BoardSafe Docks Cruze River Adaptive Kayak Launch-2
05 Feb

Does the cold weather have you thinking about spring and looking forward to paddling down the French Broad River? If so, adventure awaits you on the river’s newest accessible kayak launch and courtesy docks recently installed at Cruze Landing, 7713 Kodak Road, Knoxville, Tennessee.

Several weeks ago, a BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch and Courtesy Dock was installed at Seven Islands State Birding Park in Kodak, TN. Now, a second system has been completed less than 5 miles downriver toward Knoxville at Cruze Landing. This is all part of a 20-mile paddle trail that’s in the works and will take paddlers to Downtown Knoxville. BoardSafe’s kayak launch and fishing pier offers universal access to all visitors and provides safe and easy access to recreating on the French Broad River.

The East Tennessee project was announced in 2023 at the Legacy Parks Luncheon when the vision for the 20-mile river trail was shared with guests. To date, the launch sites at Seven Island and Cruze Landing have been installed and a third launch system for Volunteer Landing in Downtown Knoxville is in the design phase. Fundraising efforts and discussion are in place to create access and exit points within 5- to 7-mile intervals until the 20-mile stretch is fully accessible and reaches downtown Knoxville. These access points will provide a universally-designed paddle trail that offers inclusive paddling and fishing experiences for all looking to access the French Broad River. The accessible water trail will be the first of its kind in Tennessee and stakeholders hope it will lead the way for many others.

BoardSafe Docks Cruze River Adaptive Kayak Launch-1

Cruze Landing is an integral public access point to the French Broad River. In 2020, Legacy Parks Foundation acquired the property to stabilize the deteriorating boat ramp and use the opportunity to improve access for paddlers and boating enthusiasts while preserving and combining the location with the adjacent county park.

Site Preparation completed by TWRA
Site Preparation completed by TWRA

The partnership between Legacy Parks, Knox County, TWRA, and TVA, helps to increase and improve access to rivers, trails, and parks, and maintain the health of waterways by preserving greenspace and shorelines throughout East Tennessee. BoardSafe Docks is honored to consult, design, and manufacture, and guide the projects through their installation. BoardSafe creates aluminum floating dock systems for kayaking, fishing, and boating that will provide lasting access to the water for everyone to enjoy. BoardSafe has developed a reputation as the premier and trusted aluminum dock designer and manufacturer of high-quality, safe marine access products. Our inclusive designs provide solutions that are safe and functional with low impact on natural habitats.

Cruse Landing Drawing Property of BoardSafeDocks
Cruse Landing Drawing Property of BoardSafeDocks

The Cruze Landing system provides universal access to paddlers and fishermen in wheelchairs looking for a safer and easier manner to launch their vessels into the water. In addition to non-motorized access, the Cruze Landing location provides recent improvements to the deteriorating boat ramp where boaters can once again access the river. The BoardSafe system also provides courtesy docks for temporary tie-ups for boaters as they take their boats in and out of the water. These improvements are part of Legacy Parks’ Head of the Tennessee Initiative—an effort to improve and increase public access to the waterways.

Tennessee River Initiative Map
Tennessee River Initiative Map

By creating inclusive access and accessible launch points, BoardSafe Docks opens up recreational opportunities to a wider demographic, generating more economic activity. The economic benefits of installing a BoardSafe Dock System include:

Increased tourism
By providing accessible access to waterways, BoardSafe Docks attract more visitors of all abilities, boosting tourism revenue from hotels, restaurants, and local businesses in the area.

Wider recreational participation
With accessible launch systems, more people can enjoy water activities like kayaking and fishing, generating further economic activity related to equipment rentals, guided tours, and related retail sales. 

Community development
Installing BoardSafe Docks can be seen as a positive community development initiative, improving quality of life and attracting new residents.

Increase in property values
Accessible waterfront access can increase the value of nearby properties, benefiting local property owners.

Grants and funding opportunities
Many government agencies and organizations offer grants to support projects that improve accessibility, making it easier to fund BoardSafe Docks products and projects.

How Universal Access Designs work
BoardSafe Docks are specifically designed with features like ADA gangways and ramps, wide platforms, and adaptive board kits that allow people with mobility limitations to easily access kayaks, canoes, and other watercraft.

Our customers recognize the value our accessible products bring to communities and the economic contribution our products add to communities. For more information about this project or other unique projects that BoardSafe designs, engineers, and manufactures, call us at 610-899-0286 or visit BoardSafeDocks.com and allow us to help you design and create your paddle trail adventure! #AccessYourAdventure

Cruze Landing Installation Completed by Blue Water Docks of Chattanooga
Cruze Landing Installation Completed by Blue Water Docks of Chattanooga