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Tennessee RiverLine 2025 Summit

BoardSafe Docks is pleased to partner with the Tennessee RiverLine for their 2025 Summit. The Summit in Knoxville, TN provides an opportunity to connect trail enthusiasts, community leaders, and visionaries who share a passion for promoting and creating recreational access to and around the Tennessee River.

Summit attendees can expect to participate in engaging discussions and informational presentations. They will network with experts like BoardSafe Docks who have created safe and easy access to waterfront communities with their adaptive kayak launch, accessible fishing piers, gangways, and pedestrian bridges.

BoardSafe is excited to help support The Tennessee Riverline in their mission to celebrate the beauty, diversity, and history of the Tennessee River Valley, while connecting communities, contributing to the economic growth, public health, and environmental stewardship that recreating on the river brings to local communities.

Join us in Knoxville, where the Tennessee RiverLine begins, and allow BoardSafe to help chart your course for an accessible future. BoardSafe Docks is a trusted leader in the commercial dock-building industry, known for their aluminum floating docks, piers, gangways, and launch systems that bring quality, accessibility, experience, and customization to communities looking to bring accessible recreational experiences to their communities.

Contact us at 610-899-0298 or at BoardSafeDocks.com and let us help you create your river adventure!

#AccessYourAdventure #BoardSafeFloatingDocks #AccessibleWatertrails


BoardSafe Docks Cruze River Adaptive Kayak Launch-2

Accessible Adventure Awaits At Cruze Landing, Tennessee

Does the cold weather have you thinking about spring and looking forward to paddling down the French Broad River? If so, adventure awaits you on the river’s newest accessible kayak launch and courtesy docks recently installed at Cruze Landing, 7713 Kodak Road, Knoxville, Tennessee.

Several weeks ago, a BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch and Courtesy Dock was installed at Seven Islands State Birding Park in Kodak, TN. Now, a second system has been completed less than 5 miles downriver toward Knoxville at Cruze Landing. This is all part of a 20-mile paddle trail that’s in the works and will take paddlers to Downtown Knoxville. BoardSafe’s kayak launch and fishing pier offer universal access to all visitors and provide safe and easy access to recreation on the French Broad River.

The East Tennessee project was announced in 2023 at the Legacy Parks Luncheon when the vision for the 20-mile river trail was shared with guests. To date, the launch sites at Seven Islands and Cruze Landing have been installed, and a third launch system for Volunteer Landing in Downtown Knoxville is in the design phase. Fundraising efforts and discussion are in place to create access and exit points within 5- to 7-mile intervals until the 20-mile stretch is fully accessible and reaches downtown Knoxville. These access points will provide a universally-designed paddle trail that offers inclusive paddling and fishing experiences for all looking to access the French Broad River. The accessible water trail will be the first of its kind in Tennessee, and stakeholders hope it will lead the way for many others.

BoardSafe Docks Cruze River Adaptive Kayak Launch-1

Cruze Landing is an integral public access point to the French Broad River. In 2020, Legacy Parks Foundation acquired the property to stabilize the deteriorating boat ramp and use the opportunity to improve access for paddlers and boating enthusiasts while preserving and combining the location with the adjacent county park.

Site Preparation completed by TWRA
Site Preparation completed by TWRA

The partnership between Legacy Parks, Knox County, TWRA, and TVA helps to increase and improve access to rivers, trails, and parks, and maintain the health of waterways by preserving green space and shorelines throughout East Tennessee. BoardSafe Docks is honored to consult, design, manufacture, and guide the projects through their installation. BoardSafe creates aluminum floating dock systems for kayaking, fishing, and boating that will provide lasting access to the water for everyone to enjoy. BoardSafe has developed a reputation as the premier and trusted aluminum dock designer and manufacturer of high-quality, safe marine access products. Our inclusive designs provide solutions that are safe and functional with low impact on natural habitats.

