Great Day for Upstream Alliance: Cooper River Water Trail Opening
On Saturday, June 7, 2025, more than 450 Camden residents joined Upstream Alliance to celebrate the grand opening of the Cooper River Water Trail in Camden County, New Jersey. The day was packed with family-friendly activities, including kayaking from the new BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch, nature walks, fishing lessons, a kids' fishing tournament, and more, all designed to connect the community with the water.
Photo credits Julia Baugh, Upstream Alliance
Upstream Alliance was able to get about 120 people out kayaking from their new BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch, while another 60 people tried their skill at canoeing on the other side of the park. Since most of the residents were first-time paddlers and had never been on the water before, they all received a paddling lesson before they got into the kayaks and canoes. The new kayakers paddled around the fishing basin, then came back to land to enjoy other events going on in the park. The energy onshore matched the excitement on the water, with face painting, games, kite flying, bubbles, lots of free food, and other festive activities filling the park.
The Cooper River Water Trail, a 15.5-mile route connecting the Back Channel of the Delaware River to Cooper River, is the result of a collaborative effort led by Upstream Alliance and supported by Camden County, the New Jersey Conservation Foundation, and other partners: Camden County Parks Department, the Center for Aquatic Sciences at Adventure Aquarium, Cooper's Ferry Partnership, and the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. The trail promotes recreation, environmental awareness, and stewardship while improving equitable access to nature for local communities.
Fueled by a $500,000 grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, this milestone event was a celebration of years of work by passionate advocates for clean water and environmental education. Upstream Alliance’s mission—to connect people with nature through on-the-water experience—was truly brought to life on Saturday, with its many hands-on learning activities for the children.
The day left the attendees with happy memories, a newfound connection to the water, and a better understanding of its history, as they experienced the importance Cooper River lends to the Camden community. BoardSafe Docks would like to credit Julia Baugh and Kara Foran for sharing the pictures related to this ribbon-cutting event.
Photo credit: Kara Foran, Upstream Alliance
Upstream Alliance is a non-profit organization focused on the environment. Their group connects people with nature, mostly through in-water experiences on waterways. They address issues like improving access, providing educational enrichment to students about improving water quality, and creating educational experiences for students that promote conservation, develop an understanding and appreciation for watersheds, and work to improve water quality. Upstream Alliance hopes the improved waters of the Cooper River will become a locally accessible recreation destination for all those living in Camden County.
Plan your trip here: camdencounty.com/.../cooper-river-water-trail/
BoardSafe Docks is happy to work with Upstream Alliance and support them in their mission to create improved access to the new river trail. BoardSafe understands the value their systems bring to communities, particularly in the realm of accessibility and water recreation.
BoardSafe’s Adaptive Kayak Launch can:
- Improve communities for recreation-loving individuals and provide Universal Access to all those looking to get out and paddle on the water.
- Promote healthy living by connecting families and friends with each other and with nature, and encouraging good stewardship of natural resources.
- Enhance adaptive recreation for those who require additional accommodations, modifications, or features to access the water, including in-water rehabilitation, exercise, socialization, and improving overall health and wellness.
- Provide industry leadership to help customers design a system that will work for their needs, as well as the body of water they are located on. BoardSafe’s consultative services and expertise have guided successful project installations across the country, making them an industry leader in designing, engineering, and manufacturing all-inclusive water access systems.
If you are interested in creating or improving your waterfront access, BoardSafe’s sales team is available for questions and consultation and will assist you with finding your optimal waterfront solution. You can learn more about BoardSafe Docks’ projects at our website, BoardSafeDocks.com, or by calling 610-899-0286.
Hendersonville TN Celebrates Major Upgrade to Sanders Ferry Park Boat Ramp
Hendersonville Parks and Recreation recently celebrated the grand reopening of the Sanders Ferry Boat Ramp on the shores of Old Hickory Lake. This revitalized launch site now features three new BoardSafe Floating Boat Docks, improved gangways, and a fully renovated boat ramp, marking a significant investment in recreational access for boaters, kayakers, and anglers alike.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony brought together many political dignitaries, residents, and representatives from key state agencies, including the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), Tennessee State Parks, the Department of Tourist Development, and the City of Hendersonville. Many speakers highlighted the importance of this project for the broader Tennessee community.
