State awards $165K for inclusive, accessible outdoor recreation – Sentinel and Enterprise

BOSTON — This past Friday, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced $164,900 in grants to support equitable access to outdoor recreation events through the Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation (MOOR). Seventeen 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.

Among the grant recipients are Clear Path for Veterans New England in Devens and Coalition for a Better Acre in Lowell.

“There is incredible work being done by our partners across the state, and we’re proud to elevate and amplify their efforts of making the outdoors more inclusive,” said MOOR Director Paul Jahnige. “Outdoor recreation is not just about having fun (although it is) — it also plays a vital role in fostering a healthy, vibrant, and welcoming Massachusetts. These events illustrate water’s life-giving power, the forest’s healing effects, and the therapeutic value of animal interactions in nature.”

Established in December 2022, MOOR collaborates with agencies and private partners to promote outdoor activities across the state, including hunting, fishing, horseback riding, paddling, swimming, and more. Outdoor recreation is vital to Massachusetts, contributing $11 billion to the economy, creating over 102,000 jobs, and boosting tourism.

“Especially in a beautiful place like here in the Berkshires, it’s so important that outdoor recreation is supportive and accessible,” said Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier (D-2nd Berkshire). “I’m grateful for Healey-Driscoll Administration’s local support to make sure outdoor activities are accessible to all young people, but especially lifting up opportunities for youth of color through the grant to the Berkshire Black Economic Council.”

The following grantees were awarded funding through MOOR’s Inclusive and Accessible Outdoor Recreation Events Grant Program:

• Clear Path for Veterans New England Inc., Devens, was awarded $10,000 to implement its “Horses for Heroes: Equine Therapy for Veterans” program, in partnership with Kairos Spring Farm, in Stow. This program, aimed at veterans facing PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and military sexual trauma, provides therapeutic equine sessions designed to improve emotional resilience and well-being. The six-week program will engage 36 veterans, offering fully subsidized participation and transportation assistance to ensure accessibility. The program will foster a sense of community, promote outdoor recreation, and support veterans in their healing journey.

• Coalition for a Better Acre (CBA), Lowell, was awarded $10,000 for the “Horseback and Alpaca Experience for Youth.” This project will provide enriching farm experiences for 50 youth from Lowell’s Acre neighborhood. Through partnerships with Harvard Alpaca Ranch and Hunters Haven Farm, participants will engage in horseback riding, animal care, and nature exploration during February and April 2025. This initiative seeks to foster teamwork and build self-confidence for low-income children by offering these meaningful, animal-centric outdoor experiences. The program aligns with CBA’s mission to support community development and provide opportunities for underrepresented youth.

• Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust (LPCT) was awarded $10,000 to launch “Rafting the Neighborhood,” a program aimed at increasing access to outdoor recreation for historically underrepresented communities in Lowell. The event will introduce BIPOC and low-income residents to rafting on the Concord River, with scholarships for three participants to attend Zoar Outdoor’s Raft Guide School. This program aims to break barriers in outdoor recreation, enhance environmental stewardship, and create employment opportunities in the rafting industry for participants.

• Valley Collaborative, Tyngsboro, was awarded $3,300, to establish an outdoor education program for elementary students, focusing on winter hiking. The program aims to engage students in activities like hiking, fishing, gardening, and camping, promoting social, emotional, and physical well-being. The inaugural winter hike, set for February 2025 at Wachusett Mountain, will provide essential winter gear to ensure safe participation. By empowering students from diverse backgrounds who may lack outdoor opportunities, Valley Collaborative seeks to foster lifelong engagement with nature and improve coping skills, ultimately enhancing students’ overall independence and health.

-Healey-Driscoll Administration