Cruse Landing Drawing Property of BoardSafeDocks
Cruze Landing Drawing Property of BoardSafeDocks

The Cruze Landing system provides universal access to paddlers and fishermen in wheelchairs looking for a safer and easier manner to launch their vessels into the water. In addition to non-motorized access, the Cruze Landing location provides recent improvements to the deteriorating boat ramp, so boaters can once again access the river. The BoardSafe system also provides courtesy docks for temporary tie-ups for boaters as they take their boats in and out of the water. These improvements are part of Legacy Parks’ Head of the Tennessee Initiative—an effort to improve and increase public access to the waterways.

Tennessee River Initiative Map
Tennessee River Initiative Map

By creating inclusive access and accessible launch points, BoardSafe Docks opens up recreational opportunities to a wider demographic, generating more economic activity. The economic benefits of installing a BoardSafe Dock System include:

Increased tourism
By providing accessible access to waterways, BoardSafe Docks attract more visitors of all abilities, boosting tourism revenue from hotels, restaurants, and local businesses in the area.

Wider recreational participation
With accessible launch systems, more people can enjoy water activities like kayaking and fishing, generating further economic activity related to equipment rentals, guided tours, and related retail sales. 

Community development
Installing BoardSafe Docks can be seen as a positive community development initiative, improving quality of life and attracting new residents.

Increase in property values
Accessible waterfront access can increase the value of nearby properties, benefiting local property owners.

Grants and funding opportunities
Many government agencies and organizations offer grants to support projects that improve accessibility, making it easier to fund BoardSafe Docks products and projects.

How Universal Access Designs work
BoardSafe Docks are specifically designed with features like ADA gangways and ramps, wide platforms, and adaptive board kits that allow people with mobility limitations to easily access kayaks, canoes, and other watercraft.

Our customers recognize the value our accessible products bring to communities and the economic contribution our products add to communities. For more information about this project or other unique projects that BoardSafe designs, engineers, and manufactures, call us at 610-899-0286 or visit BoardSafeDocks.com and allow us to help you design and create your paddle trail adventure! #AccessYourAdventure

Cruze Landing Installation Completed by Blue Water Docks of Chattanooga
Cruze Landing Installation Completed by Blue Water Docks of Chattanooga

Seven Islands BoardSafe Launch in use

New Paddle Opportunities at Seven Islands State Birding Park

The January sun glistened over the calm waters of Seven Islands State Birding Park in Kodak, Tennessee. The new year brings accessible paddle opportunities to the park with its newly installed BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch.

David Scott, enjoying the pristine beauty of the Tennessee River, was making a first attempt to launch and paddle independently using the universally-designed launch system.

Seven Islands BoardSafe dock at dusk

David, an avid nature enthusiast who uses a wheelchair, received a new kayak for Christmas. This fueled his desire to get out on the river. When he heard about the new BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak and Canoe Launch at Seven Islands State Birding Park, he knew it was the perfect opportunity to get out there with his family and friends to celebrate the beauty of a new year. “I’ve always loved the water, but accessibility has been challenging,” he shared. “This launch makes all the difference.”

The launch is part of Tennessee State Parks' commitment to inclusivity. With the help of BoardSafe Docks, the park now offers a launch designed to meet the needs of individuals with physical disabilities, and is usable by everyone looking for safer and easier access to the water. The system includes an ADA-sloped gangway, adaptive boarding features and equipment, and floating docks with room for wheelchairs and those who like to paddle and fish. The safety features are crafted to ensure that everyone has a safe and seamless transition from land to water.

Seven Islands BoardSafe Gangway

David arrived early that morning and parked in the designated wheelchair-friendly spot near the Blue Barn. With accessible restrooms nearby and clear signage pointing the way to the kayak launch, David found the setup welcoming and easy to navigate. He was eager to try the adaptive features on his own.

The BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch includes a transfer bench and an overhead grab bar to guide him to his kayak. “The design is genius,” David noted as he moved from his wheelchair onto the boarding bench. As he slid himself into the kayak using the overhead grab straps, he was able to grab his paddles and use the pull bars to pull himself into the river. Moments later, he was gliding across the river, waving his paddles in the air with joy.

