Hudson Crossing Cuts Ribbon at BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch
On April 28, 2026, BoardSafe Docks proudly celebrated the ribbon-cutting for the new BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch at Lock C5 Island in Schuylerville, New York. The event brought together community leaders, outdoor recreation advocates, and accessibility champions to commemorate a significant step forward in inclusive waterfront access along the historic Champlain Canal.
The celebration featured remarks from Hudson Crossing Park Executive Director Kate Morse and representatives from the New York State Canal Corporation, who highlighted the importance of expanding recreational opportunities while preserving the region’s rich canal heritage.
This project marks the first BoardSafe Docks installation on the Champlain Canal, a historically significant waterway connecting Lake Champlain to the Erie Canal and the Hudson River. Managed by the Canal Corporation, the Champlain Canal and other feeder canals, including the Cayuga Canal linking the Finger Lakes region to the Erie Canal and the Oswego Canal connecting Lake Ontario to the Erie Canal, are part of ongoing enhancement efforts through 2028. These waterways continue to play a vital role in New York’s history, tourism, and outdoor recreation economy.
One of the most inspiring moments of the ribbon-cutting came when Jim Nolan, former Town of Greenwich Supervisor and a Hudson Crossing Park committee member living with quadriplegia, demonstrated the adaptive launch's effectiveness by independently accessing the water. His experience powerfully illustrated the mission behind every BoardSafe project: creating safe, inclusive outdoor access for people of all abilities.
The new BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch incorporates several innovative accessibility features designed to support adaptive paddlers and improve independent water access, including:
- A four-step boarding bench that allows users to transition from a wheelchair or standing position into a kayak safely and comfortably.
- An overhead grab bar, grab straps, and pull-out sliding bench that provide additional leverage and stability during boarding.
- An accessible gangway connecting the floating dock system directly to the park’s trail network.
- Adaptive paddling support equipment from Creating Ability, including kayaks equipped with stability outriggers, higher seat backs, and one-hand paddle mounts.
This accessible launch system was connected to an existing dock at the site, with installation completed by Schultz Contracting.
BoardSafe Docks continues to lead the industry in accessible outdoor recreation infrastructure, helping parks, municipalities, and waterfront destinations create meaningful opportunities for everyone to enjoy nature, paddling, fishing, and life on the water.
For more information about improving accessibility at your park, stream, or waterfront, contact BoardSafe Docks at 610-899-0286 to discuss customized solutions for your accessibility challenges.
BoardSafe Celebrates Decision Day with Co-op Student
On Decision Day 2026, BoardSafeDocks proudly celebrates our co-op draftsman, Andrew Gramp, a senior from Boyertown Area School District and Berks Career and Technology Center (BCTC), as he takes the next step in his educational journey.
Andrew has chosen to continue his studies at Reading Area Community College while remaining part of the BoardSafeDocks team, an exciting opportunity that allows him to continue building real-world experience in drafting, design, and engineering.
Congratulations, Andrew! We are incredibly proud of your decision to further your education while continuing your career path with BoardSafeDocks. Over the course of your co-op experience, you have grown into a valuable member of our drafting and design team through your dedication, collaboration, creativity, communication, and problem-solving skills.
At BoardSafeDocks, we believe in creating meaningful opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience that connects classroom learning to real-world careers. As an industry leader in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of accessible waterfront infrastructure, our team develops products that help communities across the country create inclusive access to the outdoors. From accessible fishing piers and adaptive kayak launches to floating boat docks, gangways, pedestrian bridges, and collegiate rowing centers, our products are proudly manufactured in Berks County, Pennsylvania, and installed nationwide, proving outdoor recreation is for everyone!
During his time with BoardSafe, Andrew experienced every phase of project development, from drafting, design, and engineering, to fabrication through installation. These experiences helped reinforce his passion for design and his desire to continue building a career in the growing outdoor recreation industry.
