Grand Marais, Minnesota, announced the installation of a new BoardSafe ADA Adaptive Kayak Launch at the Grand Marais Recreation Park Boat Landing on Lake Superior. The improvements include adding a kayak and canoe launch and floating dock, stormwater management practices, an aquatic invasive species stall, a walkable breakwater, and the removal of the public works facility building, all supported by their partners from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Grand Marais’ Chamber of Commerce, and the City Council Park Board. These improved amenities will enhance the outdoor experience for all visitors and attract visitors to the park and lake.
The adaptive launch was designed, engineered, and manufactured by BoardSafe Docks and coordinated with Dave Tersteeg, the Recreation Parks Manager, who feels this one-of-a-kind launch will be a game-changer on their lake for paddlers with limited mobility. The accessible project includes
- (1) 8×16 floating dock.
- (1) 16-ft. clip-a-launch.
- (1) adaptive kit, roll cage with overhead grab bar, and boarding bench.
- (1) 36-ft. x 4-ft. single rail gangway.
- (1) 36-ft. chute.
- bulkhead mounting angle.
- directional sign.
Other improvements to the location include a new boat launch, improved parking, and accessible restrooms welcoming people of all abilities to come out and enjoy the water.
WTIP shared the following article about the new accessible amenity at the park:
ADA-compliant kayak dock installed at Grand Marais Recreation Park boat landing.
Recent data from the Research News – Outdoor Industry Association shows that the popularity of kayaking and paddle sports continues to grow. Their data specific to kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddle boarding, found a record number of 37.9 million Americans engaged in paddlesports during 2020, adding 2.5 million new paddlers to America’s waterways. COVID may have contributed to the increase, but a few years later, these numbers are here to stay and continue to grow. The growth in kayaking, kayak fishing, and other paddlesports, has increased the number of paddlers seeking launch sites that offer access to all, especially people with physical disabilities and mobility limitations. Unfortunately, many access points exclude paddlers with disabilities and limited mobility because their infrastructure is outdated or the sites lack the necessary adaptive features to make them truly inclusive launch sites.
For more than 20 years, BoardSafe Docks has been a trusted leader within the commercial dock-building industry. BoardSafe’s team has the resources, knowledge, and experience to successfully take projects from inception to completion, delivering them on time and exceeding client expectations.
BoardSafe Docks is a nationally recognized manufacturer of floating dock systems and a trusted expert who provides education and guidance when planning and designing inclusive water access products, specifically our highly-requested adaptive kayak launch and adaptive fishing pier.
To discuss your inclusive project, or for help designing your non-motorized water access site, contact BoardSafe Docks at 610-899-0286 or through our website at BoardSafeDocks.com.