Seven Islands BoardSafe Launch in use

The Design Scope of BoardSafe’s Adaptive Kayak Launch at Seven Islands Park

Seven Islands BoardSafe Launch drawing

  • gangway, 8x60’, dual rail
  • combo gangway/chute, 60'
  • bulkhead mounting angle kit 
  • (1) floating dock, 8'2"x20', 16" freeboard
  • (1) floating dock, 8'2"x16'4", 16" freeboard
  • (1) floating dock, 8'2"x25', 16" freeboard
  • (1) diverter dock, 8'2"x16'4", 16" freeboard
  • rub rail
  • corner guards
  • dock-to-dock hinge attachment 
  • dock-to-dock threshold strips (4)
  • dock-to-dock mending plate
  • toe kick
  • fishing pier rail (with mesh panels) 
  • cleats, 10"
  • kayak launch, 16'4" single entry
  • adaptive boarding kit

Seven Islands BoardSafe launch side view

As David paddled, he took in the breathtaking scenery. The park’s 416 acres are a haven for wildlife, including more than 190 species of birds. Great blue herons waded in the shallows, while a bald eagle soared overhead. “It’s like stepping into another world,” he said. “The water brings you closer to nature in a way that’s impossible to describe.”

The experience wasn’t just about the adventure. For David, it was a moment of healing and empowerment. “Being out here reminds me of everything I’m capable of,” he said. “The water has this incredible ability to renew your spirit.”

The Head of the Tennessee Initiative

Head of Tennessee Initiative map

Seven Islands State Birding Park’s accessible kayak launch is part of a broader effort to make outdoor recreation available to everyone. The Head of the Tennessee River Initiative promotes the health of the French Broad and Holston Rivers by creating greater public access to the river, and shoreline protection from Douglas and Cherokee Dams to the Head of the Tennessee River. The park’s trails, water access points, and educational programs reflect a commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that visitors of all abilities can connect with nature. Enjoyment and protection of Tennessee’s waterways are valuable investments for local communities and their future, making East Tennessee a great place to live, work, and visit.

Seven Islands river paddlers

For paddlers like David, the adaptive kayak launch is more than a piece of equipment—it’s a gateway to freedom. As he pulled his kayak back to the dock later that morning, his smile was brighter than the sunlit water around him. “I’ll be back for some fishing, too,” he promised. “This is just the beginning.”

“This project is a joint partnership of TVA, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Legacy Parks Foundation, Tennessee State Parks, City of Knoxville, Knox County, and BoardSafe Docks. There are a lot of stakeholders involved and the planning takes a little bit of time. Everybody shares the value of getting people on the river, so it’s a great project,” said Carol Evans, Executive Director of the Legacy Parks Foundation.

The Tennessee River project was announced in 2023 at the annual Legacy Parks Luncheon. The 20-mile river trail will start at Seven Islands State Birding Park on the French Broad River and end in Downtown Knoxville. Several accessible BoardSafe Kayak Launches are already designed and approved and will be installed along the water trail beginning at Seven Islands, heading downriver to Cruze Landing and Asbury Landing, creating access and exit points with 5- to 7-mile intervals. Future launches will be designed and developed until the 20-mile stretch is fully accessible and reaches downtown Knoxville.

To learn more about Seven Islands State Birding Park or to plan your visit, explore Tennessee State Parks’ website.

For more details about BoardSafe’s adaptive docks, accessible fishing piers, ADA gangways, and pedestrian bridges that connect people to nature and open doors to accessible recreation, visit BoardSafeDocks.com or call 610-899-0286. BoardSafe Docks can help you improve your waterfront and your community. Accessible adventures await!


