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.
Accessible Kayaking at Seven Islands State Birding Park, TN
Carley Pearson, ADA Coordinator for Knox County, TN, demonstrates the features she uses at the BoardSafe Accessible Kayak and Canoe Launch located at Seven Islands State Birding Park in Kodak, TN.
🎥 Watch Carley in the full video here: fb.watch/BkGlsjJJCL.
Eric Collins, Park Manager at Seven Islands, shared, “I don’t think people understand the impact until they see it being used.” He spoke positively about Tennessee’s ongoing efforts to make its state parks accessible to all.
Tennessee’s Access 2030 Initiative
Access 2030 is a statewide initiative aimed at making Tennessee State Parks the most accessible in the country by the year 2030. The program focuses on removing barriers and providing inclusive outdoor experiences for every visitor.
Park improvements under this initiative include:
- wheelchair-accessible parking, trails, and overlooks.
- all-terrain wheelchairs at 22 state parks (including 11 in Middle Tennessee).
- colorblind viewer scopes.
- BoardSafe’s accessible products, such as kayak and canoe launches, ADA-compliant gangways, pedestrian bridges, fishing piers, and courtesy boat docks.
Each state park now has a dedicated webpage highlighting accessibility features, along with helpful online resources like educational program request forms.
Tennessee State Parks has partnered with accessibility leaders such as Sunrise Medical, which provides all-terrain wheelchairs at select parks, and BoardSafe Docks, a marine access specialist known for designing and building inclusive, ADA-compliant water access systems.
BoardSafe’s Commitment to Accessibility and Our Partners
What sets BoardSafe Docks apart is our comprehensive, consultative approach, offering design, manufacturing, and installation services tailored to improve access for all. BoardSafe works closely with TN key partners, including:
- Tennessee State Parks.
- Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
- Tennessee RiverLine.
- Tennessee Blueways.
- Legacy Parks Foundation.
The Tennessee State Parks Conservancy plays a crucial role in supporting these accessibility efforts through fundraising and project support. Together with partners like BoardSafe Docks, they’re ensuring that outdoor and on-water adventures are accessible to everyone now and in the years to come.
BoardSafeDocks is honored to be an accessibility expert and partner, creating accessible adventures for all who want to access the water. To learn more about BoardSafeDocks, our products, our impact, and our role in education and advocacy, give us a call at 610-899-0286 or contact us through our website at BoardSafeDocks.com.
BoardSafe Docks Honored by Recent Review of Adaptive Kayak Launch
BoardSafe Docks is honored by Tara Shett’s recent review of our Adaptive Kayak Launch, featured in her YouTube video: Can disabled people kayak? #wheelchair
Tara is a T11/12 paraplegic ♿️, wheelchair user, disability advocate, digital creator, and occupational therapy assistant. In her honest and inspiring video review, she shares her firsthand experience using the BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch in Fairport, NY, along the historic Erie Canal.
The Erie Canal Boat Company in Fairport Village is home to one of our Adaptive Kayak Launches and offers a wide range of adaptive equipment, including the SureHands Body Support Lift, backrests, outriggers, adaptive paddles, and other custom modifications designed by Kevin Carr of Creating Ability. Together, these features provide adaptive paddlers with the tools and confidence to enjoy the water independently and safely.
Tara shares her personal journey living with a spinal cord injury sustained four years ago. Her content highlights both the challenges and triumphs of navigating life, work, and recreation from a seated position. Her mission is clear: to raise awareness and reshape perceptions of what it means to live life on wheels.
Tara’s heartfelt endorsement of our launch is a reminder that everyone deserves equal access to nature and recreation. We encourage you to follow Tara and support her advocacy for a more inclusive world, one where tourism, recreation, and public spaces welcome all abilities.
