Welcome Addition Expands Access at Fall Creek Falls State Park TN
Autumn is one of the most beautiful times to explore Tennessee State Parks. Cooler temperatures, vibrant fall colors, and calm waters make it an ideal season for kayaking and connecting with nature.
As part of the Access 2030 Initiative, Tennessee State Parks continues to lead the nation in accessibility. The statewide plan aims to make every park the most inclusive and barrier-free in the country by 2030, enhancing physical access for visitors with disabilities while also addressing sensory and learning needs.
A New Way To Experience Fall Creek Falls
Known for its 256-foot waterfall, the tallest of its kind east of the Mississippi River, Fall Creek Falls State Park is a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts who love hiking, camping, fishing, paddleboarding, canoeing, and kayaking.
Now, paddlers have two new ways to access the water, thanks to the recent installation of two BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launches at the park. These innovative launches make it easier, safer, and more inclusive for everyone to enjoy Fall Creek Falls Lake. The launches are designed to provide universal access for seasoned kayakers and first-time paddlers using the adaptive features.
One launch is located near the main boat ramp and dock, while the second launch is installed near the dam. Both offer a convenient access point for exploring the lake.
Community Excitement
Visitors and longtime park supporters are thrilled about the new installations:
💬 “I’ve been camping here for nearly 50 years, and seeing Fall Creek Falls become more accessible makes my heart so happy!”
💬 “As a paraplegic in Cookeville, I can’t wait to try it out. The gradual step-down transfer is so impressive.”
About the Project
The boat ramp launch features an 8’ x 16’ floating dock, a 16’ kayak launch and chute, an adaptive boarding kit, a bulkhead mounting angle, and a 6’ x 8’ dock extension with a gangway system that connects to the existing dock.
The second system, located closer to the dam, includes a longer gangway and chute for easier transfer and water access from the land.
Expanding Access, One Launch at a Time
BoardSafe Docks is proud to support Tennessee’s Access 2030 Initiative, helping make the state’s waterways more accessible for all. Every new adaptive launch represents more opportunities for people of all abilities to enjoy the outdoors, build confidence, and connect with nature.
To learn more about these installations or to schedule a free consultation to improve accessibility at your park, visit boardsafedocks.com or call 610-899-0286.
It’s a great time to discover the beauty and inclusivity of Tennessee State Parks. We hope to see you on the water!
#AccessYourAdventure #AdaptiveKayaking #AccessForAll #InclusiveOutdoors #Access2030 #KayakLife #BoardSafeDocks #FallCreekFallsStatePark #TennesseeStateParks
The World Canals Conference 2025, Buffalo, NY, September 21–25
The World Canals Conference 2025 is coming to Buffalo, NY, September 21-25 on the Erie Canal, and you should, too!
This conference will bring together the brightest minds working on inland waterways to share ideas and inspiration for the future of inland waterways.
Come see Tom Warchol of BoardSafe Docks in the Exhibit Hall and learn about us and the impact we have made in improving accessibility to the canal towns along the Erie Canal.
The kickoff of the World Canals Conference and the Erie Canal Bicentennial Summer Sendoff takes place on Sunday, 9/21, noon to 5 p.m. for free, family-friendly activities, live performances, carousel rides, Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief tours, special programs, and entertainment. buff.ly/q1YBPRG
New BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch at Hellenberg Park, Monroe MI
The City of Monroe is proud to announce the opening of a BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch at Hellenberg Park, giving paddlers of all ages and abilities a safer, easier way to access the River Raisin.
Located at 1313 E. Front Street, Hellenberg Park is already a favorite destination for boating, fishing, and outdoor play. In addition to the new accessible launch, the park features a large parking area for small watercraft, a basketball court, green space for volleyball and other land sports, and plentiful fishing opportunities from the shore and on the water.
City crews completed the installation of the new launch and the foundation connecting the launch to the land. The accessible launch was designed with adaptive features to make kayaking accessible for everyone, from first-time paddlers to those with mobility challenges. The system provides a stable, supportive kayak cradle that allows users to enter and exit their kayaks with confidence.