Julie Cataldo uses BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch

New Year = New Adventures from BoardSafe Docks

The start of a new year often heralds the start of a new life, at least in part. The excitement of the celebration usually wells up into resolutions to take action to make one a better person. It's also an opportunity to drop a few more items into the bucket list of things we want to see, places we want to visit, and adventures we want to experience.

For the differently-abled person, that bucket may appear shallow or completely empty. The results of an accident or serious health issue can leave us believing life has passed us by or our world has shrunk to a boring cinder. BoardSafe Docks takes pride in helping people—especially mobility-challenged individuals—discover or rediscover outdoor adventures that can enrich their lives.

BoardSafe Docks' innovative products provide safe, adaptive access to waterways of various types in exciting locations, opening up the great outdoors to everyone. An individual who thought they couldn't get out on the water due to mobility limitations can now join family and friends in fishing, paddling, birding, and just leisurely floating along, taking in the sights and sounds of local waterways. Family activities can again become a reality in the great outdoors!

A differently-abled person is still a full person deserving of the pleasures of life. Thanks to groups like Team River Runner and other adaptive sports groups, paddlers can join like-minded adventurers and meet new friends.

Here are some articles about how BoardSafe Docks' products and projects have reached into the bucket and crossed off an adaptive list item.

Adaptive Kayak Launch Brings Joy to Team River Runner

The Evolution of Kayaking and Access for All

BoardSafe Spokesman and Accessible Sports Advocate Ken Ryno Keeps Chugging Along

Minsi Lake’s Adaptive Kayak Launch and Fishing Piers 1 Year Later

Including More Paddlers With an Accessible Kayak Launch

Beaver Creek Flotilla: Building Community and So Much More

Chester Frost Park’s New 80-ft. Gangway, Accessible Fishing Pier, Courtesy Docks

BoardSafe’s Accessible and Adaptive Kayak Launch, designed for universal access, improves the paddling experience for paddlers of all abilities looking for a safer and easier entrance into the water.

To discuss your project and learn more about BoardSafe Docks and our specific adaptive features that work for the widest range of users, please call us at 610-899-0286 or contact us through our website at BoardSafeDocks.com.


Boardsafe Tulsa OK adaptive launch in sunset

Tulsa’s Adaptive Kayak Launch: A Model of Accessibility & Innovation

Boardsafe Tulsa OK open gangway gates

The City of Tulsa, Oklahoma, has recently unveiled an exciting new way for residents and visitors to experience the scenic waters on Zink Lake. Thanks to a collaboration between the City of Tulsa and the River Parks Authority, and funding from the Improve Our Tulsa initiative, the newly-installed BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch ensures everyone can enjoy Tulsa’s natural beauty—regardless of mobility challenges. Guests can bring their kayak or paddleboard, or rent one nearby to access their outdoor adventure.

Boardsafe Tulsa OK adaptive paddler entering launch

This state-of-the-art launch, created by BoardSafe Docks, is designed to set new standards for accessibility and inclusion. Located on the east bank of Zink Lake near 19th and Riverside Drive, the launch combines advanced engineering with thoughtful design to create a safe and welcoming space for all paddlers.

Innovative Engineering Meets Unique Challenges 

Constructing a kayak launch on the Arkansas River presented specific challenges due to floodplain restrictions. The design required a robust, elevated structure that could withstand environmental demands while remaining fully accessible.

BoardSafe Tulsa OK adaptive launch drawing
 * Drawing Property of BoardSafe Docks

BoardSafe Docks tackled this challenge by designing a 100-foot gangway and chute supported by a steel cantilevered deck system outside the 100-year floodplain. This durable, ADA-compliant floating dock system ensures safety, stability, and seamless water access for users of all abilities.

Designed for Inclusion and Accessibility

The adaptive kayak launch reflects BoardSafe’s mission to enhance freedom, dignity, and participation in water sports for individuals with mobility challenges. Key features include:

  • ADA-Compliant Gangway A gently-sloped pathway provides easy wheelchair access from land to water.
  • Spacious Kayak Chute A secure cradle stabilizes kayaks, including those with outriggers, ensuring safe entry and exit.
  • Floating Dock Made of durable aluminum, the dock features ample wheelchair maneuverability space, complete with a safety-enhancing toe kick.
  • Tiered Boarding Bench with Roll Cage A supportive design aids users in transitioning from wheelchairs to kayaks with confidence and ease.

