BoardSafe Improves Fishing Access for TWRA at Tims Ford Lake
New waterfront improvements at Tims Ford Lake are creating more opportunities for anglers, boaters, and visitors of all abilities to enjoy one of Tennessee's premier recreational lakes.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) continues to invest in improving public access to Tennessee's waterways. Its latest improvements at Tims Ford Lake in Winchester, Tennessee, include a new BoardSafe courtesy boat dock, an accessible floating fishing pier, and an 80-ft ADA aluminum gangway, providing a welcoming destination for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts of all abilities.
Part of the Bill Dance Signature Lakes Program, the waterfront improvements enhance the boating and fishing experience while making it easier for more people to enjoy the lake.
A Fishing Pier Designed for Access, Safety, and Long-Term Performance
For many anglers, spending a day fishing is about more than catching fish. It's about enjoying the outdoors, connecting with family and friends, and experiencing the peace that comes from being on the water.
However, traditional fishing locations can present challenges for individuals with mobility limitations, wheelchair users, older adults, and families with young children.
The new BoardSafe floating fishing pier helps reduce those barriers.
Designed and manufactured for commercial waterfront environments, the BoardSafe system features a substantial aluminum gangway connecting the shoreline to a spacious floating fishing platform.
Key features include:
- Accessible shoreline connection: A paved pathway leads to the aluminum gangway, providing a defined route to the floating pier.
- Heavy-duty aluminum construction: The engineered gangway and floating pier are designed for demanding waterfront conditions and frequent public use.
- Protective railings: The gangway and pier feature aluminum railings with mesh infill to enhance user safety.
- Spacious fishing platform: The floating pier offers room for anglers to fish, move around, and enjoy the waterfront.
- Low-maintenance materials: Durable aluminum construction supports long-term performance and helps reduce ongoing maintenance requirements.
Unlike a traditional fixed fishing pier, the floating platform can move with changing water elevations, helping maintain a usable fishing location as lake levels fluctuate. The gangway connects the shoreline to the floating structure, accommodating those changes.
The result is more than a new fishing destination. It's an investment in waterfront infrastructure designed to serve the community for years to come.
A Community Investment Worth Celebrating
The improvements have already generated positive feedback from visitors.
Tony Summar shared his enthusiasm on Facebook:
"The new BoardSafe fishing pier turned out great! Now everyone can enjoy the new boat ramp, both new boat piers, and now this great fishing pier!"
His comments reflect the value of thoughtful waterfront improvements that benefit the entire community.
By combining improved boating facilities with a dedicated accessible fishing destination, TWRA is helping make Tims Ford Lake more inviting to residents and visitors who want to enjoy Tennessee's outdoor recreation opportunities.
Discover Tims Ford Lake: A Tennessee Recreation Destination
Located in south-central Tennessee, Tims Ford Lake is a 10,700-acre Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) reservoir known for its scenic shoreline, beautiful coves, and outstanding fishing opportunities.
With approximately 250 miles of shoreline, the lake attracts anglers, boaters, paddlers, and outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year.
Fishing is especially popular, with opportunities to catch smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, striped bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill, and other species.
Beyond fishing, visitors can explore nearby Tims Ford State Park, which offers camping, cabins, hiking, mountain biking, golfing, and additional recreational activities.
Completed in 1970, Tims Ford Dam also supports regional power generation, flood control, and water management. Because TVA manages reservoir elevations, waterfront infrastructure must account for changing water conditions.
The new BoardSafe floating fishing pier is an example of how purpose-built infrastructure can support public recreation while responding to the unique conditions of its waterfront location.
Building Better Waterfront Access for Everyone
At BoardSafe Docks, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the water.
Whether it's a child catching their first fish, a veteran returning to a favorite outdoor activity, a wheelchair user enjoying time along the shoreline, or a family spending the afternoon together, accessible waterfront infrastructure helps make those experiences possible.
We work with state agencies, municipalities, parks and recreation departments, and waterfront communities to design and manufacture commercial-grade systems that prioritize accessibility, durability, and long-term value.
Our product line includes:
- Accessible Floating Fishing Piers
- Adaptive Kayak Launches
- Courtesy Boat Docks
- ADA-Designed Gangways
- Pedestrian Bridges
- Combination Dock Systems
- Rowing Docks and Custom Waterfront Solutions
Every waterfront is different. That's why our guided design process considers site conditions, water-level fluctuations, environmental demands, anticipated public use, and long-term maintenance needs.
