Richmond Kentucky Unveils Accessible Kayak Launch at Lake Reba
Nature lovers have a multitude of fun venues for various activities for all ages. The BoardSafe adaptive, accessible kayak launch opens up the joys of kayaking on Lake Reba to a new level of participation for the mobility-challenged population.
You can find more details about this project in this article in the Richmond Register:
Richmond unveils kayak launch at Lake Reba
U Penn Rowing Center Renovates, Reopens as Burk-Bergman Boathouse
The University of Pennsylvania's Rowing Center on the Schuylkill River recently completed a $13.5 million renovation to its historical boathouse, rowing docks, and gangway.
The original Maderia Shell House constructed in 1874 and located on Philadelphia’s prestigious Boathouse Row recently reopened as the Burk-Bergman Boathouse, honoring two former legendary Penn rowing coaches. The redesigned boathouse along the scenic stretch of boathouses along the Schuykill River is one of Philadelphia’s most historical and iconic landmarks. Penn’s boathouse is one of the oldest in the country and home to three of Penn’s varsity intercollegiate rowing programs; the men's heavyweight, men's lightweight, and women’s rowing teams.
The dated facility was in disrepair and unable to serve the anticipated growth and interest in Penn’s rowing programs. The boathouse required a complete renovation and its supporters envisioned the new facility as a top-notch training center that would help Penn recruit higher caliber student-athletes and allow for better use of the nearly 150-year-old building.
https://youtu.be/kz8zrpSVaCM
The improvements will move Penn to the top of Division I rowing programs in terms of facilities, boathouse amenities, rowing docks and gangways, indoor training equipment, boat storage, and equitable locker rooms for men and women. Coaches and teammates are hoping their upgrades will help them become nationally recognized and more competitive among the Division I rowing community.
Ewing Cole was the design firm that led the project for the renovation of the boathouse while BoardSafe Docks provided the design, engineering, manufacturing, and installation of the new rowing docks and gangway.
The project restored the original stone structure and maintained the original chttps://boardsafedocks.com/haracter of the historical venue along Boathouse Row. The design completely renovated and modernized its interior. The updates included improvements to their meeting and locker rooms and greatly improved its training facilities for their rowers. Aesthetically, it boasts a soaring main entrance, an open lobby to display trophies and memorabilia, a contemporary lounge and meeting area, and a balcony that overlooks the river. The iconic structure maintains the original historical elements of the 1874 boathouse while offering modern design and conveniences that will wow their rowers and guests. The improved training facilities and workout areas now provide equal space for men and women athletes and an elevator that provides adaptive rowers and guests access to the second floor. The renovation project supported Penn's mission, vision, and values for inclusive design and showcases the historical and grand structure.
Over 200 alumni and former rowers donated to the campaign demonstrating their support for the project and the sport of rowing, Penn’s teams, and the University. The Burk-Bergman facility and its amenities have become the envy of other rowing clubs and are expected to attract top-performing recruits.
BoardSafe’s solution for water access and updates to Penn’s rowing docks and gangway included disposal of the existing wooden gangway and aging floating dock system. A new aluminum gangway and aluminum-welded floating dock were designed to fit the previous layout and setbacks. The aluminum products now showcased at the facility offer increased structural integrity and durability for their location on the river.
The new gangway measures 20 feet by 84 feet and is attached to the concrete bulkhead using the proprietary BoardSafe Bulkhead Mounting System. Because the concrete varied in elevation, a rubber transition strip was installed to provide a smooth transition from the concrete walkways leading onto the aluminum welded gangway.
The rowing docks are approximately 2000 sq feet with a freeboard of 6 inches. They are constructed using aluminum-welded frames with composite decking featuring the TimberStrong Fastening System. The fasteners are attached between boards, rather than on top, negating the possibility of screws popping out of the decking. Philadelphia winters and the current on the Schuylkill can be harsh, and the construction of their new docks will offer greater longevity and lower maintenance from the freezing and thawing that occurs along the river. Supporting the floating docks are non-polluting flotation made with plastic encapsulated foam.
The iconic "split P" logo the University of Pennsylvania is known for was added to the center of their gangway. Their new quality rowing docks system and gangway will add to the legacy Penn is creating.