Key features of the launch at Hellenberg Park include:
- 36-foot aluminum gangway/chute with safety toe kick.
- 8' x 16' floating dock with composite decking.
- Clip-A-Launch 16S system with adaptive bench, pullout seat, and overhead grab bar with hand straps.
- plastic-encapsulated floats for long-term stability.
- instructional sign and guy wire cable system for added safety.
The City of Monroe, founded in 1785, has always been a community shaped by its waterways. Once a natural crossroads for the Potawatomi Tribe, French missionaries, fur traders, and early settlers, the city continues to welcome visitors with its rich history and natural beauty. Just a short distance from the River Raisin National Battlefield Park, Hellenberg Park’s new adaptive launch adds another way to connect with the river and the community’s outdoor heritage.
With the new addition of a BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch, Monroe reaffirms its commitment to accessibility, recreation, and preserving the River Raisin as a place for all to enjoy.
City crew members were able to install the required foundation and install the launch that offers paddlers and kayak fishermen access to the River Raisin. The launch with adaptive features offers paddlers of all abilities a new perspective on the water.
BoardSafe Docks brings a tangible and lasting value to communities. Here are the key areas of impact:
Accessibility & Inclusion
A BoardSafe system provides safe water access for people of all ages and abilities, including those with mobility challenges, seniors, veterans, and beginners. Our systems transform paddling into a truly inclusive recreational activity. Our universal design standards ensure equal participation for everyone.
Health & Wellness
- BoardSafe systems encourage outdoor recreation, exercise, and stress relief through paddling.
- Expanding opportunities for adaptive sports and therapeutic programs.
- Strengthening mental health by connecting people with nature and water.
Community Engagement
- Creates a gathering place where families, friends, and community groups can participate together.
- Supports local nonprofits, adaptive paddling organizations, and youth programs.
- Builds civic pride by demonstrating a community’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity.
Economic Impact
- Attracts tourism by drawing paddlers, adaptive athletes, and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Boosts nearby businesses (restaurants, shops, outfitters, lodging) with increased visitor traffic.
- Enhances the appeal of parks and waterfronts, raising property and community value.
Environmental Stewardship
- Encourages people to experience rivers, lakes, and waterfronts firsthand, building appreciation for natural resources.
- Promotes sustainable recreation with low environmental impact.
Cultural & Historical Connection
- Strengthens community ties to local waterways, which are often tied to history, culture, and identity.
- Offers residents and visitors a new way to explore heritage sites from the water.
Contact BoardSafe Docks at 610-899-0286 for information on making your water access entry points more accessible to all.
The 2025 NRPA Annual Conference Is Happening Now in Orlando, FL
For more than 50 years, the NRPA Annual Conference has been where the park and recreation communities come together to learn, connect, and grow. Whether you’re exploring the latest products in the interactive exhibit hall, earning CEUs in engaging education sessions, or sharing ideas with peers from across the country, this is your chance to be inspired, build connections, and gain tools to make a difference. It’s not too late to register and attend!
BoardSafeDocks and HIVE PaddleSports are set up and ready to provide you with solutions to improve your waterfront access for paddling, fishing, and boating.
See us in BOOTH 313 in the Exhibit Hall and learn more about BoardSafeDocks and HivePaddleSports, your solutions for universal access to the water.
Why Attend NRPA 2025?
The NRPA Annual Conference is your opportunity to:
- Learn from industry leaders – Gain valuable insights, practical tools, and innovative ideas to take back to your community.
- Build meaningful connections – Network with your peers from across the country who share your passion.
- Solve challenges with innovation – Explore more than 400 booths and interactive exhibits, showcasing the latest products and services for the field.
- Earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) – Choose from hundreds of education sessions tailored to your unique career journey.
Register Now
We hope to see you at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.
The Exhibits run September 16–17, and the Conference runs September 16–18.
#AccessYourAdventure #BuildTogetherPlayTogether #NRPAConference2025 #PowerOfParks
BoardSafe Docks a Winner of the 2025 INNOVATEAble Showcase!