According to the report released by the US Bureau of Economic Analysis, outdoor recreation contributed $1.3 trillion in economic output to the U.S. economy and supported more than 5.2 million jobs in 2024. We are proud that Andrew has discovered a career pathway that connects him to meaningful work that positively impacts parks, waterways, and communities across the country.
BoardSafeDocks values the importance of preparing students for successful futures through hands-on workforce experiences. We are grateful for the strong partnerships between Boyertown Area School District, Berks Career and Technology Center, and Reading Area Community College, and for sending such outstanding students our way!
#CareerEducation #WorkforceDevelopment #OutdoorIndustry #RealWorldExperience #DraftingAndDesign #BoardSafeDocks
BoardSafeDocks Supports Future Business Leaders
BoardSafeDocks Supports Future Business Leaders
Tom Warchol of BoardSafe Docks recently attended a business trade fair at APW High School in Parish, NY. BoardSafeDocks was invited to participate and share our accessible products with the Future Business Leaders of America Club at their High school's trade fair. It is great to support such a strong group of students engaged in business. Pictured with Tom is Norah, an active member of the club. #FutureBusinessLeaders #LeadershipDevelopment #CareerPreparation #StudentNetworking #College/TechnicalCareerPartnerships
Spring is Calling...Call BoardSafeDocks
Spring is calling, and it’s time to get people back outside.
As parks, trails, and greenways come alive with warmer temperatures and longer days, access to the outdoors matters more than ever. That’s where BoardSafe Docks comes in. As an industry leader in accessible outdoor products and services, BoardSafe helps communities remove barriers and open the door to nature for everyone.
From beautifully designed pedestrian bridges, like the one shown here, to accessible kayak launches, fishing piers, and floating boat docks, BoardSafe’s solutions connect people to the outdoors in meaningful ways. Whether it’s crossing a quiet stream, exploring a riverside trail, or simply enjoying a scenic overlook, these structures enable individuals of all abilities to experience the benefits of being outdoors.
This spring, invest in infrastructure that invites everyone in. Partner with BoardSafe Docks and create spaces where communities can gather, explore, and thrive, because the outdoors should be for all!
For more information on our accessible solutions, contact BoardSafeDocks at 610-899-0286.
Hudson Crossing Park Welcomes BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch
Hudson Crossing Park in Schuylerville, NY, is expanding access to the water with a new BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch, helping ensure that more people of all abilities can enjoy time on the water.
Set along the scenic Hudson River and centered around Champlain Canal Lock 5 Island, Hudson Crossing Park offers a one-of-a-kind blend of recreation and education. Visitors can also explore over two miles of nature trails, relax at picnic areas, fish, birdwatch, or enjoy the children’s play garden, all with beautiful waterfront views.
BoardSafe Docks designed this accessible kayak launch to seamlessly connect to the park’s existing dock, providing a thoughtful and efficient solution that enhances access without disrupting the current setting.
This project was made possible through the power of partnership and community support, including a $24,999 Quality of Life Grant from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, a $7,500 Trail Grant from Saratoga County, $15,000 from AARP, and generous contributions from local donors.
Curious paddlers who wish to learn more about the BoardSafe launch and its inclusive features are invited to a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, April 28th, at 11 AM at Lock C5. All are welcome to attend and celebrate this important step toward greater accessibility and inclusion.
The park is planning several inclusive and guided paddling events in the near future, beginning on Tuesday, May 19th, and monthly thereafter. Paddlers of all abilities are welcome to attend and try the accessible launch, offering a safe, stable entry into the water. Pre-registration is required here: https://www.hudsoncrossingpark.org/on-the-canals-excursions
Interested in improving water access at your site? BoardSafe Docks specializes in creating safe, accessible solutions for boating, fishing, and paddling. Learn more at BoardSafeDocks.com or call 610-899-0286.
BoardSafe Docks Congratulates Bassmaster Winner, Dylan Nutt
BoardSafeDocks congratulates Dylan Nutt, winner of the 2026 Bassmaster Classic in Knoxville, TN. His three-day total weight of 66 pounds, 13 ounces, won Nutt the iconic trophy.
