The Healey-Driscoll Administration, as part of its commitment to ensuring that outdoor recreation is a possibility for all, has awarded $164,900 in grants. These funds, disseminated through the Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation (MOOR), are aimed at facilitating inclusive access to outdoor recreation events for those often sidelined by mainstream initiatives.
In a move lauded by communities across the state, 17 organizations and municipalities have become the beneficiaries of these Inclusive and Accessible Event Grants. Reaching out to the undervalued, the grants are set to improve access to outdoor recreational activities for low-income residents, communities of color, and individuals living with disabilities. Recognizing the transformative impact of nature, MOOR Director Paul Jahnige noted, "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," as reported by mass.gov.
Since its establishment in December 2022, MOOR has been instrumental in promoting diverse outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and horseback riding. The organization's work has underlined outdoor recreation as an integral component of Massachusetts' economy, contributing approximately $11 billion and supporting over 102,000 jobs.
Adding a local perspective, Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier believes in the imperative nature of accessible outdoor activities in her district, "Especially in a beautiful place like here in the Berkshires, it's so important that outdoor recreation is supportive and accessible." Citing the grant awarded to the Berkshire Black Economic Council, Farley-Bouvier emphasizes the importance of elevating opportunities for youth of color, as mentioned by mass.gov.