BoardSafe Docks is thrilled to be recognized as a winner of the 2025 INNOVATEAble Showcase, held in honor of the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act!
BoardSafe’s Accessible and Adaptive Kayak Launch was selected as one of the top solutions advancing accessibility in the travel and tourism industry. We were excited to present our winning pitch at the TravelAbility Showcase in July 2025 in preparation for TravelAbility’s Summit this October in Sunriver, Oregon. BoardSafe Docks is proud to continue driving change through innovation alongside other participants in the showcase.
Each participant provided a 3-minute video pitch about their product and was interviewed by the judges during a 7-minute question-and-answer session to discuss the features of our kayak launch and share the impact of our accessible system, as well as how it enhances the paddling experience for people with disabilities.
Lori Limpar, Content Marketing Manager for BoardSafe Docks, represented BoardSafe in the showcase.
The participants in Pitchfest 2025 included:
- ADAPTS A lightweight transfer sling for safer mobility in tight or inaccessible spaces.
- BoardSafe Docks Accessible kayak launches and floating docks that expand waterfront access with features that offer universal access to all.
- Koda AI-powered live captioning that works on any device, no app required.
- Lotus A smart ring that controls devices with a simple point—no Wi-Fi or rewiring needed.
- RightHear Audible wayfinding for blind and low vision travelers navigating indoor and outdoor spaces.
- ScanMeHome A QR-code ID system that helps quickly reunite loved ones who may wander.
- Touch2See 3D Tablets that let blind sports fans follow the action in real time.
The judges praised the caliber of entries and noted just how tough the competition was this year. With so many standout innovations, choosing winners wasn’t easy.
Thank you to the judges, Nick Nerbonne, Chris Maher, Autumn Saxton-Ross, and Kristine McConnell!
More information about the Summit is available at this link: TravelAbility Summit.
Participants attending the Summit will elevate their experience at the leading conference on Accessible Travel!
#INNOVATEAble #TravelAbilitySummit #AccessibleInnovation #ADA35 #DisabilityInclusion
Warrior’s Path State Park Improves Accessibility to Fort Patrick Henry Lake, TN
Warriors’ Path State Park is proud to announce the installation of their brand-new BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch and Accessible Fishing Pier, which is officially open and ready for adventure.
This fully accessible launch, located at the park marina on Fort Patrick Henry Reservoir, is part of a larger project that also includes an accessible fishing pier. This dual hybrid system provides universal access to all visitors looking to access the water for kayaking and fishing.
The Uniqueness of the Amenity
What makes this accessible amenity specialized is its location in the park, accessibility to the water, and the ability to rent kayaks and other non-motorized vessels at the park’s location.
- This accessible system is located at the park's marina on Fort Patrick Henry Lake. The location also includes boat ramps, including one specifically for campers.
- The BoardSafe launch offers universal access to all users and offers adaptive features that allow paddlers with disabilities a safer entry into and exit from their vessels.
- Vessel rentals: The marina offers kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and pedal boats for rent, which offer a variety of choices to draw visitors to the park. Guests are also able to bring their own vessel.
- Free launching and use of the fishing pier: Visitors who have their own kayaks and fishing equipment can use this park amenity free of charge. A fishing license is required to fish on the lake.
Components of the Dual System (Kayak Launch and Fishing Pier)
The 16-ft. x 32-ft. fishing platform includes the following BoardSafe proprietary components:
Product Quantity: Size
Single rail gangway 1: 4’ x 32’
Kayak Chute 1: 4’2’’ x 32’
Bulkhead Mounting Angle Kit 1: 9’
Floating Dock 4: 8’2’’ x 16’4’’
Fishing Rail 1: 48’
Dock-to-Dock Hinge Attachment 1: 9’
Mending Plate 5: 1’4’’
Dock to Dock Threshold Strip 1: 52’
Clip-A-Launch 1: 6’10’’ x 16’4”
Adaptive Boarding Kit 1
Support Arm 1: 32’
Precast Concrete Blocks 3: 2.6’ x 2.6’ x 5’
Positive Community Impact
The launch was well-received by the community and park visitors in July 2025, as indicated by social media posts on the park's Facebook page. Visitors praised the new feature as a "super nice" addition that improves the kayaking experience.