For history buffs, you may learn more about the University of Pennsylvania’s history of rowing in this link, which is among one of the oldest collegiate boathouses in the country.
archives.upenn.edu/exhibits/penn-history/crew/boat-club/
BoardSafe Docks specializes in design consultation, engineering, and manufacturing of rowing centers, marinas, adaptive kayak launches, fishing piers, gangways, and pedestrian bridges. They will work with you to ensure your project is accessible to the widest range of users ensuring that the necessary accessible and adaptive features are not overlooked. As the industry leader, BoardSafe was honored to design and manufacture the gangway and rowing docks for this historical locale that has become the envy of other collegiate rowing centers.
Below are video links to other successful rowing center projects that make BoardSafe Docks the most experienced and trusted expert for collegiate rowing centers looking for the highest-performing rowing docks. Their product designs will help attract the highest caliber rowers.
Texas Rowing Center - the World Class Rowing Center Built by BoardSafe Docks
Temple University's Rowing Center in Philadelphia
To learn more about BoardSafe Docks's additional projects and capabilities, you can view our "About Us" video here:
BoardSafe Docks: Manufacturer of Marinas, Rowing Centers, Adaptive Launches, Gangways & Bridges
For more information about this project and others, or for consultation, visit us at boardsafedocks.com or call 610-899-0286.
BoardSafe Manufactures Marinas, Rowing Centers, Adaptive Launches, Gangways and Bridges
Since 2009, BoardSafe Docks has designed, manufactured, and installed high-quality floating docks, aluminum gangways, pedestrian bridges, adaptive kayak launches, and other marine access products.
Their projects cover a variety of locations including urban projects found in Austin, Dallas, Houston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Jacksonville, Chicago, Manhattan, and Boston Harbor. They have also undertaken numerous rural projects on lakes, rivers, streams, and coastal environments. Regardless of the setting, BoardSafe’s innovative process to understand clients’ needs and configure their standardized products into a custom solution for each client is a winning formula.
Please watch the following video that highlights how BoardSafe Docks exceeds the expectations of its diverse clientele:
BoardSafe’s experience in construction and manufacturing gives them unparalleled expertise and innovative solutions to address the dynamic conditions of tides, currents, and other water fluctuations ranging from severe flooding to drought conditions. This has made BoardSafe the trusted expert for park directors, civil engineers, landscape architects, and other professionals who desire only the best-engineered and highest-quality aluminum floating docks and launch systems for their rowing centers, marinas, and water access points.
BoardSafe is the trusted expert for Division I rowing programs, regatta centers, and iconic clubs like those along Boathouse Row in Philadelphia.
In fact, BoardSafe’s desire to maximize each user’s ability led to the creation of their adaptive kayak launch products and accessories. They also work with state and local park systems, municipalities, and community groups interested in universal access to their waterfront. BoardSafe also works for numerous smaller venues and community groups.
In 2012, a group of adaptive paddlers partnered with BoardSafe to make a lake accessible for adaptive paddlers. From this collaboration, BoardSafe created numerous adaptive product innovations to empower paddlers to transition safely and easily in and out of their vessels.
Since then, BoardSafe continues to champion adaptive accessibility for waterfronts across the USA. This commitment to education and advocacy has made BoardSafe a leading voice in aquatic recreation accessibility, as well as the manufacturing source for the best-performing and highest-quality launch systems available. With BoardSafe’s expertise in engineering and manufacturing, they were able to expand into aluminum pedestrian bridges to meet growing customer demand.
BoardSafe’s recipe for success is simple—it is all about their process. First, they assess their clients’ individual objectives and evaluate the site conditions for the desired use. This is where BoardSafe Docks’ experience plays a vital role in evaluating the unique physical conditions located at each site. Second, BoardSafe proposes design and engineering solutions to address the requirements of each site and ultimately achieve each client’s project goals. And finally, systematic processes during product manufacturing ensure quality, long-term durability, and performance. BoardSafe’s standardized products are customized into unique configurations to meet and exceed performance expectations.
Simply put, BoardSafe products are designed to meet the requirements of civil engineers, structural engineers, architects, and landscape architects, as well as the wishes of competitive rowers and adaptive paddlers.