🔗 Follow and support Tara Shett:
- Facebook: Tara Shett
- Instagram: @tara_shett
- YouTube: @ParaTara
“Life doesn’t end when you become seated.” — Tara Shett
#ErieCanalBoatCompany #RochesterAccessibleAdventures
#BoardSafeDocks #CreatingAbility @TaraShett
#DisabilityAdvocacy #AdaptiveKayaking #SpinalCordInjury
#AccessibleRecreation #UniversalAccess
#InclusionIsGoodBusiness
Northville, NY, BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch in the News
July 22, 2025
It’s been a humbling week at BoardSafe Docks. Our Adaptive Kayak Launch received a lot of press in the last two weeks. 👏👏👏 Our kayak launch caters to a wide range of abilities, providing universal access to paddlers seeking to enjoy the water.
BoardSafe’s Launch was recently featured in the Adirondack Explorer Magazine.
You can read the full article here: ADA-compliant kayak launch opens Northville Lake to all Adirondack paddlers, or listen to it here: on.soundcloud.com/D3jTBZzWpjwPrRmvH.
BoardSafe’s Kayak Launch is one of the first of its kind in the Adirondacks and is making an impact for all who are looking for an easier way to enter and exit their kayaks.
Learn more about the launch by watching BoardSafe’s YouTube video:
https://youtu.be/wgoPlmAgtV8?si=jp9UHSThHM4aiOVq
We’re sure you’ll want to visit this serene lake on your next visit here! 🚣
facebook.com/share/r/16bGRcmR66/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Thank you, Northville Rotary Club, for partnering with BoardSafe Docks!
BoardSafe Docks is an industry leader in designing, engineering, and manufacturing aluminum marine access systems. With a focus on innovation, BoardSafe is known for our expertise, innovative problem-solving, and collaboration with clients to create customized solutions. Our high-quality products, which include adaptive kayak launches, accessible fishing piers, floating dock systems, gangways, and pedestrian bridges, are built to withstand challenging environmental conditions.
BoardSafe is committed to accessibility and will guide our customers to create systems that offer universal access and provide accommodations for a wide range of user abilities.
Contact us at BoardSafeDocks and allow us to assist you with improving water access points at your lake, river, or community, or give us a call at 610-899-0286 for your free consultation. #AccessYourAdventure
BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch Enhances Paddling at Erie Canal Bicentennial
All photos credit: Mohawk Valley Pictures
On Saturday, June 14th, 2025, paddlers from across Central New York gathered to celebrate a once-in-a-generation milestone, the 200th anniversary of the historic Erie Canal. The annual Boat, Float ’n’ Folk Festival in Chittenango, NY (just east of Syracuse), offered the perfect setting for the celebration, combining history, music, community, and the great outdoors. This year’s event had even more to celebrate with the ribbon cutting of a brand-new BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch, now open to paddlers at Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum.
Paddlers of all ages and experience levels took to the calm, flat waters of the Old Erie Canal, starting from various launch points, most notably the BoardSafe Dock installed at Poolsbrook by the Manlius Recreation Department. There were four available paddles that day, all ending at Chittenango for the festivities. The new BoardSafe launch made it easier than ever for participants to safely enter and exit the water, including those with mobility challenges. Its adaptive design features stability, accessibility, and durability that invite everyone, from first-time paddlers to seniors, families with kids, and adaptive paddlers, to confidently experience the water.
As kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards floated peacefully past historic aqueducts, over sunken canal boats, and through wide water sections of the canal, the impact of the new launch was evident. One paddler commented, “This is the easiest and safest launch I’ve ever used. It really sets the tone for a relaxing and enjoyable trip.” Over 200 paddlers joined the float, many taking part in a commemorative drone photo to mark the Erie Canal’s bicentennial in a truly unforgettable way.
BoardSafe’s mission to create inclusive access to waterways aligned beautifully with the spirit of the day, honoring the past while looking forward to a more accessible and adventurous future on the canal. The new launch provides a permanent improvement for the Chittenango community and its many visitors, ensuring the Erie Canal remains a recreational destination for generations to come.
The celebration concluded with the folk festival at Chittenango Landing, complete with live music, food trucks, artisan demonstrations, and a petting zoo. It was a day full of history, laughter, and paddles raised in joy.