Click this link for a video review of Tulsa’s kayak launch: facebook.com/share/v/uSK5bSUJESYxaNKD/

Boardsafe Tulsa OK gangway construction

A Commitment to Community and Recreation

This adaptive launch is more than just infrastructure—it’s a commitment to inclusivity. By enabling safe, accessible water recreation, Tulsa’s new kayak launch fosters community connections and encourages outdoor activity for everyone, including adaptive paddlers.

To celebrate the launch, Tulsa hosted a community event in collaboration with the Pott County Kayak Club. This event showcased the facility’s accessibility while promoting awareness and support for individuals with mobility impairments, inspiring participants to embrace the joy of kayaking. View video highlights from the event here: Tulsa Kayak Launch Video.

BoardSafe Tulsa OK adaptive paddlers on gangway

BoardSafe Docks: A Trusted Leader in Accessibility Solutions

With over 20 years of experience, BoardSafe Docks specializes in aluminum-welded floating dock systems tailored to meet diverse needs. Their expertise in adaptive features has made them a leader in enhancing accessibility and outdoor recreation across the U.S.

BoardSafe’s key contributions to Tulsa’s launch included:

  • foundation and structural engineering.
  • a 10’ x 30’ cantilevered deck.
  • a 100-foot ADA-compliant gangway/kayak chute.
  • adaptive features that included two Clip-A-Launch systems, an adaptive boarding kit, and three floating dock segments.

BoardSafe Tulsa OK workers

Why Choose BoardSafe Docks?

BoardSafe Docks stands out for its commitment to quality, innovation, and inclusion. When working with BoardSafe, you receive:

  • Expertise Decades of experience in custom dock design for unique conditions.
  • Customization Tailored solutions for fluctuating tides, currents, and water levels.
  • Innovation High-quality materials and cutting-edge designs that ensure durability and functionality.
  • Strong Partnerships Collaborative approaches with clients, engineers, and architects to achieve project goals.
  • BoadSafe’s Customer Service unmatched in the dock manufacturing industry.

Boardsafe Tulsa OK gangway gates

If your community is seeking to improve accessibility with a custom floating dock system, BoardSafe Docks can deliver proven solutions that enhance freedom and dignity for all users. Contact us today at BoardSafeDocks.com or give us a call at 610-899-0286 to explore how we can bring inclusive water access to your waterfront project.

BoardSafe Tulsa OK adaptive gangway entry

#AccessibleRecreation #AdaptiveKayakLaunch #CityofTulsa #RiverParksAuthority #UniversalAccess #AccessYourAdventure @BoardSafeDocks


BoardSafe’s Universal Access Kayak Launch for All Abilities

BoardSafe Universal Access Kayak Launch, Great Sacandaga Lake, Northville NY

BoardSafe Universal Access Kayak Launch Great Sacandaga Lake NY

BoardSafe Docks is proud to announce a recent installation on the Great Sacandaga Lake in Northville, NY. The lake and launch are located in the southern region of the Adirondack Mountains. The Great Sacandaga Lake is one of the area’s best-kept secrets, an undiscovered mecca for boating, water sports, snowmobiling, skiing, fishing, and outdoor recreation.