This redevelopment is part of the Bill Dance Signature Lakes initiative, an ambitious statewide effort to enhance fishing and water recreation across Tennessee. The project was funded by TWRA and is designed to improve both the quality and accessibility of outdoor recreation spaces.
BoardSafe Docks, the designer and manufacturer behind the new infrastructure, plays a crucial role in delivering high-performance floating dock systems, gangways, kayak launches, and fishing piers for TWRA and TN State Parks. Known for their high-quality, durable products and commitment to accessibility, BoardSafe’s contribution ensures that these facilities can be safely and easily used by people of all ages and abilities.
Andy Gilley, Director of Hendersonville Parks and Recreation, called the renovation a “complete transformation.”
“The new docks are much longer and extend farther into the lake,” Gilley explained. “BoardSafe’s tournament-level docks will bring fishing tournaments to the city, including the high school state championships and professional fishing events. Everybody wins with the quality systems that have been installed.”
State Representative William Slater praised the project for balancing environmental stewardship with community enrichment:
“Tennessee gets conservation right,” Slater said. “Not only do we protect the environment, but we also strive to improve the quality of life for our citizens.”
Recreational use of Sanders Ferry Park continues to grow. According to the Hendersonville Parks and Recreation Department, more than 135,000 people visited the park in the past year, making it one of the most popular outdoor destinations in the region.
The Bill Dance Signature Lakes program represents a collaboration among TWRA, Tennessee State Parks, and the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. Together, they aim to make Tennessee the heart of sport fishing while boosting tourism and economic activity across the state.
BoardSafe Docks is honored to be part of the initiative and act as designer, engineer, and manufacturer of the gangways, floating courtesy boat docks, fishing piers, and kayak launches affiliated with this initiative across the state.
Legendary angler Bill Dance, who inspired the Signature Lakes initiative, emphasized the importance of creating a premier fishing experience with these projects:
“We’ve got to do these improvements with passion and quality, and that’s exactly what BoardSafe’s designs will bring to our waters,” Dance said.
Read more about the Sanders Ferry updates here:
Boat ramp upgraded on Old Hickory Lake – WKRN News 2
New Boat Ramp Opens in Hendersonville’s Sanders Ferry Park – Main Street Media
BoardSafe Docks is an industry leader in designing, engineering, and manufacturing aluminum marine access systems. With a focus on innovation, BoardSafe is known for our expertise, innovative problem-solving, and collaboration with clients to create customized solutions. Our high-quality products, which include adaptive kayak launches, accessible fishing piers, floating dock systems, gangways, and pedestrian bridges, are built to withstand challenging environmental conditions.
BoardSafe is committed to accessibility and will guide our customers to create systems that offer universal access and provide accommodations for a wide range of user abilities.
Contact us at BoardSafeDocks and allow us to assist you with improving water access points at your lake, river, or community, or give us a call at 610-899-0286 for your free consultation. #AccessYourAdventure
Verona Borough Improves River Access with BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch
Steel City Rowing, Friends of the Riverfront, and Verona Borough in PA just celebrated the launch of something big—Verona’s brand-new BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch. The riverfront party and ribbon-cutting ceremony were packed with activities to mark this exciting milestone, kick off the summer, and get things rolling on the river!
The project is a partnership among Friends of the Riverfront, Steel City Rowing Club, and Verona Borough, helping to realize the Friends' Water Trail Management Plan. This project improves access and water recreation on Pittsburgh's three rivers.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony and activities included a guided paddle with Allegheny Land Trust, Yoga by the Water with Be Yoga Oakmont, a Fishing Demonstration with Venture Outdoors, and Food Trucks with Kona Ice and Sharks Grill 412.