Whether you missed the festival or want to come back for more, the Old Erie Canal State Historic Park remains open for paddling all summer. Thanks to BoardSafe Docks and our partners, the water and its history have never been more inviting.
For vacationers looking to learn more about the Erie Canal and its history, the following sites can help you plan your trip: NY State Parks & Historic Sites, NYS Canal Corporation, Village of Chittenango, Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum, Town of DeWitt Parks and Recreation, Town of Manlius Recreation Department, Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, Madison County NY Government, and Tour the Towpath.
For over 20 years, BoardSafe Docks has been a trusted leader within the commercial dock-building industry. BoardSafe’s team has the resources, knowledge, and experience to successfully take projects from inception to completion, delivering them on time and exceeding client expectations. We specialize in aluminum-welded floating docks, adaptive kayak launches, accessible fishing piers, rowing centers, gangways, pedestrian bridges, and other waterfront access products.
If you’re looking for safe access to the water, give us a call at 610.899.0286 or contact us through BoardSafeDocks.com and allow us to find a solution for improving access to your waterfront. Your paddling community will appreciate the investment!
#AccessYour Adventure
BoardSafe Paddle Center—Accessible Kayaking in Downtown Pittsburgh
Whether you’re a first-timer paddler or one who is seasoned, the Venture Outdoors Paddle Center by BoardSafe Docks of Fleetwood, PA, is open and ready for some summer paddling fun. Venture Outdoors' new concession hub is located just outside the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in downtown Pittsburgh.
Ash Andrews, president and CEO of Venture Outdoors, talks with Daisy Jade of Pittsburgh Today Live, explaining the benefits that BoardSafe’s Floating Dock system brings to Pittsburgh’s residents and guests. You can watch the full interview from the Pittsburgh Today Live show here.
Venture Outdoors Paddle Center offers water access for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, and other outdoor educational experiences. Renters can reserve sit-in or sit-on-top, single or tandem kayaks, as well as stand-up paddleboards. The launch provides a “smooth like butter” entry into the Allegheny River, stated Andrews, who demonstrated the launch and spoke about the mission and vision for the new facility. The paddle center’s main focus is on having three accessible kayak launches, plus one launch with additional adaptive features specifically to accommodate paddlers in wheelchairs. The fourth launch is equipped with a boarding bench that is equal to the height of a wheelchair, an overhead grab bar, a step-down bench with a pull-out seat, grab straps and pull bars, and a stable cradle that eliminates the fear of tipping when entering and exiting the vessel.
During the interview, Andrews shared that this is only Phase 1 of the project and stated that Phase II will be completed sometime next year, after some additional fundraising.
Those who are willing to support Phase II of their venture are encouraged to donate through their Adopt-A-Kayak Program. The city is supporting great things happening on its rivers with hopes of drawing more visitors to its waterfront. Venture Outdoors has a mission to remove barriers and provide inclusive programming to all, and their new facility does all that. The link to learn more or donate is found here: ventureoutdoors.org/adopt. For more information about using the facility or registering for special events, you may contact them at 412.255.0564 or [email protected].
Phase II includes replacing the temporary structures on the dock with an aluminum-welded floating boathouse that will provide better safety to employees and allow them to house the organization's kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.
The new building will allow Venture Outdoors to increase their recreational offerings and allow for more educational programs right on the water. Donations and support will help them do even greater things and continue to break down barriers to nature in downtown Pittsburgh.
Interested paddlers can check out the Venture Outdoors website for a calendar of events that includes special offerings, group lessons, and even a night paddle!
BoardSafe Docks, the designer, engineer, and manufacturer of Venture Outdoor’s Paddle Center, is recognized for:
- ADA Gangways, aluminum-welded floating dock systems, accessible fishing piers, and adaptive kayak launches that provide accessible and inclusive waterfront experiences for individuals with disabilities or mobility challenges. Our products provide universal access for all and offer multiple accommodations, including a boarding bench with a pull-out seat, additional safety features, and a stable boat cradle that facilitates safe and independent access to the water.
