BoardSafe Docks is proud to collaborate with Venture Outdoors of Pittsburgh, PA, on an exciting and innovative project: a one-of-a-kind paddle center along the Allegheny River in front of the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. After nearly two years of planning and collaboration, this state-of-the-art floating paddle and rental facility is poised to position Pittsburgh as a leader in urban paddlesports access.
The new paddle center will serve as a downtown hub for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), providing residents and visitors near the convention center with easy access to Pittsburgh’s iconic Three Rivers. With over 75 kayaks and other non-motorized paddle crafts, the center will feature multiple launch areas—including one specifically designed for paddlers in wheelchairs who require additional adaptive features to access the water.
The floating docks will span an impressive 100 feet by 50 feet, creating a vibrant, functional space for recreation right in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh. According to VisitPittsburgh, the concession is expected to boost tourism, drawing both locals and visitors to the waterfront.
Phase One Launching Near Memorial Day
Phase one of the project is slated to open near Memorial Day, marking a major milestone in downtown Pittsburgh’s efforts to expand outdoor recreation opportunities. This launch will open access to nature, particularly for those who live, work, or visit downtown and may not have the time or transportation to venture outside the city to recreate.
Venture Outdoors: Removing Barriers, Creating Access
Venture Outdoors is committed to ensuring that all of its programs are inclusive and meaningful for the community. By removing barriers—both physical and systemic—the organization creates opportunities for people of all backgrounds and abilities to experience the natural beauty in and around the City of Pittsburgh.
Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a curious beginner, Venture Outdoors provides equitable access to nature through kayak rentals, guided outings, paddling classes, and educational events. Learn more about their programs at ventureoutdoors.org or follow them on Facebook. You can also access a program calendar here for outings you may wish to participate in: Outings – Venture Outdoors.
Why Urban Outdoor Spaces Matter
In a busy city like Pittsburgh, not everyone has access to a car—or the time to leave the city—to escape into nature. That’s why local, walkable, outdoor recreation options are essential. Studies show that easy access to nature improves physical and mental health, reduces stress, and supports work-life balance. A central location like the Pittsburgh Convention Center, easily accessible to residents, conference attendees, and tourists alike, makes paddling on Pittsburgh’s rivers more convenient and inviting.
A Collaboration Rooted in Community Impact
While Venture Outdoors was searching for a permanent city base, they also found BoardSafe Docks, a nationally recognized designer, engineer, and manufacturer of aluminum floating dock systems from Eastern PA. Using BoardSafe’s experience in the industry allowed them to share their wishlist and collaborate on a design that would work for their organization and benefit the city, tourism, and local economy.
For close to 2 years, BoardSafe Docks has been working closely with Ash Andrews, Executive Director of Venture Outdoors, and Luke Borowy, Director of Paddlesports, to bring this vision to life. “We love a good partnership,” said Scott Tihansky of BoardSafe Docks. “By working with organizations connected to paddling, local government, and tourism, we’re able to offer a vital service that connects people to nature, enhances connections within communities, and boosts the local economy.”
Known for its expertise in accessible and adaptive waterfront design, BoardSafe Docks creates systems that remove barriers and offer universal access to all. With this new facility, Venture Outdoors and Kayak Pittsburgh will maintain high-quality rental gear and offer safe, memorable experiences for all users. When phase one of the rental facility gears up to open, trying paddle sports within the downtown area won’t get any easier.
Looking Ahead: Phase Two
Venture Outdoors is continuing its fundraising efforts for a second phase of the paddle center, which includes a kayak storage building, classroom space for educational outreach programs, and flexible meeting areas for community events. These additions will further enhance the Paddle Center’s role as a vibrant educational and recreational hub for the city.
Explore More
- Learn more about this project from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: $1.3M kayak hub outside Convention Center ‘further positions Pittsburgh as an outdoor destination’
- View a similar project completed by BoardSafe in Austin, TX, and its impact on the city.Texas Rowing Center – the World Class Rowing Center Built by BoardSafe Docks
Let’s Get You on the Water
To find out how BoardSafe Docks can help you create your waterfront access point, adaptive paddle launch, accessible fishing pier, or courtesy boat dock, contact us at (610) 899-0286 or visit us at BoardSafeDocks.com. Let us help you design and build a space that draws people to the water, enhances the paddling experience, connects people to nature, and improves the local economy. #AccessYourAdventure #Kayaking #Paddling #KayakRentals