The World Canals Conference 2025, Buffalo, NY, September 21–25
The World Canals Conference 2025 is coming to Buffalo, NY, September 21-25 on the Erie Canal, and you should, too!
This conference will bring together the brightest minds working on inland waterways to share ideas and inspiration for the future of inland waterways.
Come see Tom Warchol of BoardSafe Docks in the Exhibit Hall and learn about us and the impact we have made in improving accessibility to the canal towns along the Erie Canal.
The kickoff of the World Canals Conference and the Erie Canal Bicentennial Summer Sendoff takes place on Sunday, 9/21, noon to 5 p.m. for free, family-friendly activities, live performances, carousel rides, Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief tours, special programs, and entertainment. buff.ly/q1YBPRG
New BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch at Hellenberg Park, Monroe MI
The City of Monroe is proud to announce the opening of a BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch at Hellenberg Park, giving paddlers of all ages and abilities a safer, easier way to access the River Raisin.
Located at 1313 E. Front Street, Hellenberg Park is already a favorite destination for boating, fishing, and outdoor play. In addition to the new accessible launch, the park features a large parking area for small watercraft, a basketball court, green space for volleyball and other land sports, and plentiful fishing opportunities from the shore and on the water.
City crews completed the installation of the new launch and the foundation connecting the launch to the land. The accessible launch was designed with adaptive features to make kayaking accessible for everyone, from first-time paddlers to those with mobility challenges. The system provides a stable, supportive kayak cradle that allows users to enter and exit their kayaks with confidence.
Key features of the launch at Hellenberg Park include:
- 36-foot aluminum gangway/chute with safety toe kick.
- 8' x 16' floating dock with composite decking.
- Clip-A-Launch 16S system with adaptive bench, pullout seat, and overhead grab bar with hand straps.
- plastic-encapsulated floats for long-term stability.
- instructional sign and guy wire cable system for added safety.
The City of Monroe, founded in 1785, has always been a community shaped by its waterways. Once a natural crossroads for the Potawatomi Tribe, French missionaries, fur traders, and early settlers, the city continues to welcome visitors with its rich history and natural beauty. Just a short distance from the River Raisin National Battlefield Park, Hellenberg Park’s new adaptive launch adds another way to connect with the river and the community’s outdoor heritage.
With the new addition of a BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch, Monroe reaffirms its commitment to accessibility, recreation, and preserving the River Raisin as a place for all to enjoy.
City crew members were able to install the required foundation and install the launch that offers paddlers and kayak fishermen access to the River Raisin. The launch with adaptive features offers paddlers of all abilities a new perspective on the water.
BoardSafe Docks brings a tangible and lasting value to communities. Here are the key areas of impact:
Accessibility & Inclusion
A BoardSafe system provides safe water access for people of all ages and abilities, including those with mobility challenges, seniors, veterans, and beginners. Our systems transform paddling into a truly inclusive recreational activity. Our universal design standards ensure equal participation for everyone.
Health & Wellness
- BoardSafe systems encourage outdoor recreation, exercise, and stress relief through paddling.
- Expanding opportunities for adaptive sports and therapeutic programs.
- Strengthening mental health by connecting people with nature and water.
Community Engagement
- Creates a gathering place where families, friends, and community groups can participate together.
- Supports local nonprofits, adaptive paddling organizations, and youth programs.
- Builds civic pride by demonstrating a community’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity.
Economic Impact
- Attracts tourism by drawing paddlers, adaptive athletes, and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Boosts nearby businesses (restaurants, shops, outfitters, lodging) with increased visitor traffic.
- Enhances the appeal of parks and waterfronts, raising property and community value.
Environmental Stewardship
- Encourages people to experience rivers, lakes, and waterfronts firsthand, building appreciation for natural resources.
- Promotes sustainable recreation with low environmental impact.
Cultural & Historical Connection
- Strengthens community ties to local waterways, which are often tied to history, culture, and identity.
- Offers residents and visitors a new way to explore heritage sites from the water.
Contact BoardSafe Docks at 610-899-0286 for information on making your water access entry points more accessible to all.
The 2025 NRPA Annual Conference Is Happening Now in Orlando, FL
For more than 50 years, the NRPA Annual Conference has been where the park and recreation communities come together to learn, connect, and grow. Whether you’re exploring the latest products in the interactive exhibit hall, earning CEUs in engaging education sessions, or sharing ideas with peers from across the country, this is your chance to be inspired, build connections, and gain tools to make a difference. It’s not too late to register and attend!
BoardSafeDocks and HIVE PaddleSports are set up and ready to provide you with solutions to improve your waterfront access for paddling, fishing, and boating.
See us in BOOTH 313 in the Exhibit Hall and learn more about BoardSafeDocks and HivePaddleSports, your solutions for universal access to the water.
Why Attend NRPA 2025?
The NRPA Annual Conference is your opportunity to:
- Learn from industry leaders – Gain valuable insights, practical tools, and innovative ideas to take back to your community.
- Build meaningful connections – Network with your peers from across the country who share your passion.
- Solve challenges with innovation – Explore more than 400 booths and interactive exhibits, showcasing the latest products and services for the field.
- Earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) – Choose from hundreds of education sessions tailored to your unique career journey.
