Getting out on the water just became easier for more Chattanooga residents and visitors! New BoardSafe waterfront infrastructure near Chickamauga Dam expands paddling opportunities for people of all abilities in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) recently celebrated the opening of a new BoardSafe Docks accessible floating dock system and adaptive kayak launch near Chickamauga Dam in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Located off Kings Point Road, the new waterfront facility creates an important access point to Chickamauga Lake, helping individuals of all abilities enjoy paddling, boating, and outdoor recreation.

More than a new dock, the project represents a commitment to making Tennessee’s waterways more welcoming and accessible to everyone.

Designed to Make Getting on the Water Easier

For many people, the biggest challenge to kayaking isn’t paddling. It’s getting safely into and out of the kayak.

Traditional docks and shoreline launches can create significant barriers for individuals who use wheelchairs, experience limited mobility, or need additional assistance transferring into a kayak.

BoardSafe’s Adaptive Kayak Launch addresses these challenges with purpose-built features that help paddlers board, launch, and return with greater confidence and independence.

The new floating dock system includes an accessible aluminum gangway with protective handrails and toe kicks, and specialized adaptive boarding equipment.

Key features include:

• Wheelchair-Height Boarding Bench: Provides a more accessible transfer point for paddlers who use wheelchairs or need additional support.
• Step-Down Bench: Allows paddlers to transition gradually from the dock toward their kayak.
• Overhead Grab Bars and Straps: Offer additional handholds for balance, stability, and controlled movement.
• Pull-Out Bench: Accommodates paddlers who need a lower transition into their kayak with a pull out bench that slides out over the top of the kayak.
• Pull Bars: Assists paddlers in gliding from the launch cradle into open water.
• Kayak Cradle and Launching Chute: Help stabilize the kayak during boarding, launching, and returning to the dock.

Together, these features help remove some of the physical barriers that prevent people from enjoying paddle sports.

Accessibility isn’t simply about reaching the waterfront. It’s about being able to participate in the experience once you get there.

TVA: Improving Access Improves Quality of Life

The new installation supports TVA’s commitment to environmental stewardship, economic development, and recreational opportunities throughout the Tennessee Valley.

Paul Pearman, TVA’s senior manager of Environmental Resource Stewardship, emphasized the importance of making waterfront recreation available to more people:

“Part of TVA’s mission is environmental stewardship and economic development, and this allows people to come here, enjoy this dock, enjoy their kayaks, and boats—especially those people who may not be able to use a regular dock. This BoardSafe Dock system is designed to allow people of all abilities to come and get on a kayak and paddle out on the water, which we think is important for just quality of life in this area.”

The project also reflects the goals of Tennessee’s Access 2030 initiative, which seeks to expand outdoor recreational opportunities and improve accessibility across the state.

By investing in accessible waterfront infrastructure, TVA and TWRA understand the value and the opportunities they are creating for individuals with disabilities, the need for mobility accommodations, veterans, older adults, new paddlers, families, and paddlers of varying physical abilities to experience Chickamauga Lake. By partnering with BoardSafe Docks, a waterfront expert, whose ability to evaluate site conditions and provide the infrastructure, helps turn accessibility goals into real recreational opportunities with impactful results.

For the Chattanooga community, the benefits extend beyond the dock itself. Improved access encourages outdoor recreation, supports inclusive programming, and allows more people to enjoy the natural resources that make the Tennessee Valley such a popular destination.

BoardSafe Docks Continues to Improve Waterfront Access at Chickamauga Lake

The new adaptive kayak launch is not BoardSafe’s first project on Chickamauga Lake.

BoardSafe has also designed, engineered, and manufactured commercial waterfront infrastructure for Chester Frost Park in Hixson, Tennessee, another popular recreational destination on the lake.

That project includes an 80-foot aluminum gangway, two courtesy boat docks, and an accessible fishing pier designed to accommodate recreational visitors and high-volume waterfront activity.

This heavy duty, high-traffic infrastructure by has also supported Major League Fishing’s Bass Pro Tour, providing dependable waterfront access for professional anglers and tournament operations.

These projects demonstrate how thoughtfully engineered waterfront infrastructure can serve a wide range of recreational needs, from an individual launching a kayak to professional fishing tournaments that attract competitors and spectators from across the country.

Read more: Bass Pro Tour Accesses Lake Chickamauga with BoardSafe Docks

Built for Accessibility. Engineered for Durability.

With more than 20 years of experience in commercial waterfront infrastructure, BoardSafe Docks designs and manufactures heavy-duty aluminum floating dock systems built for demanding public environments.

Unlike one-size-fits-all dock systems, BoardSafe engineers its infrastructure around each project’s unique site conditions, environmental demands, accessibility goals, and anticipated use.

From adaptive kayak launches and accessible fishing piers to courtesy boat docks, aluminum gangways, and pedestrian bridges, BoardSafe focuses on delivering long-term value through durable construction, thoughtful design, and dependable performance.

The BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch installation demonstrates what happens when accessibility and sound engineering work together.

A well-designed waterfront doesn’t just provide access to the water. It opens the door to new experiences, greater independence, and lasting community connections.

For TVA, TWRA, and the Chattanooga community, this new facility represents another meaningful step toward making Tennessee’s waterways accessible to everyone.

Make Your Waterfront Accessible with BoardSafe Docks

Is your community looking to improve access to a lake, river, marina, or public recreation area?

BoardSafe Docks works with municipalities, park departments, conservation organizations, and waterfront managers to design and manufacture site specific engineered infrastructure built for high traffic, heavy use, and long-term performance.

Let’s create waterfront access that works for everyone—and lasts for generations.

Website: www.BoardSafeDocks.com

Phone: 610-899-0286

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