Rhonda Ready Bishop posted to Warrior’s Path Facebook Page, “Thank you so much for the kayak launch! We used it this morning and it was amazing!”
Pleasure boating is very popular on Patrick Henry Reservoir, with life jackets being provided courtesy of Friends of Warriors Path. The park has several floats scheduled for this fall on its calendar. Whether you’re casting a line or paddling out, there’s even more to explore and enjoy on the water. More info can be obtained at the park office at 423-239-8531. Come visit this new park amenity!
#WarriorsPathStatePark #TennesseeStateParks #GetOutsideTN #KayakLaunch #FishingDock #FortPatrickHenryLake #AccessibleKayaking #AccessibleFIshing
BoardSafe Docks Sponsors the 2025 SOBA Training Symposium
BoardSafe Docks is proud to be the Platinum Sponsor of the States Organization for Boating Access Education and Training Symposium happening now in Providence, RI.
As an experienced aluminum boat dock manufacturer, BoardSafe designs floating commercial docks, gangways, adaptive kayak launches, accessible fishing piers, pedestrian bridges, and other custom dock components to customer specifications. BoardSafe takes great pride in manufacturing environmentally friendly, safe, and low-maintenance boat docks and dock components that retain their strong structural integrity and fully comply with ADA regulations when required. All BoardSafe products are manufactured in the USA.
Management has over 30 years of high-end construction experience, and their expertise and attention to detail have made BoardSafe a trusted aluminum dock provider for high-profile marinas, water trails, rowing centers, and water access projects.
BoardSafe strives to be environmentally friendly in all our operations. Our materials are selected for their durability and sustainability. We design systems that do not hinder the surrounding ecosystem of plant and animal life. Our quick and quality installation process reduces the on-site presence of heavy equipment, and we do it right the first time.
Tom Warchol, who leads Business Development at BoardSafe Docks, will be a featured speaker at this year’s symposium. Growing up in the Adirondack region of New York State, Tom spent a considerable amount of his youth kayaking and canoeing the rivers and lakes of the area and developed a desire to work in an industry that promoted marine and wilderness access. He graduated from Clarkson University with a degree in mechanical engineering and has spent his professional career designing and developing large infrastructure projects. These projects include nationwide telecommunication networks, global work for the United Nations, and marine infrastructure throughout the US. Being a partner at BoardSafe Docks allows him to work with incredible customers who share the same passions for adventure and improving marine access for all looking to get out on the water and connect with nature.
Learn more about us at the BoardSafe Docks website: boardsafedocks.com.
BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch at Reelfoot Lake State Park, TN
Reelfoot Lake State Park in Tipton, Tennessee, recently installed a BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak launch at Kirby Pocket. This new addition improves accessibility for all visitors, especially those with disabilities or limited mobility, allowing everyone to enjoy kayaking on the lake.
For those interested in visiting the park, its GPS Coordinates are: 36.363, - 89.4327, and the Park Office / Visitor Center (731-253-9652) is located at 2595 Hwy 21 E, Tiptonville, TN 38079.
Reelfoot Lake State Park, located in the northwest corner of Tennessee, is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. Their website tells its history, describing how the 15,000-acre lake was created by a series of violent earthquakes between 1811–1812, which caused the Mississippi River to flow backwards for a short period of time, creating the lake.
The park’s ecosystem is unlike any other place in Tennessee. Reelfoot Lake is a flooded forest. While Majestic Cypress trees rise above the water, below the surface are many submerged Cypress stumps. A variety of aquatic plants and flowers occupy the shoreline and are found along the shallow water. The lake harbors almost every kind of shore and wading bird, as well as golden and American bald eagles.
A BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch added to this location will complement the green space and offer significant benefits by enhancing accessibility and safety for all paddlers, including those with disabilities or in wheelchairs. A BoardSafe system promotes inclusivity, community engagement, and can even boost local economies through increased tourism. Everyone will be afforded the opportunity to connect with nature and the beauty and uniqueness of the park.