We don't believe public waterfront infrastructure should be treated as a short-term purchase. It's an investment in access, recreation, and community experiences for generations to come.
Let's Build Better Access to Your Waterfront
Are you planning improvements to a public fishing area, boat launch, state park, or waterfront recreation destination?
BoardSafe Docks can help you develop a purpose-built solution designed for your site, your visitors, and the demands of your waterfront environment.
BoardSafe Docks — Built for Access. Engineered for Lasting Adventures.
Visit BoardSafeDocks.com or call 610-899-0286 to discuss your next waterfront project.
Plan Your Visit
The new fishing pier is located at Tims Ford Reservoir, Winchester Park Access Area, on Tims Ford Lake in Winchester, Tennessee.
For more information about nearby Tims Ford State Park, visit Tennessee State Parks.
For current lake elevations, visit TVA Lake Information.
TVA and TWRA Celebrate BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch at Chickamauga
Getting out on the water just became easier for more Chattanooga residents and visitors! New BoardSafe waterfront infrastructure near Chickamauga Dam expands paddling opportunities for people of all abilities in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) recently celebrated the opening of a new BoardSafe Docks accessible floating dock system and adaptive kayak launch near Chickamauga Dam in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Located off Kings Point Road, the new waterfront facility creates an important access point to Chickamauga Lake, helping individuals of all abilities enjoy paddling, boating, and outdoor recreation.
More than a new dock, the project represents a commitment to making Tennessee's waterways more welcoming and accessible to everyone.
Designed to Make Getting on the Water Easier
For many people, the biggest challenge to kayaking isn't paddling. It's getting safely into and out of the kayak.
Traditional docks and shoreline launches can create significant barriers for individuals who use wheelchairs, experience limited mobility, or need additional assistance transferring into a kayak.
BoardSafe's Adaptive Kayak Launch addresses these challenges with purpose-built features that help paddlers board, launch, and return with greater confidence and independence.
The new floating dock system includes an accessible aluminum gangway with protective handrails and toe kicks, and specialized adaptive boarding equipment.
Key features include:
- Wheelchair-Height Boarding Bench: Provides a more accessible transfer point for paddlers who use wheelchairs or need additional support.
- Step-Down Bench: Allows paddlers to transition gradually from the dock toward their kayak.
- Overhead Grab Bars and Straps: Offer additional handholds for balance, stability, and controlled movement.
- Pull-Out Bench: Accommodates paddlers who need a lower transition into their kayak with a pull out bench that slides out over the top of the kayak.
- Pull Bars: Assists paddlers in gliding from the launch cradle into open water.
- Kayak Cradle and Launching Chute: Help stabilize the kayak during boarding, launching, and returning to the dock.
Together, these features help remove some of the physical barriers that prevent people from enjoying paddle sports.
Accessibility isn't simply about reaching the waterfront. It's about being able to participate in the experience once you get there.
TVA: Improving Access Improves Quality of Life
The new installation supports TVA's commitment to environmental stewardship, economic development, and recreational opportunities throughout the Tennessee Valley.
Paul Pearman, TVA's senior manager of Environmental Resource Stewardship, emphasized the importance of making waterfront recreation available to more people:
"Part of TVA's mission is environmental stewardship and economic development, and this allows people to come here, enjoy this dock, enjoy their kayaks, and boats—especially those people who may not be able to use a regular dock. This BoardSafe Dock system is designed to allow people of all abilities to come and get on a kayak and paddle out on the water, which we think is important for just quality of life in this area."
The project also reflects the goals of Tennessee's Access 2030 initiative, which seeks to expand outdoor recreational opportunities and improve accessibility across the state.
By investing in accessible waterfront infrastructure, TVA and TWRA understand the value and the opportunities they are creating for individuals with disabilities, the need for mobility accommodations, veterans, older adults, new paddlers, families, and paddlers of varying physical abilities to experience Chickamauga Lake. By partnering with BoardSafe Docks, a waterfront expert, whose ability to evaluate site conditions and provide the infrastructure, helps turn accessibility goals into real recreational opportunities with impactful results.
For the Chattanooga community, the benefits extend beyond the dock itself. Improved access encourages outdoor recreation, supports inclusive programming, and allows more people to enjoy the natural resources that make the Tennessee Valley such a popular destination.