The accessible kayak launch was designed, engineered, and manufactured by BoardSafe Docks of Fleetwood, PA. The launch with adaptive features provides universal access to all, and is a valuable addition to the Three Rivers Water Trail, providing river access and enjoyment for everyone looking to get out and paddle the river.
Jenn Langzettel, the Executive Director of Steel City Rowing, said the ADA-accessible launch was an exciting addition to local water recreation. “Steel City Rowing Club is very happy and honored to have been able to work with Friends of the Riverfront and Verona Borough to provide this wonderful resource to the community,” Langzettel said. “Part of our mission here at SCRC is to provide access to the river for all, and this kayak launch will now allow for many individuals who previously have not had the opportunity to comfortably access our beautiful stretch of the Allegheny River,” she added.
Kelsey Ripper, executive director of Friends of the Riverfront, said that expanding the number of ADA-accessible launches on the Three Rivers Water Trail was part of the organization’s longer-term plan. “This launch is another step in Friends’ pursuit of making our trails accessible to all,” Ripper said. “Our region’s beautiful rivers and trails are precious assets, and we hear all the time how much it means to people to be able to use them freely.”
The Verona Accessible Kayak Launch was financed in part by a grant from the Community Conservation Partnerships Program Environmental Stewardship Fund under the administration of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation, and the Richard King Mellon Foundation grant, both administered through the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers–Ohio Basin Access for Canoes and Kayaks Grant Program and Statewide Watershed Access Grant Program.
Installation completed by Bluewater Docks, Chattanooga, TN
Read more about the ribbon-cutting ceremony here:
BoardSafe Docks is a trusted expert in the design, engineering, and manufacture of aluminum floating docks, especially for accessible and adaptive kayak launches. We have been in the industry for over 20 years and have a strong reputation for quality and innovation.
For more information on improving accessibility to your lake, river, or water trail, contact BoardSafe Docks at 610-899-0286 or BoardSafeDocks.com.
Beaver Creek Kayak Club Hosts Its Most Successful Flotilla Ever!
At BoardSafe Docks, we’re often asked how developing a water trail impacts communities, and we cannot think of a better example than the Knox County Water Trail on Beaver Creek. Located just outside the city of Knoxville, TN, it started with a dream to create a navigable waterway on Beaver Creek, and has grown into a mission to clear, clean, and care for 44 miles of the creek; an initiative aimed at creating a navigable waterway across five communities.
The Beaver Creek Kayak Club, founded by Charlie Austin, spearheaded the “Float The Beaver” concept. Initially hampered by obstructions, Austin, along with volunteers and government officials, worked diligently to clear the creek. Their efforts improved water quality, brought back wildlife, and reduced flood risks.
Eight years later, the club now boasts over 6,100 members, and celebrated its most successful Flotilla on May 31st. There were over 489 registered paddlers from communities surrounding the creek, many of them first-time paddlers, all joining the excitement because they wanted to be part of what the kayak club had created for its community. The event highlighted the club’s role in connecting paddlers to nature and fostering community spirit.
Collectively, they model an impressive spirit and dedication to preserving the watershed and promoting Beaver Creek as a public water trail. Visit their Facebook page here: Beaver Creek Kayak Club.
The 8th Annual Flotilla, sponsored by Vulcan Materials, saw 489+ paddlers and many spectators enjoying a day of community and camaraderie. The event began at the BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch, which is located behind Powell High School and was donated by Aubrey’s Restaurants.
As the participants reached the endpoint, the takeout was at the second BoardSafe Kayak Launch, located at the Roy Arthur Stormwater Park. The launch site has been named Charlie’s Launch, named after Austin’s dedication.
Following the opening ceremony, as paddlers took to the water, the true spirit of the event became obvious. The Flotilla isn’t just about paddling—it’s about community, camaraderie, and conversation. Laughter filled the air as paddlers stopped to photograph the wildlife and picturesque scenery along the way.