- Durable Aluminum Floating Dock Systems: Our floating docks are engineered with high-quality materials, such as marine-grade aluminum, composite decking, and plastic encapsulated flotation, ensuring durability and longevity. Our systems are known for their ability to withstand fluctuating water levels and harsh weather conditions. BoardSafe's floating docks are also praised for their versatility and ease of expansion.
- One-Stop Shop for Waterfront Projects: BoardSafe Docks provides a comprehensive service, handling everything from design and engineering to manufacturing and installation of our products.
- Expertise in Waterfront Accessibility: BoardSafe collaborates with adaptive paddling groups, environmental engineers, landscape architects, and other experts to continuously innovate and improve our accessible products, making us a leading voice in aquatic recreation accessibility.
To learn more, give BoardSafe a call at 610-899-0286 or contact us through our website at BoardSafeDocks.com.
Pickwick TN Adds BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch to Park Amenities
BoardSafe Docks of Fleetwood, PA, is helping to connect anglers, and now kayakers, to Bill Dance Signature Lakes throughout Tennessee State Parks.
Those who love to fish in Tennessee waters are seeing significant improvements to their lakes, thanks to the Bill Dance Signature Lakes initiative. Legendary fisherman Bill Dance is the inspiration behind the Signature Lakes program. For over five decades, the bass fishing superstar has taught generations how to fish. Dance, who is the most recognized bass angler of all time. became famous not only for fishing, but for his TV shows: Bill Dance Outdoors and Bill Dance Saltwater. Dance’s Signature Lakes initiative is a collaborative effort of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Tennessee State Parks, and the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. Their goal is to improve and enhance Tennessee Lakes, increase visitation, and honor Dance’s legacy.
In 2023, BoardSafe Docks improved fishing and boating access to Pickwick Dam by designing, engineering, and manufacturing improvements to the lakes’ gangways, courtesy boat docks, and accessible fishing piers. BoardSafe’s system and fishing piers attract local anglers and are a well-known and popular launch location for many professional bass tournaments, like the Bassmaster Elite Series and the Collegiate Bass Championship.
View the project video here: Floating Dock System at Pickwick Dam in Tennessee.
As of June 2025, recreational kayakers can enjoy the same top-notch experience. The recent addition of a BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch is another welcome amenity and another big draw for the park. People love to kayak, and the new launch will offer an additional form of water recreation to its visitors.
We’re often asked, “Who can use the BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch?”
BoardSafe’s adaptive launch is designed and manufactured with specific features that make it safer and easier for paddlers in wheelchairs to access their kayaking vessel. The aluminum-welded frame, side-by-side gangway and chute, roll cage with overhead grab bar, optional hand straps, and slide-down seat with a pull-out bench provide universal access, so everyone benefits.
However, one of the best testaments to BoardSafe’s launching system is the ability to launch your kayak and keep your feet dry, with no fear of tipping your vessel. The secure cradle keeps the kayak steady until it enters the water.
While the features have been designed and engineered with adaptive paddlers in mind, the launch offers access solutions that make it easier for everyone and can be used by anyone who wants to get out and paddle on the water. The launch connects paddlers to nature and offers a unique blend of adventure, activity, and a deeper connection to the environment and the many joys that kayaking brings.
About BoardSafe Docks
BoardSafe Docks is the trusted designer, engineer, and manufacturer of aluminum floating courtesy docks, adaptive kayak launches, accessible fishing piers, gangways, and pedestrian bridges. The sales team at BoardSafe Docks is always available for questions and consultation. They will assist you with finding your optimal waterfront solution by talking through your challenges and recommending a customized solution for your waterfront. Our systems provide individualized and custom solutions, ensuring the best possible user experience and a long-lasting system for our customers. They’re not just selling you a commodity, and their expertise, knowledge, and success in the industry are a step above the rest.
