variety of accessible outdoor recreation programs and equipment to help persons of all ages with physical, cognitive, sensory, developmental, and other types of disabilities enjoy outdoor sports and recreation.

“Our Universal Access Program is one of the most innovative and groundbreaking programs in the nation,” said DCR Universal Access Director Tom McCarthy. “It has helped make the recreation programs in our state and urban parks more inclusive, so that people with disabilities can participate independently or with their friends and families in a wide variety of activities.”

The fair is a celebration of the many forms and varieties of accessible outdoor recreation. Activities will include sports and recreation equipment on display, power soccer demonstrations, adaptive cycling with an assortment of accessible cycles available for use, hiking demonstrations, kite decorating and flying, a D.J., snacks, and more. Many local organizations will be on site, with opportunities to learn more about adaptive summer recreation opportunities and sign up for summer programs.

“UAP provides people with disabilities an opportunity to get outside, be active, and connect with others in the community, perhaps most importantly, to find out what is possible,” said Chenine Peloquin, Project Director for Access Recreation Boston. “Participating in activities that you enjoy and challenge you adds incredible value to life. This event provides an opportunity to find new organizations and ideas, and is a great way to spend a sunny day!

Preregistration is recommended, especially for use of equipment or to request an ASL interpreter. For information, to pre-register, or to ask about volunteer opportunities, call Marcy Marchello at 413-545-5758 or 413-577-3840.

DCR’s Universal Access Program sponsors a wide variety of adaptive recreation opportunities in the summer and winter seasons at locations across the Commonwealth. In addition to winter activities, DCR parks and facilities offer summer activities including cycling, kayaking, canoeing, rowing, sailing, hiking, and bird watching. Skilled instructors and volunteers provide equipment, instructions, and support.

For more information on DCR’s Universal Access Program and a schedule of activities, visit www.mass.gov/dcr/accessibility or call 413-545-5353.

DCR Press release reposted from http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dcr/news/2015/dcr-to-host-accessible-recreation-fair-at-artesani-park-in-brighton-5-21-15.pdf