The benefits of a BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch are known to provide paddlers of all abilities:
Enhanced Accessibility
BoardSafe launches are designed with adaptive features like gangways, chutes, and tiered benches, making it easier for individuals with mobility impairments, including those in wheelchairs, to enter and exit kayaks.
Improved Safety
Features like non-slip surfaces, overhead grab bars, grab straps, pull bars, and stable platforms reduce the risk of falls and accidents, creating a safer environment for all users.
Increased Confidence
The design of the launch system provides a sense of security and stability, holding the kayak steady in the chute, allowing paddlers to focus on enjoying their experience rather than worrying about tipping when getting in and out of the kayak.
Greater Independence
Adaptive features empower individuals with disabilities to participate more fully in kayaking, fostering a sense of independence and freedom.
When learning about the launch, kayaker Sherrye Clark, offered her thanks to those who thought of it and the ones who built it. “You’ve brought potential joy to some people who are otherwise excluded.”
Lori Stephens Skelton remarked, “I just watched the instructional video, that is just too cool!”
Benefits of working with BoardSafe Docks
BoardSafe is the trusted leader in accessible waterfront recreation products and services. We are known for our customer service and the ability to customize waterfront systems to meet the specific needs of a community, and for being able to offer different dock configurations and layouts, gangway lengths, and adaptive features.
The durable aluminum framing and extrusions and composite decking ensure that the launch system is weather-resistant and low-maintenance.
While the cost of an adaptive launch can vary depending on the size of the floating dock, the length of the gangway, its features, and customization, the long-term benefits for the community often outweigh the initial investment.
This project highlights some of the ongoing efforts of Tennessee State Parks to partner with design experts like BoardSafe Docks to enhance accessibility and remove barriers to access across their parks.
Tennessee State Parks are known for their unspoiled beauty, preserved historic sites, and breathtaking scenery for kayaking, fishing, and boating. Finding and eliminating barriers is their goal while creating an outdoors that is for everyone and ensuring that everyone can connect with nature and with the water. BoardSafe Docks is an established, trusted expert who has designed, engineered, manufactured, and installed recreational water access systems throughout the state of Tennessee and across the country.
For more information about this project or others, please contact us through our website at BoardSafeDocks.com or give us a call at 610-899-0826.
ADA-Accessible Kayak Launch Offers Weeks Bay Adaptive Features
The Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Fairhope, Alabama, recently introduced its inclusive, ADA-compliant kayak launch to its kayakers and canoers so they can enjoy paddling Weeks Bay. What’s most important about the new kayak launch is its unique features that offer inclusivity and the ability for adaptive paddlers and paddlers with disabilities and mobility limitations to enter and exit their vessel safely, and to participate in paddling activities with their non-disabled family and friends.
The Reserve is thankful to multiple organizations and community partners who collaborated, raised funds, and contributed to the new adaptive launch system. The adaptive kayak launch is accessible to all and was designed and manufactured by BoardSafe Docks. To help fund the launch, the Alabama Coastal Area Management Program (ACAMP) used 306a funds designated for low-cost public access improvement projects. Those funds were matched by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR). South Alabama Land Trust (SALT), a passionate and community-focused group, also raised funds and donated toward the accessible launch system. Recognition is deserved for all the stakeholders who were involved in this inclusive project which opens up paddling and welcomes everyone to Weeks Bay!
Until recently, Weeks Bay did not have a kayak or canoe launch. Paddlers had to compete with much larger vessels to launch their boats. Their only option was to launch from the motorboat ramp or walk them into the water across jagged rocks and riprap.
The new kayak and canoe launch provides accessibility to non-motorized vessels, and the specialized launch offers adaptive features to include paddlers with disabilities or mobility limitations, making it safe and easy for paddlers of all abilities to paddle on Weeks Bay. It’s a happy day on the bay!
The Weeks Bay Foundation is pleased to share its accessibility for all.