Photos by J. Blackburn / Bill Dance Signature Lakes Facebook Page
Photos by J. Blackburn / Bill Dance Signature Lakes Facebook PageParticipants note this year’s tournament was one of the best they’ve experienced. Knoxville’s atmosphere was reportedly amazing, and its vibe and exposure packed the arena with a high-energy crowd to recognize Nutt’s win and support the anglers in what is known as the “SuperBowl of Fishing.”
BoardSafeDocks was pleased to be able to provide the starting gangways and courtesy boat docks utilized by the anglers at the Governor Ned McWherter, Riverside Landing Park in Knoxville, which was the official launch site for the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
Contact BoardSafe Docks at 610-899-0286 for more information on making your water access entry points accessible to all for boating, kayaking, and fishing.
BoardSafeDocks and HivePaddleSports Celebrate Tennessee's Outdoors
BoardSafeDocks and HivePaddleSports were proud to join the second annual Outdoors Day on the Hill, hosted by the Tennessee Outdoor Partnership (TOP) on March 24 in Nashville, TN.
With more than 650 members of the General Assembly and the public in attendance, the day brought together the people and organizations shaping the future of outdoor recreation across Tennessee.
Watch video here: Celebrating the 2026 Outdoors Day on the Hill
BoardSafe and Hive are honored to partner with leaders across the state to deliver recreational infrastructure, from floating docks and fishing piers to accessible kayak launches and kayak rental kiosks that connect communities to Tennessee’s incredible lakes, rivers, and streams.
These investments do more than create great experiences outdoors; they prove to
✔️ Drive economic growth
✔️ Enhance quality of life in parks and communities
✔️ Inspire stewardship of natural resources
The impact is real. Tennessee’s outdoor industry generated $15.6 billion in 2024 and supports over 114,000 jobs, ranking #1 in the Southeast and #2 in the nation for 10-year GDP growth in the outdoor recreation sector.
A big thank you to Tennessee Outdoor Partnership (TOP), along with state agencies and partners like Trust for Public Land and The Nature Conservancy in Tennessee, for making this event possible and continuing to move outdoor access forward.
Outdoor recreation isn’t just fun—it’s fundamental to Tennessee’s future.
Events like this allow us to showcase our designs, engineering, and waterfront infrastructure that connects Tennesseans and their visitors to the water for endless adventures in boating, fishing, and kayaking. Thanks again, Tennessee Outdoor Partnership (TOP), for an awesome day on the Hill!
#AccessYourAdventure #OutdoorsTN #OutdoorsDayOnTheHill2026 #TNConservation #TennesseeOutdoorsPartnership #OutdoorRecreation
Green Cove Pond Reopens with BoardSafe Accessible Fishing Pier
After years of restoration and accessible improvements, Green Cove Pond is once again welcoming anglers, and it’s better than ever!
As of March 1, 2026, Green Cove Pond officially reopened within the scenic Cherokee National Forest near Tellico Plains. Green Cove Pond is one of the most cherished trout fishing destinations in Tennessee. Its reopening represents a renewed commitment to conservation, accessibility, and community connection.
Over the course of the project, efforts were made to restore the pond’s ecosystem by removing more than 500 cubic yards of sediment, which deepened the pond and restored cooler and more oxygen-rich water that supports the Rainbow Trout population.
The new BoardSafe floating fishing pier connects the land to the water by an accessible gangway. Park infrastructure also offers ADA-compliant parking, sidewalks, and a picnic area. The extended walking trail around the pond also opens additional shoreline fishing opportunities, helping to spread out anglers and enhancing the overall fishing experience.
The accessible upgrades make the pond more welcoming to everyone, ensuring families, seniors, and individuals with mobility challenges can more easily enjoy time on the water, whether it’s their first visit or a long-awaited return.
Green Cove Pond is part of many park systems managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. The revitalized pond represents a long-term investment in conservation, stewardship, and community access. The updated amenities ensure that more people can experience the joy of fishing and the natural beauty of Tennessee’s mountains.