BSD understands what investing in this type of recreation means for communities and how they can empower individuals. If you share this vision, call us to discuss your project.
Accessible Launch with Adaptive Features Welcomed in Couderay, WI
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of Fisheries, recently installed two BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launches along the Couderay River in Couderay and Radisson, Wisconsin. The installation was part of the collaboration between Wisconsin DNR and BoardSafe Docks. Their goal was to provide inclusive access to the river for paddlers with disabilities, fishermen, residents, and visitors, who enjoy the prolific fishing and paddling in their clean and nature-filled waters.
Wisconsin DNR developed a plan to provide paddle craft access to the Couderay River where it did not previously exist. They had two sites in mind for a put-in and take-out, but each location had design challenges that needed to be overcome. “Working with BoardSafe allowed us to identify creative designs and solutions for each site that made this project possible,” said Max Wolter, project coordinator for the adaptive launches.
Below is BoardSafe’s drawing of Couderay’s project:
The Couderay project included:
- customer-installed bulkhead
- 5-foot by 20-foot aluminum gangway
- one (1) 8 x 16 aluminum floating dock, composite decking, plastic encapsulated flotation, and BoardSafe proprietary extrusions
- BoardSafe’s Adaptive Kayak Launch with Boarding Kit
[smartslider3 slider="9"]
Videos of the Couderay and Radisson project can be viewed here:
- Couderay River Accessible and Adaptive Kayak Launch in Couderay Wisconsin
- Adaptive and Accessible Kayak Launches Installed for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
[smartslider3 slider="10"]
The uniqueness of this accessible project
The Couderay River never had formal access points for paddle craft. BoardSafe Docks, a leader in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of accessible floating docks, came up with a design solution that would allow the Wisconsin DNR to offer its communities and tourists accessible locations to fish and kayak and enjoy the beauty of the river. BoardSafe’s solution allows people of all abilities to confidently plan a day trip down the river knowing they will have quality infrastructure for launching and taking out their vessels.
Couderay serves as headquarters for an organization called "Fishing Has No Boundaries," which hosts fishing events for people living with disabilities. Fishing Has No Boundaries was an appreciated contributing partner to the project and a stakeholder in wanting to provide inclusive launches for the disabled angling community. The adaptive launches installed in Couderay and Radisson will help them better serve their mission.
What adaptive features make the launches accessible to all?
The adaptive features found in the BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch make it accessible to a broader range of users. The launch was designed for adaptive paddlers with input from paddlers in wheelchairs who were looking for an easier way to access the water. The empowering features include an ADA-compliant gangway (less than a 1/12 pitch), a protective toe-kick around the perimeter of the floating dock, an adaptive roll cage that starts with a seat equal to the height of a wheelchair and includes a 3.5-inch step-down bench, a pullout, bleacher-style seat, an overhead grab bar that allows the user to slide down either side of the bench of their preference, overhead grab straps to lower oneself into the vessel, a cradle that keeps the kayak level and stable upon entry, and pull-bars to enter into the water with a controlled entry.
What makes Couderay worth a visit?
Couderay is a small, sleepy town with less than 100 permanent, year-round residents as noted in the latest U.S. Census. The name "Couderay" was derived from the name given to the area by French explorers: Lac Courte Oreilles.
Kayaking isn’t the only attraction along the Couderay River; kayak fishing is another very popular attraction in the area. Their new inclusive launches will offer access to outdoor enthusiasts, residents, and visitors, who enjoy the prolific fishing and paddling along their beautiful waterway.
Nature abounds in Couderay, where they keep their waters clean for nature lovers and work hard to protect their fish and wildlife. The following videos capture the beauty offered to its visitors:
- Mama Bear and 3 Cubs - Chippewa Flowage, Couderay Wi.
- Couderay Waters Watershed Paddle Tour Couderay Waters Watershed Paddle Tour protects, preserves, and promotes the natural history and beauty of the water.
Visitors to the area may also wish to visit the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame, the LumberJack World Championships, and Al Capone’s Hideout, all close by.
BoardSafe Docks understands the benefits and impact their adaptive launch system offers to communities and park systems. The feature-rich launch offers safe, easy, and inclusive access to the water. It is fitted for both kayaks and canoes and has an available option designed to work for SUPS.