Register Now
We hope to see you at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.
The Exhibits run September 16–17, and the Conference runs September 16–18.
#AccessYourAdventure #BuildTogetherPlayTogether #NRPAConference2025 #PowerOfParks
BoardSafe Docks a Winner of the 2025 INNOVATEAble Showcase!
BoardSafe Docks is thrilled to be recognized as a winner of the 2025 INNOVATEAble Showcase, held in honor of the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act!
BoardSafe’s Accessible and Adaptive Kayak Launch was selected as one of the top solutions advancing accessibility in the travel and tourism industry. We were excited to present our winning pitch at the TravelAbility Showcase in July 2025 in preparation for TravelAbility’s Summit this October in Sunriver, Oregon. BoardSafe Docks is proud to continue driving change through innovation alongside other participants in the showcase.
Each participant provided a 3-minute video pitch about their product and was interviewed by the judges during a 7-minute question-and-answer session to discuss the features of our kayak launch and share the impact of our accessible system, as well as how it enhances the paddling experience for people with disabilities.
Lori Limpar, Content Marketing Manager for BoardSafe Docks, represented BoardSafe in the showcase.
The participants in Pitchfest 2025 included:
- ADAPTS A lightweight transfer sling for safer mobility in tight or inaccessible spaces.
- BoardSafe Docks Accessible kayak launches and floating docks that expand waterfront access with features that offer universal access to all.
- Koda AI-powered live captioning that works on any device, no app required.
- Lotus A smart ring that controls devices with a simple point—no Wi-Fi or rewiring needed.
- RightHear Audible wayfinding for blind and low vision travelers navigating indoor and outdoor spaces.
- ScanMeHome A QR-code ID system that helps quickly reunite loved ones who may wander.
- Touch2See 3D Tablets that let blind sports fans follow the action in real time.
The judges praised the caliber of entries and noted just how tough the competition was this year. With so many standout innovations, choosing winners wasn’t easy.
Thank you to the judges, Nick Nerbonne, Chris Maher, Autumn Saxton-Ross, and Kristine McConnell!
More information about the Summit is available at this link: TravelAbility Summit.
Participants attending the Summit will elevate their experience at the leading conference on Accessible Travel!
#INNOVATEAble #TravelAbilitySummit #AccessibleInnovation #ADA35 #DisabilityInclusion
Warrior’s Path State Park Improves Accessibility to Fort Patrick Henry Lake, TN
Warriors’ Path State Park is proud to announce the installation of their brand-new BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch and Accessible Fishing Pier, which is officially open and ready for adventure.
This fully accessible launch, located at the park marina on Fort Patrick Henry Reservoir, is part of a larger project that also includes an accessible fishing pier. This dual hybrid system provides universal access to all visitors looking to access the water for kayaking and fishing.
The Uniqueness of the Amenity
What makes this accessible amenity specialized is its location in the park, accessibility to the water, and the ability to rent kayaks and other non-motorized vessels at the park’s location.
- This accessible system is located at the park's marina on Fort Patrick Henry Lake. The location also includes boat ramps, including one specifically for campers.
- The BoardSafe launch offers universal access to all users and offers adaptive features that allow paddlers with disabilities a safer entry into and exit from their vessels.
- Vessel rentals: The marina offers kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and pedal boats for rent, which offer a variety of choices to draw visitors to the park. Guests are also able to bring their own vessel.
- Free launching and use of the fishing pier: Visitors who have their own kayaks and fishing equipment can use this park amenity free of charge. A fishing license is required to fish on the lake.
Components of the Dual System (Kayak Launch and Fishing Pier)
The 16-ft. x 32-ft. fishing platform includes the following BoardSafe proprietary components:
Product Quantity: Size
Single rail gangway 1: 4’ x 32’
Kayak Chute 1: 4’2’’ x 32’
Bulkhead Mounting Angle Kit 1: 9’
Floating Dock 4: 8’2’’ x 16’4’’
Fishing Rail 1: 48’
Dock-to-Dock Hinge Attachment 1: 9’
Mending Plate 5: 1’4’’
Dock to Dock Threshold Strip 1: 52’
Clip-A-Launch 1: 6’10’’ x 16’4”
Adaptive Boarding Kit 1
Support Arm 1: 32’
Precast Concrete Blocks 3: 2.6’ x 2.6’ x 5’
Positive Community Impact
The launch was well-received by the community and park visitors in July 2025, as indicated by social media posts on the park's Facebook page. Visitors praised the new feature as a "super nice" addition that improves the kayaking experience.
Rhonda Ready Bishop posted to Warrior’s Path Facebook Page, “Thank you so much for the kayak launch! We used it this morning and it was amazing!”
Pleasure boating is very popular on Patrick Henry Reservoir, with life jackets being provided courtesy of Friends of Warriors Path. The park has several floats scheduled for this fall on its calendar. Whether you’re casting a line or paddling out, there’s even more to explore and enjoy on the water. More info can be obtained at the park office at 423-239-8531. Come visit this new park amenity!
#WarriorsPathStatePark #TennesseeStateParks #GetOutsideTN #KayakLaunch #FishingDock #FortPatrickHenryLake #AccessibleKayaking #AccessibleFIshing