Whether you’re casting a line for the first time or returning to a favorite spot, Green Cove Pond is ready for you. We hope to see you out there enjoying the new park amenities!
Read more about Green Cove Pond here:
Popular Trout Angling Destination Opens after Renovations.
BoardSafe Docks understands the impact its accessible waterfront infrastructure offers parks and communities across the nation. To learn more about BoardSafe’s accessible products, fishing piers, boat docks, adaptive kayak launches, and more, you may contact us at BoardSafeDocks.com or give us a call at (610) 899-0286.
#AccessYourAdventure #AccessibleFishing #FishingLife #AccessibleOutdoors #TroutFishing #CherokeeNationalForest #AccessibleForAll @BoardSafeDocks.com
BoardSafe Builds Waterfront Infrastructure for Bassmaster Classic
BoardSafeDocks designed and manufactured the waterfront infrastructure being used for this weekend's Bass Pro Shop Bassmaster Classic. The prestigious tournament offers free family events, thrilling competition, live weigh-ins, and an exciting expo, promising to make the "Super Bowl of Bass Fishing" a memorable event for all participants and attendees.
It’s always rewarding to see our docks put to work at events that bring thousands of anglers and fans to the water. Big thanks to the teams at Visit Knoxville and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (tn.gov/twra) for collaborating with us and getting everything ready for the tournament.
BoardSafeDocks extends our good luck to all of the anglers competing this weekend — we’re proud to play a small role in making access to the water safer and easier for all participants. See you in Knoxville on the Tennessee River!
#BassmasterClassic #Fishing #PublicAccess #WaterfrontInfrastructure #BoardSafeDocks
Celebrating BoardSafe Access at the William R. Gaines Park
Charlotte County Commissioner Stephen R. Deutsch recently joined Paddle 4 Heroes, the Charlotte County Veterans Council, members of our veterans community, and fellow residents to cut the ribbon on the park’s new BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch.
This project represents years of collaboration and commitment to make William R. Gaines Jr. Memorial Park a place that honors service, strengthens community, and ensures every resident can enjoy the outdoors with dignity and independence.
“As a disabled veteran, I know firsthand how meaningful true accessibility can be. When we remove barriers, we open doors, not just for recreation, but for connection, healing, and belonging. I’m proud to see our community come together to make this possible for all of our citizens,” said Commissioner Stephen R. Deutsch during the ceremony.
"It’s truly an honor to be part of the William R. Gaines Jr. Veterans Memorial Park and the Beirut Peacekeepers Tower. This is a powerful story that must be told and remembered," commented Stephen J. Fleming, the man behind much of the fundraising for the BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch that was recently installed at the park.
Reconized for their participation was American Legion Post 110 for the presentation and retirement of colors; Master of Ceremony Lee Hale, U.S. Navy; Rev. Kevin Shaw, USMC, for the Invocation and Benediction; Jay Hemingway for leading the Pledge of Allegiance and Star Spangled Banner; Stephen R. Deutsch, USCG and Charlotte County Commissioner; Jeff Mosher, Beirut Veteran USMC; Charlie Foxtrot Brewing, Mission Barbeque, Durti Runners, Sweet Sparkman Architecture & Interiors, Willis Smith Construction, Jackson Signs, & BoardSafe Docks for manufacturing the accessible kayak launch and donating T-shirts to those attending the ribbon cutting ceremony.
The project was made possible with partial funding from Paddle for Heroes, a (501) (C3) non-profit working in cooperation with the county.
It took about two years to complete the permitting and approval documentation so kayaks and canoes can launch into the tributaries and canals into Charlotte Harbor. The work did not distrupt sea grass or small tooth sawfish living in the local tributaries. There was also “upland construction” to improve existing sidewalks and parking.
Learn more about the park’s plan and accessible amenities here: William R. Gaines Veterans Memorial Park, Charlotte County, FL, recognizes veterans and first responders with accessible park amenities.