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.