BoardSafe’s customer, the Northville Rotary Foundation, was looking to improve the paddle accessibility of its lake and offer universal access to all looking to get out on the lake and paddle. The Northville Rotary Foundation selected BoardSafe’s Universal Access Kayak Launch as their accessible and adaptive solution for paddlers looking to get out and enjoy the beauty of the water. Here’s a video of its new launch:

Northville, NY Adaptive Kayak Launch Installed on Great Sacandaga Lake

The Village of Northville, Fulton County, is a well-kept secret strategically situated on the upper portion of the Great Sacandaga Lake, where the Sacandaga River flows from the north. Residents and visitors recognize the village as one of the most unique small towns in the Adirondacks. Great Sacandaga Lake is a wonderful getaway destination, surrounded by great restaurants, quaint shops, and bounds of history. Those looking for the kayak launch on the lake can find the launch at coordinates 43.21720734104117 - 74.1673455390182.

The universal access launch is the first of its kind in the Adirondacks. The launch project, spearheaded and funded by the Northville Rotary Foundation, prides itself on investing in the local communities and improving the quality of life for its residents. It’s common for BoardSafe to work with community groups like Rotary Clubs and paddling groups, nonprofits, and friends of parks, who are looking to provide additional recreational opportunities for paddlers of all abilities.

 Village Highway Department Completing Installation
Village Highway Department Completing Installation

The scope of the Northville Kayak Launch Project included one universal access kayak launch and one 20-ft. gangway/chute consisting of

  • (1) 8’2” x 16’4” floating dock.
  • (1) 4’2” x 16’4” floating dock.
  • (1) 16’4” kayak launch.
  • (1) adaptive kit.
  • (1) 20-ft. x 4ft single rail gangway.
  • (1) 20-ft. kayak chute.
  • Bulkhead mounting angle to attach to the concrete foundation.
  • (2) precast concrete blocks.
BoardSafe’s Universal Access Kayak Launch for All Abilities
BoardSafe’s Universal Access Kayak Launch for All Abilities

Since 2009, BoardSafe Docks has designed, manufactured, and installed high-quality universal access kayak launches, floating docks, pedestrian bridges, and other marine access products. 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 marine access systems.

Ribbon cutting with the Ladies on the Lake
Ribbon cutting with the Ladies on the Lake

Contact us today to help you configure your universal access launch system at BoardSafeDocks.com or by calling 610-899-0286.


Bill Bogdan entering kayak

Including More Paddlers With an Accessible Kayak Launch

Bill Bogdan is a man who loves the great outdoors. His favorite activities include kayaking, fishing, camping, mountain biking, and scuba diving. What makes this 54-year-old outdoorsman so unique is that at eight months old, he was diagnosed with neuroblastoma. He doesn’t remember much about his surgery or cancer treatments that left him with incomplete paraplegia. Still, he lives his life with strong resiliency and acts as an advocate for equitable and inclusive recreational opportunities for people with disabilities.

Bill recently joined the New Business Development team at BoardSafe Docks after using BoardSafe’s Adaptive Kayak Launch. Bogdan was so excited about its ease of use that he immediately contacted one of the company’s owners, Scott Tihansky, explaining how liberating it was to launch independently on his first attempt using the launch. What makes BoardSafe’s Accessible and Adaptive Kayak Launch unique is that it was designed with input from paddlers in wheelchairs. They provided feedback on adaptations that worked, those that didn’t, and features that needed further development and consideration.

Read more about Bogdan’s positive experience using the universal access launch system in Including More Paddlers With an Accessible Kayak Launch.

Bill Bogdan in wheelchair

BoardSafe’s Accessible and Adaptive Kayak Launch, designed for universal access, improves the paddling experience for paddlers of all abilities looking for a safer and easier entrance into the water.

To discuss your project and learn more about BoardSafe Docks and our specific adaptive features that work for the widest range of users, please call us at 610-899-0286 or contact us through our website at BoardSafeDocks.com.

#AdaptivePaddling #Kayaking #UniversalAccess #Inclusion #AccessibleSolutions


BoardSafe logo with motto Access Your Adventure

BoardSafe Docks Welcomes New Team Members

As BoardSafe Docks continues to create and improve recreational access points throughout the USA, we would like to welcome the following team members!

Welcome David Tihansky!