BoardSafe Docks is the trusted expert for those who desire only the best-engineered and highest-quality aluminum floating docks, gangways, and launch systems. BoardSafe’s design, engineering, and quality manufacturing make them an industry leader for commercial aluminum floating docks, adaptive kayak launches, gangways, and pedestrian bridges. Their product line is recognized by customers seeking long-term value, reliability, and durability in order to access the great outdoors.
For more information about this project and others, visit us at boardsafedocks.com or call us at 610-899-0286.
BoardSafe Celebrates Cape Coral's Voice of the People Awards
November 8, 2022—The City of Cape Coral, Florida, was recognized with two Voice of the People Awards for "Transformation in Economy" and "Transformation in Mobility."
The Voice of the People Awards (VOP) are the only local government awards based on residents' opinions. They are presented jointly by the National Research Center (NRC) at Polco and the International City-County Management Association (ICMA).
Based on results from the National Community Survey, Cape Coral's residents agree that the city has significantly improved its mobility and economy. The survey measured resident opinions about the quality of life in their community.
Factors that led to winning the "Transformation in Mobility" award include a citywide effort to provide overall ease of travel, and to include additional, interconnecting paths, walking trails, and bicycle paths. Cape Coral is the only City in Southwest Florida with ADA-accessible kayak launches.
The City has two ADA-compatible kayak launches: One is at Sirenia Vista Park and the other is at Saratoga Lake Park. BoardSafe manufactured the two ADA-compliant kayak launches at the above-mentioned parks, and contracted with the city for their fabrication and installation.
Radisson, WI, Residents Gain ADA Access with BoardSafe Docks
Along the Couderay River in Radisson, Wisconsin, an adaptive and accessible kayak launch was installed in October 2022. It provides universal access to the river regardless of ability or disability and has numerous ADA-inspired features.
The installation was the culmination of a 2-year collaboration between BoardSafe Docks and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of Fisheries.
Wisconsin DNR has been committed to improving outdoor recreation opportunities for people of all abilities. Whether on land or on the water, the DNR is hopeful that everyone will find their niche and enjoy new recreational opportunities. The DNR has been promoting access, inclusion, equity, and healthy living, and encouraging residents and visitors to explore the great outdoors. The BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch will help increase dignity and freedom for individuals with mobility issues and build closer connections among friends and family while increasing accessibility and participation for adaptive paddlers at their parks. See photos below.
Not only does the kayak launch help paddlers into the water; there is also a 120-foot-long accessible composite boardwalk that is leading from a trailhead access area. The boardwalk is supported by fiberglass pilings and consists of prefabricated aluminum deck sections. The frame of the boardwalk is an aluminum tube frame with composite decking featuring the TimberStrong fastening system.
There is an aluminum toe kick along the boardwalk as well as an integrated hinge for attachment to the gangway. The boardwalk leads to a BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch on the Couderay River.
The aluminum gangway measures 5’ wide x 8’ long and is attached to an aluminum floating dock that is 8’ x 16’. The kayak launch has BoardSafe’s adaptive boarding kit for an easy transition in and out of vessels.
- Installed October 2022
- 120-foot-long composite boardwalk
- Fiberglass pilings
- Prefabricated aluminum deck sections
- Aluminum tube frame
- Composite decking featuring the TimberStrong fastening system
- Aluminum toe kick
- Integrated hinge for attachment of gangway
- BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch
- 5’ x 8’ gangway
- 8’ x 16’ floating dock
- BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch
- Adaptive boarding kit
The uniqueness of this accessible project
The accessibility of this project not only assists adaptive paddlers getting to the kayak launch, into their vessel, and out onto the water by utilizing the adaptive features designed to accommodate paddlers in wheelchairs, but boasts a 120-foot long accessible, composite boardwalk leading from the trailhead access area to the river. The 120-ft. boardwalk is supported by fiberglass pilings with prefabricated aluminum deck sections. The frame of the boardwalk is an aluminum tube frame using composite decking connected with the hidden, TimberStrong fastening system. An aluminum, protective toe kick is found along the boardwalk’s edge and an integrated hinge attaches the gangway to its concrete foundation. This custom walkway offers accessibility to the adaptive launch inviting those with physical limitations a safer and easier way to access and paddler on the river. This project models inclusivity and accessibility for all.