Proceeds from the float are dedicated to continuing the improvements on Beaver Creek, including debris clearing, creek bed cleanup and maintenance, and installing additional BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launches along the 44-mile trail.
Here’s what some participants had to say about this year’s Flotilla
Participants praised the event’s organization and impact. Paddler Ronald Clemmer noted the creek’s transformation, stating he grew up hunting and fishing in the creek and never imagined it would one day be such a valuable community asset.
Nancy White Engle, a first-timer, shared, “I had the best time! It was my 1st time on Beaver Creek and won't be the last!”
Sponsors, like AFC Urgent Care Powell, highlighted the event's role in preserving the Beaver Creek Water Trail, an essential part of their community, thanking the Beaver Creek Kayak Club, its sponsors, and supporters for keeping the natural gem open and vibrant.
Proceeds from the Flotilla support ongoing improvements to the creek as they work their way down creek with the plan to install additional BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launches about every 5–6 miles along the creek, ending at Melton Hill Lake.
Extreme Jet Skis, Kayaks & Paddleboard Rentals remarked, “We are so thankful to be a part of this Flotilla! Thank you to Beaver Creek Kayak Club, Legacy Parks Foundation, Knox County Parks & Rec, River Sports Outfitters, & all the wonderful volunteers that helped make this the best & biggest event ever!”
Water trails benefit communities through environmental stewardship, connection to nature, creating social connections, encouraging health and wellness through outdoor recreation, and providing economic impact to communities. BoardSafe launch sites ensure universal access to all looking to get out and paddle with family and friends. and support the creation of paddle trails.
Call BoardSafe at 610-899-0286 or visit us at BoardSafeDocks.com and allow us to guide you in creating a paddle trail in your community.
Churchville Park NY Gains BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak & Canoe Launch
Monroe County, NY, is making strides in accessibility on the Black Creek at Churchville Park. County Executive Adam Bello announced at this week’s ribbon-cutting ceremony that the new BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak and Canoe Launch will provide essential assistance for all individuals to comfortably access the water. BoardSafe’s Adaptive Kayak Launch is specifically designed to provide universal access to paddlers of all abilities, including paddlers in wheelchairs and paddlers with mobility limitations.
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello announced, "In addition to connecting our community to nature, we want to make sure that our parks are accessible and can be used by as many of our residents as possible.”
The project, funded by the county's $16.6 million park system investment, aims to enhance accessibility for residents with disabilities. Recognizing that 28% of Monroe County residents have a disability and 26% are over 60 years old, Monroe County is committed to making its parks accessible to everyone.
Read more here: ADA accessible kayak and canoe launch opens in Churchville Park.
BoardSafe Docks, designer, engineer, and manufacturer of accessible dock systems, understands the benefits these facilities bring to local communities like Churchville Park, including:
Personal Empowerment Providing access to previously unavailable activities improves individuals' physical and mental well-being. As more people are looking for ways to stay healthy, paddling has become a popular activity to connect people to nature.
Inclusivity Enabling people of all abilities to engage in water activities promotes a more inclusive community and allows for people with lower body physical disabilities and limitations the ability to participate with family and friends.
Community Benefits Accessible kayak launches foster social interaction and shared experiences, enhancing community bonds.
Economic Impact Accessible water access points can attract visitors and boost local businesses. People who paddle locally will shop in local stores, eat in their restaurants, and stay overnight in their hotels.
Personal Empowerment Providing access to previously unavailable activities improves individuals' physical and mental well-being, especially for those who may have been excluded in the past. Public recreation must be available for everyone.
Safety and Accessibility BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launches are designed with safety in mind, featuring ADA gangways, adaptive boarding benches, overhead grab bars, grab straps and pull bars, non-slip surfaces, and a kayak chute that keeps vessels stable and secure during entry and exit. The launch ensures a positive paddling experience for all.
For more information on BoardSafe’s products and services and how we can help you develop your waterfront into an accessible and inclusive water recreation spot for paddling, fishing, and boating, give us a call at 610-899-0286 or visit our website at BoardSafeDocks.com.