The City of Tulsa, Oklahoma, has recently unveiled an exciting new way for residents and visitors to experience the scenic waters on Zink Lake. Thanks to a collaboration between the City of Tulsa and the River Parks Authority, and funding from the Improve Our Tulsa initiative, the newly-installed BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch ensures everyone can enjoy Tulsa’s natural beauty—regardless of mobility challenges. Guests can bring their kayak or paddleboard, or rent one nearby to access their outdoor adventure.
This state-of-the-art launch, created by BoardSafe Docks, is designed to set new standards for accessibility and inclusion. Located on the east bank of Zink Lake near 19th and Riverside Drive, the launch combines advanced engineering with thoughtful design to create a safe and welcoming space for all paddlers.
Innovative Engineering Meets Unique Challenges
Constructing a kayak launch on the Arkansas River presented specific challenges due to floodplain restrictions. The design required a robust, elevated structure that could withstand environmental demands while remaining fully accessible.
BoardSafe Docks tackled this challenge by designing a 100-foot gangway and chute supported by a steel cantilevered deck system outside the 100-year floodplain. This durable, ADA-compliant floating dock system ensures safety, stability, and seamless water access for users of all abilities.
Designed for Inclusion and Accessibility
The adaptive kayak launch reflects BoardSafe’s mission to enhance freedom, dignity, and participation in water sports for individuals with mobility challenges. Key features include:
- ADA-Compliant Gangway A gently-sloped pathway provides easy wheelchair access from land to water.
- Spacious Kayak Chute A secure cradle stabilizes kayaks, including those with outriggers, ensuring safe entry and exit.
- Floating Dock Made of durable aluminum, the dock features ample wheelchair maneuverability space, complete with a safety-enhancing toe kick.
- Tiered Boarding Bench with Roll Cage A supportive design aids users in transitioning from wheelchairs to kayaks with confidence and ease.
Click this link for a video review of Tulsa’s kayak launch: facebook.com/share/v/uSK5bSUJESYxaNKD/
A Commitment to Community and Recreation
This adaptive launch is more than just infrastructure—it’s a commitment to inclusivity. By enabling safe, accessible water recreation, Tulsa’s new kayak launch fosters community connections and encourages outdoor activity for everyone, including adaptive paddlers.
To celebrate the launch, Tulsa hosted a community event in collaboration with the Pott County Kayak Club. This event showcased the facility’s accessibility while promoting awareness and support for individuals with mobility impairments, inspiring participants to embrace the joy of kayaking. View video highlights from the event here: Tulsa Kayak Launch Video.
BoardSafe Docks: A Trusted Leader in Accessibility Solutions
With over 20 years of experience, BoardSafe Docks specializes in aluminum-welded floating dock systems tailored to meet diverse needs. Their expertise in adaptive features has made them a leader in enhancing accessibility and outdoor recreation across the U.S.
BoardSafe’s key contributions to Tulsa’s launch included:
- foundation and structural engineering.
- a 10’ x 30’ cantilevered deck.
- a 100-foot ADA-compliant gangway/kayak chute.
- adaptive features that included two Clip-A-Launch systems, an adaptive boarding kit, and three floating dock segments.
Why Choose BoardSafe Docks?
BoardSafe Docks stands out for its commitment to quality, innovation, and inclusion. When working with BoardSafe, you receive:
- Expertise Decades of experience in custom dock design for unique conditions.
- Customization Tailored solutions for fluctuating tides, currents, and water levels.
- Innovation High-quality materials and cutting-edge designs that ensure durability and functionality.
- Strong Partnerships Collaborative approaches with clients, engineers, and architects to achieve project goals.
- BoadSafe’s Customer Service unmatched in the dock manufacturing industry.
If your community is seeking to improve accessibility with a custom floating dock system, BoardSafe Docks can deliver proven solutions that enhance freedom and dignity for all users. Contact us today at BoardSafeDocks.com or give us a call at 610-899-0286 to explore how we can bring inclusive water access to your waterfront project.
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