David Tihansky

As Project Manager, Dave works closely with our manufacturing team to expedite project deadlines. He coordinates the shipping and delivery of our products with customers and the installation team, ensuring smooth installations. 

Welcome Madeleine Rice!

Madeleine Rice

Madeleine enhances our Business Development team by producing architectural drawings and photo-realistic renderings. These visuals help our customers envision how their products will look in their specific environments.


Chattahoochee River GA BoardSafe floating dock installed

BoardSafe Creates Paddle Access to Chattahoochee River, GA

BoardSafe Docks stands out as the premier designer and manufacturer of the most structural and durable waterfront systems. Known for our expertise and innovative problem-solving, BoardSafe collaborates closely with clients to create customized solutions that meet site-specific needs. Rivers, lakes, and coastal environments can present unique accessibility needs, and BoardSafe Docks consistently delivers one-of-a-kind, long-lasting solutions to our customers.

Chattahoochee River GA BoardSafe floating dock installed

When the Trust for Public Land (TPL), a national nonprofit dedicated to protecting public lands and enhancing outdoor access, launched the Chattahoochee RiverLands project in Georgia, they knew they needed a partner with specialized design capabilities. TPL approached BoardSafe Docks and brought them into two projects that required specialized design, engineering, manufacturing, and installation expertise. Their initiative, which aims at creating 100 miles of trails and parks along the Chattahoochee River, called for a robust, reliable solution to provide safe, accessible river access points across unique terrain.

Chattahoochee River BoardSafe floating dock anchor

Chattahoochee Hills Camp

BoardSafe was the perfect fit for this challenge. For the first installation at Chattahoochee Hills Camp, BoardSafe designed, engineered, manufactured, and delivered an 80-foot gangway, a floating dock, and an accessible kayak launch equipped with an adaptive kit. What set this project apart was the complex slope of the riverbank and the potential for flooding and strong currents. BoardSafe responded by designing a unique foundation system with a 28-foot support arm that connects to the floating dock, enabling the entire structure to rise and fall with the water level. They also reinforced the system with a piling mechanism at the top of the gangway to ensure stability, regardless of the fluctuating river conditions.

The piling system designed for the top of the gangway also helps keep the system in place should water levels rise.

Chattahoochee River GA BoardSafe gangway piling system

The scope of work for the Chattahoochee Hills Riverland, located at 8661 Campbellton-Redwine Road, Chattahoochee Hills, GA, includes

  • (1) 8x25-ft. Floating dock.
  • (1) 6’10” x 8’6” Diverter dock.
  • (1) 8’2” x 11’ Landing dock.
  • (1) 16-ft. Left-Hand Clip-A-Launch kayak launch.
  • (1) Adaptive Kit.
  • (1) 80-ft. gangway.
  • Bulkhead mounting angle.
  • (2) Ramps: one bottom and one top of gangway.
  • (1) 28-ft. stiff arm assembly and connecting hardware.
  • Foundation connection bracket.

Standing Peachtree Park

The second Chattahoochee Riverlands location where TPL required BoardSafe’s expertise was for the launch system at Standing Peachtree Park. The park is located at 2630 Ridgewood Road NW, Atlanta, GA. This location also included an 80-ft. access gangway, floating dock, accessible kayak launch, adaptive kit, and a 28-ft. support arm that secures the launch to a concrete foundation along the river bank and very steep terrain.

The scope of work for Chattahoochee’s Standing Peachtree location includes

  • (1) 8x25-ft. Floating dock.
  • (1) 6’10” x 8’6” Diverter dock.
  • (1) 8’2” x 11’ Landing dock.
  • (1) 16-ft. Left-Hand Clip-A-Launch kayak launch.
  • (1) Adaptive Kit.
  • (1) 80-ft. gangway.
  • Bulkhead mounting angle.
  • (2) Ramps: one bottom and one top of gangway.
  • (1) 28-ft. stiff arm assembly and connecting hardware.