Prior to the installation of the BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch, the bay lacked accessibility for its paddlers. Weeks Bay Reserve takes students and teachers paddling during educational field trips as well as hosts events that attract paddlers to the water. These events allow visitors to connect with nature and socialize with family and friends. The Reserve is happy that these events are now inclusive and accessible for all. One event is a kayak and canoe-based cleanup to remove trash along the Weeks Bay and Fish River shorelines; the shorelines are not accessible by land and must be reached by kayaks, canoes, and other watercraft. The second event occurs during National Estuaries Week when the Reserve hosts multiple paddle eco-tours around the bay. The Reserve is hoping the new launch will attract new paddlers looking to try out the accessible launch.
Weeks Bay is well-known for its protected coastline and calm waters. The bay draws thousands of people who enjoy exploring the water by powerboat, sailboat, and paddleboat. Paddling on the bay is a calm, quiet experience that often includes seeing amazing wildlife like manatees and bald eagles. Whether paddling in a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard, seeing the rare and endangered species adds to the attraction of paddling the bay. The Reserve is proud of its new launch and happy to welcome all interested paddlers to enjoy the beauty of Weeks Bay.
The launch’s unique features are a draw for the adaptive paddling community.
The new ADA adaptive kayak launch allows local paddling groups like Team River Runner, a disabled-veteran and adaptive-paddling group, the inclusive opportunity to get out on the waterway. The Team River Runner group provides paddlers in need of physical exercise the opportunity to get out on the waterway for therapeutic paddling sessions. Team River Runner plans and hosts a number of recreational opportunities for disabled paddlers that improve their quality of life by offering therapeutic, social, inclusive, and community connections to its users. The Reserve is sure the new launch and its features will assist the adaptive paddlers and add to their enjoyment when paddling the bay.
The Reserve is glad to support its community’s equity plan and offer greater opportunities and improved paddling experiences to its disabled veteran community. Paddlers seen using the launch are enjoying the freedom of being on the water. Without safe entry and exit points for people with disabilities and physical limitations, opportunities to experience the beauty of kayaking Weeks Bay would have remained limited.
Where to find the BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch site at Weeks Bay
Paddlers are able to launch their vessels at The Weeks Bay Reserve (just west of the US 98 bridge) that hugs the shoreline going north and south. One may paddle north on Fish River, under the US 98 bridge, and turn left into a little inlet that loops through the back of the Weeks Bay Reserve property and back out to the river a couple of hundred yards above the kayak launch.
Kayaking and paddle sports' popularity continues to grow.
The latest data from the Research News - Outdoor Industry Association, specific to kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddle boarding, found a record number of 37.9 million Americans engaged in paddlesports during 2020, adding 2.5 million new paddlers to America’s waterways. COVID may have contributed to the increase, but a few years later, it appears these numbers are here to stay and continue to grow. The growth in kayaking, kayak fishing, and other paddlesports, has increased the number of paddlers seeking launch sites to access the water. Unfortunately, many access points exclude paddlers with disabilities and those with limited mobility because the infrastructure is outdated or the sites lack the necessary adaptive features to make them truly inclusive launch sites.
BoardSafe Docks is a nationally recognized manufacturer of floating dock systems and a trusted expert who provides education and guidance when planning and designing inclusive water access products, specifically their highly-requested adaptive kayak launch and adaptive fishing pier.
To discuss your inclusive project, or for help designing your non-motorized water access site, contact BoardSafe Docks at 610-899-0286 or through our website at BoardSafeDocks.com.
10 Considerations When Choosing a Floating Dock Builder
We have listed 10 considerations for prospective buyers to be aware of during the design, engineering, and manufacturing phase of their projects.
If you’ve decided to work with BoardSafe Docks for our industry expertise, you’ve made the right choice. Working with a dock builder you trust will strengthen your professional relationship and translate into a more pleasant building experience.
Following are some key points to learn and understand about the design, engineering, and manufacturing process.
Choose an experienced floating dock builder.
