State Announces Grants to Support Inclusive, Accessible Outdoor Recreation
BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll administration recently announced nearly $190,000 in grants to support equitable access to outdoor recreation events through the Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation (MOOR). Nineteen organizations and municipalities have been awarded Inclusive and Accessible Event grants to improve ease of access to outdoor recreational activities for low-income residents, communities of color, and people living with disabilities.
“Outdoor recreation should be for everyone, regardless of age, ability, or access. Nature is a wonderful place where people can come together, whether they’re seasoned adventurers or just starting out,” MOOR Director Paul Jahnige said. “By investing in community events and programs, we’re removing barriers that keep people from enjoying the outdoors and discovering new experiences. These grants help us create opportunities for families and friends to share joyful moments in nature, fostering connections that boost our mental, physical, and social well-being.”
Established in December 2023, MOOR collaborates with agencies and private partners to promote activities across the state, including hunting, fishing, horseback riding, paddling, swimming, and more. Outdoor recreation is vital to Massachusetts, contributing $13.2 billion to the economy, creating over 102,000 jobs, and boosting tourism.
Six of the grant recepients are located in the four counties of Western Mass.: the Ashmere Project, $10,000 for its Camp Chesterfield working weekend retreats in Chesterfield; Berkshire Pond Hockey Classic, $10,000 for inclusive outdoor skating and community ice programs at Clapp Park in Pittsfield; Eagle Eye Institute, $10,000 to promote well-being, belonging, and empowerment in nature in Holyoke and Springfield; Latinas413, $10,000 for its Raices Verdes (Green Roots) program; Q-MoB Inc., $10,000 to reduce isolation by inspiring diverse new LGBTQ+ leadership for outdoor recreation in Adams, Becket, Great Barrington, Lenox, Savoy, and Sheffield; and Western Mass Wheelers, $9,927 to promote biking in nature for seniors in Agawam, Chicopee, East Longmeadow, Holyoke, Longmeadow, Southwick, Springfield, and West Springfield.