Chattahoochee River GA BoardSafe Floating Dock gangway on crane  Chattahoochee River GA BoardSafe floating dock on crane

Thanks to BoardSafe's structural expertise and innovative approach, TPL and the broader community gained durable, accessible waterfront solutions tailored to meet the unique challenges on the Chattahoochee River. When completed, the Chattahoochee RiverLands project will create accessible outdoor recreation destinations with 100 miles of parks, trails, and amenities stretching from Buford Dam to Chattahoochee Bend State Park. The Riverlands project will connect nearly 1 million nearby residents and visitors to the outdoors where they can kayak, swim, bicycle, picnic, walk, camp, and wheel along the scenic river.

Building a Legacy

Since 1972, TPL has protected more than 4 million acres of public land, created more than 5,364 parks, trails, schoolyards, and iconic outdoor places, raised $93 billion in public funding for parks and public lands, and connected nearly 9.4 million people to the outdoors. Their goal is for all of metro Atlanta to enjoy the benefits of recreating in the outdoors.

System Installation Completed by Blue Water Docks

BoardSafe Docks appreciates the partnership created with Kevin Jones and his installation team from Blue Water Docks in Chattanooga, TN. Kevin and his crew have completed several installations of BoardSafe’s product line and understand how BoardSafe’s systems come together. We are excited to work with this talented team that realizes the value our accessible products bring to communities. BoardSafe looks forward to building synergy with the Blue Water team, enabling us to expand our product line nationwide.

Chattahoochee River GA BoardSafe Floating Dock being installed  Chattahoochee River GA BoardSafe floating dock gangway with truck

For more information about this project or the unique projects that BoardSafe designs, engineers, and manufacturers, call us at 610-899-0286 or visit BoardSafeDocks.com.


Utica NY BoardSafe dock full overhead view

Utica NY Adds BoardSafe Kayak Launch for Utica Harbor Paddle Access

Another BoardSafe Accessible and Adaptive Kayak Launch project opened in September 2024 in Utica, New York.

Utica NY BoardSafe dock full overhead view

This kayak launch provides paddlers of all abilities access to the Utica Harbor and the Mohawk River. The area has a rich history because it offers waterway access directly into the Erie Canal. Additionally, its strategic location provides commercial benefits as an important route between Albany and Syracuse. The specific area where the launch is located is part of a beautification plan to redevelop the waterfront for recreational opportunities, as well as future commercial shopping, dining, lodging, and other venues that will allow residents and tourists to enjoy the waterfront.

Utica NY BoardSafe dock gangway view toward park

BoardSafe Docks appreciates Mohawk Valley Materials for selecting us to complete the dock portion of the project. Mohawk Valley Materials was hired by the City of Utica to help develop this part of the Utica Harbor for future use. Utica Mayor Michael Galime would like to see Utica Harbor finished with hotels, apartments, entertainment, and exercise facilities to attract residents and tourists to the waterfront. The project engineer was the Ramboll Group Architecture, Engineering, and Consulting.

Utica NY BoardSafe dock crane positioning gangway

BoardSafe Docks was responsible for designing, engineering, manufacturing, and installing the new universal access launch system. The project included a

  • 60-ft.-long ADA gangway with universal access kayak chute.
  • 10-ft. x 20-ft. cantilever deck that extends access over the seawall.
  • (2) 8-ft. x 16-ft. aluminum welded floating docks that create a 16-ft. x16-ft. floating platform.
  • (1) 16-ft.-long kayak launch saddle with adaptive boarding kit.

Utica NY BoardSafe dock straight-ahead view

Customers looking to learn more about this project or discuss how BoardSafe Docks can help you with solutions for your water access project are encouraged to contact our design team at 610-899-0286. We at BoardSafe pride ourselves on helping you achieve your goals and bringing safe and accessible waterfront access to your community. BoardSafe custom solutions for your waterfront include

Utica NY BoardSafe dock overhead view

Watch the Utica Harbor Project Video here:

Utica, NY Adaptive Kayak Launch on Utica Harbor and the Mohawk River


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