Radisson’s hope
Radisson is a small town with less than 300 permanent, year-round residents noted by the latest US Census. Why would a small town invest in a BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch? BoardSafe Docks understands the benefits and impact their adaptive launch system offers to communities and park systems. It offers the safe, easy, and inclusive access to the water. The inclusive launch is fitted for kayaks, canoes, and can also work for SUPS. Kayaking isn’t the only attraction along Radisson’s waterway; kayak fishing is another very popular attraction to the park. Radisson may now offer their inclusive access to various outdoor enthusiasts and become a local treasure for residents and visitors to enjoy for generations to come.
Benefits of River Access
River access points are known to be gateways of opportunities for paddlers to enjoy the experience of being on the water. Accessible river access offers socialization; it brings people together and affords the ability to connect families and friends to nature and to their community.
River access points also offer economic benefit to local communties. Investments in river access can increase visitor spending, create jobs, and support local businesses and government. Diverse partnerships have the potential to develop along river communities and there is demonstrated success for communities who’ve made the investment.
A second Adaptive Kayak Launch was also installed in Couderay, WI, and can be viewed here.
The adaptive features found in BoardSafe’s kayak launch offer safer and easier access to the water and work for a wider range of users. Features typically include a paved pathway from the parking lot to the launch, an ADA-compliant gangway (less than a 1/12 pitch), a protective toe-kick around the perimeter of the floating dock, an adaptive roll cage that includes a 3.5-inch step-down bench, a pullout seat, an overhead grab bar that allows the user to slide down either side of the bench of their preference, optional overhead grab straps to lower oneself into the vessel, a cradle the keeps the kayak level and stable upon entry, and pull bars to enter into the water through a controlled entry.
"The aluminum floating kayak launch system has unique adaptive features that offer paddlers with disabilities or mobility limitations the opportunity to get safely from their wheelchair and into a kayak and back out again," says Scott Tihansky, of BoardSafe Docks.
BoardSafe Docks works regularly with adaptive paddling groups, veteran groups, park and recreation departments, governmental leaders, landscape architects, and design engineers looking to make their waterfront accessible to all.
BoardSafe Docks is the trusted expert for those who desire only the best-engineered and highest-quality aluminum floating docks, gangways, and launch systems.
If you’re looking to make your community's parks, rivers, lakes, and other natural areas more accessible for people of all abilities, contact BoardSafe Docks at 610-899-0286. You may also visit the BoardSafeDocks.com website to see other project profiles to learn how BoardSafe Docks has the capability to design, engineer, and manufacture accessible and adaptive products for those who appreciate the outdoors and want to ensure all will be able to access the great outdoors.
Testimonial
Just made it down to see the fully completed project at Radisson. WOW! Both look fantastic. I’m going to be showing these off to lots of folks around the state and telling the tale of how nice it was working with your outfit. I have a feeling you’ll be back in Wisconsin for many more jobs!
Please let me know if there is any other follow-up needed from us or if there are any snafus with getting payments. I’m with you all the way to the finish line on this one! Very relieved and happy to have the big install step done though!
P Max H. Wolter, Fisheries Biologist
Hayward Service Center
To make your community's parks, rivers, lakes, and other natural areas more accessible for all abilities, visit BoardSafeDocks.com.
Couderay, WI, Installs Safe, Accessible BoardSafe Kayak Launch
In October 2022, BoardSafe Docks installed a new adaptive kayak launch providing all abilities universal access to enjoy the outdoors. The floating dock and adaptive launch system include a 5-foot by 20-foot gangway, an 8 x 16 aluminum floating dock, and a BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch with Boarding Kit (ADA-inspired features).
The adaptive kayak launch system is anchored into the bank with a concrete bulkhead that is 12 feet long. A bulkhead mounting kit and turnbuckle with cable system help secure the gangway floating dock and the 5‘ x 20‘ gangway leads to the floating dock and adaptive kit. The aluminum floating dock has an aluminum frame with composite lumber decking that measures 8 feet wide by 16 feet long. On the river side of the floating dock is a BoardSafe adaptive kayak launch that is 16 feet long and includes an accessible boarding kit, pull-out bench, overhead grab bars, and an instructional sign for a convenient transition on and off of the water.