BoardSafe Docks Continues to Improve Waterfront Access at Chickamauga Lake
The new adaptive kayak launch is not BoardSafe's first project on Chickamauga Lake.
BoardSafe has also designed, engineered, and manufactured commercial waterfront infrastructure for Chester Frost Park in Hixson, Tennessee, another popular recreational destination on the lake.
That project includes an 80-foot aluminum gangway, two courtesy boat docks, and an accessible fishing pier designed to accommodate recreational visitors and high-volume waterfront activity.
This heavy duty, high-traffic infrastructure by has also supported Major League Fishing's Bass Pro Tour, providing dependable waterfront access for professional anglers and tournament operations.
These projects demonstrate how thoughtfully engineered waterfront infrastructure can serve a wide range of recreational needs, from an individual launching a kayak to professional fishing tournaments that attract competitors and spectators from across the country.
Read more: Bass Pro Tour Accesses Lake Chickamauga with BoardSafe Docks
Built for Accessibility. Engineered for Durability.
With more than 20 years of experience in commercial waterfront infrastructure, BoardSafe Docks designs and manufactures heavy-duty aluminum floating dock systems built for demanding public environments.
Unlike one-size-fits-all dock systems, BoardSafe engineers its infrastructure around each project's unique site conditions, environmental demands, accessibility goals, and anticipated use.
From adaptive kayak launches and accessible fishing piers to courtesy boat docks, aluminum gangways, and pedestrian bridges, BoardSafe focuses on delivering long-term value through durable construction, thoughtful design, and dependable performance.
The BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch installation demonstrates what happens when accessibility and sound engineering work together.
A well-designed waterfront doesn't just provide access to the water. It opens the door to new experiences, greater independence, and lasting community connections.
For TVA, TWRA, and the Chattanooga community, this new facility represents another meaningful step toward making Tennessee's waterways accessible to everyone.
Make Your Waterfront Accessible with BoardSafe Docks
Is your community looking to improve access to a lake, river, marina, or public recreation area?
BoardSafe Docks works with municipalities, park departments, conservation organizations, and waterfront managers to design and manufacture site specific engineered infrastructure built for high traffic, heavy use, and long-term performance.
Let's create waterfront access that works for everyone—and lasts for generations.
Website: www.BoardSafeDocks.com
Phone: 610-899-0286
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Jasper County, IA: Accessible Fishing Pier Opens Doors to Fishing
A community investment in accessibility brings families together, introduces young anglers to fishing, and creates lasting opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the outdoors.
In Jasper County, Iowa, a community-driven initiative is making a meaningful difference in how residents experience the outdoors. Thanks to the dedication of the Jasper Conservation Connection, a nonprofit organization committed to enhancing local parks and recreational opportunities, residents and visitors now have access to a new BoardSafe Docks Accessible Fishing Pier.
More than simply adding a new park amenity, this project represents an investment in accessibility, outdoor education, and community connection. By removing physical barriers to fishing, Jasper County is creating opportunities for individuals of all ages and abilities to enjoy one of America's favorite outdoor pastimes.
Bringing the Community Together, One Cast at a Time
The value of an accessible fishing pier became especially evident when Jasper County recently hosted a youth fishing event at the Outdoor Mentor Legacy Pond.
Approximately 150 participants gathered for a memorable day of fishing, family fun, and outdoor recreation. Young anglers cast their lines, reeled in fish, and experienced the excitement of fishing, including the thrill of catching several tagged fish.
For many children, events like these provide an introduction to fishing and help develop an appreciation for nature and outdoor recreation. They also offer opportunities for parents, grandparents, mentors, and volunteers to share their knowledge, teach new skills, and create lasting memories.
The new accessible fishing pier helped provide a welcoming setting for this community celebration.
When communities invest in accessible recreation, they create opportunities that extend far beyond the individuals who use the facilities. They bring people together, encourage participation, and help build stronger connections across generations.
Accessibility Creates Opportunities for Everyone
For individuals with mobility challenges, traditional fishing locations can present significant obstacles. Uneven shorelines, steep embankments, muddy surfaces, and unstable footing can make reaching the water difficult or even impossible.
An accessible fishing pier changes that experience.
BoardSafe Docks designs and manufactures accessible floating fishing piers that help communities remove these physical barriers and welcome more people to the waterfront.
