Riverside Wharf Park, located in the small suburb of Brownsville and nestled along the Monongahela River, plays a key part in Brownsville’s community. The wharf is within walking distance from town and offers fishing, a public boat launch, and a relaxing place to read a book or watch activities on the water. Access to the waters of the Monongahela River was limited for many residents, especially those with physical disabilities before the borough’s partnership with BoardSafe Docks. Renowned for our commitment to accessibility, BoardSafe Docks of Fleetwood, PA, designed and manufactured Brownsville’s state-of-the-art adaptive kayak launch and accessible floating dock system. The dock now provides boating, paddling, and fishing access from Brownsville’s historic wharf. The dock fulfills a 10-year vision that Brownsville Borough had for providing accessible boating access to their wharf.
The Monongahela River played a significant role in Pittsburgh’s industrial and economic development, particularly during the “steel era.” As recent as 2013, “the Mon” was recognized as River of the Year for its scenic beauty, fishing spots, and boating opportunities. The river uniquely flows from south to north, and meets with the Allegheny River at its confluence to form the Ohio River in downtown Pittsburgh.
Brownsville’s new dock and kayak launch is more than just a piece of infrastructure—it symbolizes inclusivity and progress in the borough. Designed with various adaptive features, the kayak launch ensures that everyone, regardless of physical ability, can enjoy the freedom and joy of kayaking. The well-equipped site offers an ADA gangway that provides a gentle, easy pitch down to the water where people in wheelchairs can access the 100 feet of floating docks and the adaptive kayak launch. The accessible launch includes a stabilizing cradle for safe and easy access in and out of the kayak, an adaptive kit with a step-down bench, overhead grab bar, hand straps, and pull bars that make it easy for individuals to move from their wheelchair into their kayak.
Megan, a local resident who had been an avid kayaker before an accident left her with limited mobility, was one of the first to use the new kayak launch. As she paddled out onto the river for the first time in years, she felt a wave of emotions wash over her: freedom, empowerment, and a deep connection to nature. “It’s incredible to be back on the water,” she said with joy in her eyes. “This launch allows me to kayak again, and it’s something I really enjoy!”
BoardSafe expects the impact of the adaptive kayak launch to ripple through Brownsville just as it does in other communities. There is hope for schools and community groups to organize kayak outings, and for people of all ages and abilities to come together to enjoy paddling on the Monongahela. The borough hopes the launch area will become a hub of activity and foster new friendships in the community.
BoardSafe Docks’ innovative design and commitment to accessibility garnered attention from Brownsville Borough and other nearby towns with the vision to explore similar projects. The success story unfolding along the Monongahela River inspires others looking to enhance riverfront communities.
Brownsville’s riverfront access is more than a facility—it’s a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together with a vision of inclusivity and accessibility. It demonstrates that when barriers are removed, everyone can share in the beauty and adventure of nature. As kayakers of all abilities glide across the river, the spirit of unity and progress that has built the launch will continue to flow through the town.
Scope of Work on the Monongahela River Wharf Project
The project included
- 100 feet of floating dock installed on the Monongahela River.
- a BoardSafe Clip-A-Launch and Adaptive Boarding Kit for kayakers with limited mobility.
- a 30-ft-long accessible gangway with a handrail.
- a 30-ft long support arm to temporarily support the dock until piles are installed.
BoardSafe fast-tracked the project timeline for the borough to have it installed in time for Brownsville’s RiverFest on July, 5th, 2024. BoardSafe’s expertise and experience with similar projects allowed us to design, draft, fabricate, and install the project in less than 3 weeks.
Key stakeholders involved in the project responsible for seeing it through to completion were Mike Walters of the Brownsville Borough and McMillen Engineering, who assisted with the DNR and Army Corps of Engineers permit applications. Kevin Jones and his remarkable team of installation experts from Blue Water Docks of Chattanooga, TN, installed the floating courtesy dock, gangway, and kayak launch.
BoardSafe Docks believes our products can improve lifestyles for communities that enjoy recreating on the water and those looking for accessible and adaptive recreation. BoardSafe understands the value true accessibility brings to communities. Ask any adaptive kayaker about their feelings of enjoyment, liberation, and empowerment after they complete a paddle. Many will tell you they cannot wait to get back out on the water! Kayaking promotes healthy living, connects friends and families with nature, and encourages paddlers to be good stewards, caring for our natural resources.
BoardSafe values the partnerships we’ve developed and appreciates the opportunity to develop our customer’s visions and turn them into legacies of waterfront inclusivity for generations to come. Call us at 610-899-0286 or contact us through our website at BoardSafeDocks.com and allow us to #ACCESS YOUR ADVENTURE!