The Ohio Division of Natural Resources operates Cowan Lake State Park in southwest Ohio. Cowan Lake, located at 1750 Osborn Road, Wilmington, OH, now offers accessible fishing with a BoardSafe Accessible Fishing Pier.
The Ohio Division of Natural Resources and Division of Wildlife manages the state’s fisheries. They enhance the fish habitat by improving the spawning habitat, installing fish attractors, stocking fish, implementing fishing regulations, and incorporating park and water features. They understand that fishing isn’t just a great way to spend time with friends and family outdoors—it’s also an inexpensive way to eat freshly caught fish and help the natural ecology of their lakes and parks.
Cowan’s peaceful lake and scenic inlets offer fishing, boating, camping, cabins, nature trails, swimming, and picnicking. Hiking pathways wind through mature trees and foliage. Overnight guests can reserve and rent deluxe family cabins or camp in their comfortable campground.
The Division of Wildlife operates six hatcheries throughout the state and maintains a variety of fishing opportunities for residents. Annually, the ODNR propagates up to 30 million fish. The primary species produced are walleye, channel catfish, striped bass, saugeye, muskellunge, and rainbow trout, making fishing opportunities attractive to those who fish for sport or enjoyment in Ohio.
The project specifications at Cowan Lake included:
- one (1) 6’ wide x 20’ long aluminum gangway with dual-sided handrail and supplemental flotation.
- one (1) Bulkhead Hinge Connection Kit.
- one (1) 6’2” wide x 20’ long floating docks.
- two (2) 8’2” wide x 20’ long floating docks.
- two (2) transition strips connecting docks.
- two (2) External Elongated Piling Guides.
- two (2) 3’’ wide x 8’ long galvanized steel pilings.
- Fishing Handrail around the perimeter of (2) 8’2” wide docks.
- Standard Handrail around the perimeter of (1) 6’2” wide dock.
Whether you wish to enjoy a lakeside breeze or experience exciting fishing, BoardSafe’s fishing piers and aluminum floating docks are unique because they are engineered and constructed for easy accessibility. The gangway accommodates wheelchairs with a 1:12 slope or less and its low-rise thresholds provide a 4-inch protective toe kick on both sides of the gangway. Dual continuous handrails run along the perimeter of the docks and on both sides of the ramp. The standard railing height is 42 inches, and the additional intermediate handrail to accommodate wheelchair users is at 34 inches and consistent with ADA requirements.
The project at Cowan Lake and the improvements to its fishing areas have made it a popular place to visit and a fishing destination for decades to come. Those who are disabled or have limited mobility will appreciate the accessibility to the water. BoardSafe specializes in manufacturing aluminum floating docks, adaptive kayak launches, accessible fishing piers, gangways, pedestrian bridges, and rowing centers. BoardSafe design experts can offer both standard and ADA-featured products and provide personalized design solutions for your water access project. If you’d like to learn more, visit BoardSafeDocks.com or call us at 610-899-0286.