By Kaitlyn Gorman
With the warmer months finally here, it’s important to create fun and inclusive places for everyone, including those who have disabilities. New Hampshire offers a variety of accessible outdoor activities and adaptive community programs.
Additionally, New Hampshire State Parks accept the National Park Service Access Pass, a free lifetime pass for individuals with permanent disabilities. More information on Access Passes can be found online at: https://store.usgs.gov/access-pass or in person at locations throughout the state.
This article will share information to ensure all youth and their families are informed on activities that will promote a summer of fun and adventure.
Accessible Activities
Nature Trails
Crotched Mountain Trails, Greenfield, NH – Gregg and Dutton Brook trails offer the largest accessible mountain-based trail system in the country.
Mine Falls Park, Nashua, NH – Features paved and packed gravel trails in the heart of the city.
Great Bay Peverly Pond Trail, Newington, NH – A short 0.4-mile boardwalk loop with scenic pond views of the Great Bay Wildlife Refuge.
NH Seacoast Greenway, Portsmouth, NH – Flat, crushed-stone surface suitable for wheelchairs, strollers, walkers, and cyclists.
Explore more trails by visiting the accessible recreation map: NH Council on Developmental Disabilities – NHCDD Accessible Recreation Map in the Resources section.
Beach and Lake Access
State Parks with Accessible Features such as accessible parking, wheelchair mat, beach wheel chairs and paved areas:
Hampton Beach State Park, Hampton, NH
Wallis Sands State Park, Rye, NH
Great Island Common in New Castle, NH
Fort Foster, Kittery, ME – Offers accessible features, picnic tables, playgrounds, and grilling stations.
Pawtuckaway State Park, Nottingham, NH
Ellacoya State Park, Gilford, NH (on Lake Winnipesaukee)
Adaptive Activities for Youth
Benefits of Adaptive Programs are to encourage skill development, social engagement, self-esteem, and a sense of community.
Gymnastics
Granite State YMCA, NH Locations – Offers adaptive gymnastics, swim lessons, and rock climbing.
Spectrum Gymnastics, Londonderry, NH – Multiple adaptive classes throughout the month.
Gymnastics Village, Amherst, NH
Dance
New Hampshire Dance Institute, Keene, NH – Year-round program called REACH for individuals of all abilities. Summer camp at the end of the month—book your spot!Everybody Dance Now, Salem, NH – 6-week programs run by a pediatric OT, Carly Bonanno. Offers drop-in opportunities.
Studio 109, Canterbury, NH – Adaptive Dance focused on motor planning, body awareness, and coordination using props. Camps running July/August.
Sports and Recreation
New England Handicapped Ski Association, Sunapee, NH – Offers adaptive hikes, paddle boarding and kayaking.
Adaptive Sports Partners, Franconia, NH – Offers year-round recreational activities for individuals with various disabilities.
New Hampshire Special Olympics (Statewide) – Year-round sports training and community events.
TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) – Locations include Salem, Londonderry and Seacoast locations.
Check out your local Parks and Recreation leagues for additional inclusive sport options.
We hope everybody takes the opportunity to explore these options and find some new ones along the way!
Resources
Accessible Recreation Map
NH Council on Developmental Disabilities
National Park Service Access Pass
Nature trails
Beaches and Lakes
Parks and Playgrounds
There are several accessible parks and playgrounds throughout the state. For additional information on accessible locations https://www.nhstateparks.org/find-parks-trails/types-of-nh-state-parks/parks-with-accessibility