Couderay, WI
- Installed October 2022
- Customer-installed bulkhead
- 5-foot by 20-foot gangway
- One (1) 8' x 16' floating dock
- BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch with Boarding Kit
Wisconsin Gains Two BoardSafe Aluminum Dock Systems
BoardSafe is the trusted expert for water access projects for federal, state, and county parks and recreation management.
In October 2022, BoardSafe concluded a 2-year collaboration with Wisconsin’s Bureau of Fisheries Management to design, manufacture, and install both the Couderay and Radisson projects.
The Radisson project was installed in October 2022 and includes a 120-foot-long composite boardwalk from a trailhead access area. The boardwalk is supported by fiberglass pilings and consists of prefabricated aluminum deck sections. The frame of the boardwalk is an aluminum tube frame with composite decking featuring the TimberStrong fastening system. There is an aluminum toe kick along the boardwalk as well as an integrated hinge for attachment to the gangway.
Click here for more information.
The boardwalk leads to a BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch on the Couderay River. The aluminum gangway measures 5’ wide x 8’ long and is attached to an aluminum floating dock that is 8’ x 16’.
The kayak launch has BoardSafe’s adaptive boarding kit for an easy transition in and out of vessels.
Located further upstream is Couderay, WI.
This adaptive kayak launch system is anchored into the bank with a concrete bulkhead that is 12 feet long. A bulkhead mounting kit and turnbuckle with cable system help secure the gangway floating dock, and the 5‘ x 20‘ gangway leads to the floating dock and adaptive kit.
Click here for more information.
The aluminum floating dock has an aluminum frame with composite lumber decking that measures 8 feet wide by 16 feet long. On the river side of the floating dock is a BoardSafe adaptive kayak launch that is 16 feet long and includes an accessible boarding kit, pull-out bench, overhead grab bars, and an instructional sign for a convenient transition on and off the water.
BoardSafe Docks and The Allentown Waterfront Project
In October 2022, BoardSafe Docks completed the installation of a custom floating dock and gangway on the Lehigh River in Allentown, PA. The Allentown Waterfront Project is a redevelopment effort to revitalize the area, and the space along the river is the key feature for the mix of retail, commercial, and residential development.
Here is an introductory video of the project:
The aluminum floating dock is 8’ x 80’, and it has a commercial-quality aluminum frame and composite decking. The 80-foot dock was manufactured in 4 sections.
A Custom landing and hub for the top of the gangway were built into the bank with two large arms securing the dock. Between the large floating dock and the gangway is a custom floating dock at the bottom of the gangway to allow for movement as the river changes elevations.
On the floating dock are a BoardSafe Kayak Launch, Kayak racks for storage of 3 kayaks per rack system, a dock bumper system, and adjustable cleats along the dock.
Watch this closeup tour of the exciting new aluminum floating dock and kayak launch:
D&L Pedestrian Bridge Completed in Catasauqua, PA
Following the historic transportation route of Anthracite coal from mine to market, the D&L Trail connects people to towns and cities across five counties from Wilkes-Barre to Bristol, Pennsylvania. With 144 miles open and available to trail users and plans for more than 165 miles, individuals across the Corridor can access the trail via 54 trailheads up and down eastern Pennsylvania and connect to 55 parks.
With funding from the PA Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, PA Department of Community & Economic Development, and Northampton County, 1.5 miles of trail were improved and opened in September 2022.
65-Foot Aluminum Pedestrian Bridge Installed
The newly-installed pedestrian bridge provides access for walkers, hikes, and bikers from the Deily Coal Yard Trailhead to the Delaware and Lehigh Rivers National Corridor in Catasauqua, PA.
- The aluminum bridge measures 6’9” wide x 65’ long. It spans a small creek. The frame of the bridge is aluminum and the decking is composite lumber.
- BoardSafe Docks was able to place the bridge on the previous bridge foundation to save time and money.
- The aluminum bridge has a custom epoxy paint as requested by the customer.