A properly designed accessible fishing pier allows wheelchair users, individuals with limited mobility, older adults, and families with young children to approach the water on a more stable, accessible surface.
These improvements also benefit veterans with disabilities, individuals recovering from injuries, and anyone who needs additional support when navigating outdoor environments.
Accessibility is not simply about meeting a design requirement. It is about giving people the opportunity to participate, connect, and enjoy the same recreational experiences as their friends, families, and neighbors.
When a grandparent can accompany a grandchild to the water's edge, or a person who uses a wheelchair can participate in a community fishing event, the value of accessible infrastructure becomes personal.
Designed for Accessibility, Engineered for Long-Term Community Value
BoardSafe Docks specializes in designing and manufacturing commercial waterfront infrastructure that combines accessibility, structural durability, and long-term performance.
Its accessible fishing piers incorporate features that help improve safety, stability, and usability for people with a wide range of physical abilities.
Key design features include:
- Accessible Gangways: Engineered gangways connect the shoreline to the floating fishing platform, providing a more accessible route to the water. BoardSafe designs gangway lengths, slopes, and transitions around site conditions and applicable accessibility requirements.
- Welded Aluminum Construction: Durable aluminum frames provide structural strength for commercial waterfront environments while reducing maintenance demands.
- Accessible Handrails and Protective Panels: Configurable handrail systems, protective mesh panels, and toe kicks help improve safety for wheelchair users and other visitors.
- Floating Dock Systems: Floating platforms adjust to changing water levels, helping maintain access throughout varying water conditions. Properly designed gangway transitions accommodate this movement.
- Customizable Modular Designs: BoardSafe's aluminum dock systems allow communities to select configurations that address their waterfront conditions, recreational needs, and anticipated public use.
BoardSafe designs each system with the understanding that public waterfront infrastructure must withstand changing environmental conditions, frequent use, and the demands of long-term operation.
For municipalities, conservation organizations, and park departments, this approach helps protect their investment while supporting reliable recreational access for years to come.
Introducing the Next Generation to Fishing and Conservation
The benefits of Jasper County's accessible fishing pier extend beyond the structure itself.
Youth fishing programs introduce children to outdoor skills while encouraging patience, confidence, responsibility, and respect for the environment.
Through hands-on experiences, young anglers can learn about fish habitats, water quality, conservation practices, and the importance of protecting natural resources.
Accessible facilities also make it easier for organizations to plan inclusive fishing programs, educational activities, and community events that welcome participants with different physical abilities.
The Outdoor Mentor Legacy Pond event demonstrates how a well-designed recreational facility can support these experiences.
By bringing approximately 150 community members together, the event highlighted the power of outdoor recreation to strengthen relationships, promote healthy activities, and inspire the next generation of anglers.
A child's first fishing experience may last only a few hours, but the memories, skills, and appreciation for the outdoors can last a lifetime.
A Community Investment That Makes a Lasting Impact
Projects like the Jasper County accessible fishing pier demonstrate what communities can accomplish when local organizations, supporters, and residents share a common vision.
Through local fundraising and collaboration, Jasper Conservation Connection helped turn the goal of more inclusive fishing access into a valuable community resource.
The result is more than a fishing platform. It is a place where families can gather, young people can discover new interests, experienced anglers can share their knowledge, and individuals with mobility challenges can participate more fully in outdoor recreation.
Accessible waterfront infrastructure can also help parks expand programming, attract additional visitors, and strengthen the overall recreational value of public spaces.
Most importantly, these investments communicate a powerful message: Everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the outdoors.
BoardSafe Docks is proud to provide waterfront infrastructure that helps communities like Jasper County make that vision a reality.
Make Your Waterfront More Accessible with BoardSafe Docks
Whether your community wants to introduce youth to fishing, expand adaptive recreation programs, or improve accessibility at an existing park, BoardSafe Docks can help you develop a waterfront solution designed for your site and the people who use it.
From accessible fishing piers and ADA-accessible gangways to adaptive kayak launches and floating dock systems, BoardSafe combines thoughtful design, engineering, and durable aluminum construction to create long-lasting public recreational infrastructure.
Because investing in accessibility means investing in people, community connections, and opportunities for generations to come.
Learn more about BoardSafe Docks' accessible fishing piers, gangways, and waterfront solutions.
Website: www.BoardSafeDocks.com
Phone: 610-899-0286