Customers prefer to select a dock builder with prior dock-building experience. Ask how long the dock builder has been doing this type of work. Visit completed dock projects to see what they look like after the installation, as well as jobs they completed five years earlier so you have an idea of their strength, durability, and performance over time. Speak with and review references from prior customers. Since no two waterfronts are ever the same, neither will be floating dock projects. Projects will always vary; therefore, successful prior experience will ensure you’re getting a quality product that lasts. Take the time to research completed projects and reviews before you hire your contractor. Your dock is more than a regular construction project, so don’t waste time with inexperienced or novice builders.
Communicate with your designer-dock builder.
A trusted dock designer will be one you can easily contact and communicate with. Do they respond to your phone calls and emails in a timely manner? Establish in advance your preferred method of communication and the frequency of communication and how payments will be made. Map out a schedule for updates regarding the progress of your project. Dock projects can take time to complete—from designing, engineering, and ordering materials, through fabrication.
Structural integrity of the dock design and materials
You can’t have a quality dock without quality materials! That means asking your floating dock designer about the best type of dock for your environment, its features, and their recommended materials. The kind of dock, its location, and the materials used, will tell you a lot about the quality of their product. If the designer tends to use a certain product or material, you can look up information about the company and decide if you think it’s a good fit. Purchasing a floating dock is a big investment that you want to last for many years to come.
The durability of an aluminum floating dock
Be sure to ask how your dock will stand up against various weather elements. Understand what type of maintenance will be required during the winter months, during changes in tidal conditions, and when there’s flooding or drought. This will reveal the considerations your designer needs to make for your dock regarding the local weather and demands of the waterway. Customers who experience any type of extreme weather, traffic, or tidal conditions, should ensure their designer prepares for it.
Project timeline for the floating dock
When it’s time to really get serious about your project, one of the critical questions you must ask is about your designer’s timeline. Try to zero in on a specific schedule and have some aspect of timeline expectations in your contract.
Site preparation prior to installation
Well before construction even begins, make sure your designer has the plan to protect and prepare your property for the dock’s installation. If trucks and other equipment must be driven through your yard, make sure you know how you want your dock builder to access your property from both land and water. Understand what site work may need to be completed prior to the installation of your floating dock system and who is responsible for that site work. Make sure it is completed prior to the arrival of your dock.
Permits for your water access project
Find out what regulations govern your property prior to starting any waterfront access project. Start with your town building code department and work your way up. Also check for the county, state, and federal regulations that might affect your property. Know who is responsible for obtaining your permits—your landscape architect, the engineer, the dock builder, or the property owner.
Unexpected change orders
There are always unintended changes that may arise during the construction of your project. Ask your designer what the process will be if changes to the design are necessary—especially if they will result in changes in cost. Make it clear that you want to know about changes and any additional costs in advance if necessary.
Consider the end goal early in your floating dock project.
It’s important to consider the entirety of your floating dock project at the start of your project. If you have questions, ask them. If you have your eye set on additional dock accessories, communicate that in advance. Customers who change their design ideas in the middle of the project need to expect additional costs and additional time for completion. These little steps can make a big impact on the timing of construction and your overall satisfaction with your completed boat dock.
Understand the warranty of your floating dock system.
Asking these questions will set you up for an extremely successful relationship with your dock designer. You’re much less likely to face setbacks and disappointments if you set up a good foundation of understanding from the beginning.
When you find a professional dock builder, ask if they provide annual maintenance packages for your floating dock system, especially if you live in an area where docks need to be removed for the winter months. If they do, it’s a good idea to establish a recurring maintenance schedule.
BoardSafe Docks understands the benefits and impact their floating dock systems offer to communities and park systems. Their inclusive launch is fitted for kayaks, canoes, and SUPS, and gets everyone in the water safely and easily. We know paddlers want close-to-home recreation; safe, easy, and inclusive access to the water; and the ability to connect their families to nature and their local community. BoardSafe’s fishing piers allow their users to enjoy the outdoors safely away from active boat launches and access points. Our floating dock systems for marinas enhance the ability to safely secure vessels in the water, allowing boaters to come onto land for dining and other recreational activities.
To discuss your project and create a water entry site that offers safe and easy access with inclusive and adaptive features, contact us at 610-899-0286 or through our website at BoardSafeDocks.com.