Here are project profiles that make BoardSafe Docks unique:
BoardSafe Creates Paddle Access to Chattahoochee River, GA
Tulsa’s Adaptive Kayak Launch: A Model of Accessibility & Innovation
BoardSafe’s innovative, floating designs enable the creation of new access sites and the updating and improvement of existing access sites. We work closely with landscape architects, engineers, and project planning teams to find the best solution for unique access points. For additional information, visit our website at BoardSafeDocks.com or give the sales and design team a call at 1-610-899-0286 to assist you with your design solution. #AccessYourAdventure
Great Day for Upstream Alliance: Cooper River Water Trail Opening
On Saturday, June 7, 2025, more than 450 Camden residents joined Upstream Alliance to celebrate the grand opening of the Cooper River Water Trail in Camden County, New Jersey. The day was packed with family-friendly activities, including kayaking from the new BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch, nature walks, fishing lessons, a kids' fishing tournament, and more, all designed to connect the community with the water.
Photo credits Julia Baugh, Upstream Alliance
Upstream Alliance was able to get about 120 people out kayaking from their new BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch, while another 60 people tried their skill at canoeing on the other side of the park. Since most of the residents were first-time paddlers and had never been on the water before, they all received a paddling lesson before they got into the kayaks and canoes. The new kayakers paddled around the fishing basin, then came back to land to enjoy other events going on in the park. The energy onshore matched the excitement on the water, with face painting, games, kite flying, bubbles, lots of free food, and other festive activities filling the park.
The Cooper River Water Trail, a 15.5-mile route connecting the Back Channel of the Delaware River to Cooper River, is the result of a collaborative effort led by Upstream Alliance and supported by Camden County, the New Jersey Conservation Foundation, and other partners: Camden County Parks Department, the Center for Aquatic Sciences at Adventure Aquarium, Cooper's Ferry Partnership, and the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. The trail promotes recreation, environmental awareness, and stewardship while improving equitable access to nature for local communities.
Fueled by a $500,000 grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, this milestone event was a celebration of years of work by passionate advocates for clean water and environmental education. Upstream Alliance’s mission—to connect people with nature through on-the-water experience—was truly brought to life on Saturday, with its many hands-on learning activities for the children.
The day left the attendees with happy memories, a newfound connection to the water, and a better understanding of its history, as they experienced the importance Cooper River lends to the Camden community. BoardSafe Docks would like to credit Julia Baugh and Kara Foran for sharing the pictures related to this ribbon-cutting event.
Photo credit: Kara Foran, Upstream Alliance
Upstream Alliance is a non-profit organization focused on the environment. Their group connects people with nature, mostly through in-water experiences on waterways. They address issues like improving access, providing educational enrichment to students about improving water quality, and creating educational experiences for students that promote conservation, develop an understanding and appreciation for watersheds, and work to improve water quality. Upstream Alliance hopes the improved waters of the Cooper River will become a locally accessible recreation destination for all those living in Camden County.
Plan your trip here: camdencounty.com/.../cooper-river-water-trail/
BoardSafe Docks is happy to work with Upstream Alliance and support them in their mission to create improved access to the new river trail. BoardSafe understands the value their systems bring to communities, particularly in the realm of accessibility and water recreation.
BoardSafe’s Adaptive Kayak Launch can:
- Improve communities for recreation-loving individuals and provide Universal Access to all those looking to get out and paddle on the water.
- Promote healthy living by connecting families and friends with each other and with nature, and encouraging good stewardship of natural resources.
- Enhance adaptive recreation for those who require additional accommodations, modifications, or features to access the water, including in-water rehabilitation, exercise, socialization, and improving overall health and wellness.
- Provide industry leadership to help customers design a system that will work for their needs, as well as the body of water they are located on. BoardSafe’s consultative services and expertise have guided successful project installations across the country, making them an industry leader in designing, engineering, and manufacturing all-inclusive water access systems.
If you are interested in creating or improving your waterfront access, BoardSafe’s sales team is available for questions and consultation and will assist you with finding your optimal waterfront solution. You can learn more about BoardSafe Docks’ projects at our website, BoardSafeDocks.com, or by calling 610-899-0286.
Verona Borough Improves River Access with BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch
Steel City Rowing, Friends of the Riverfront, and Verona Borough in PA just celebrated the launch of something big—Verona’s brand-new BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch. The riverfront party and ribbon-cutting ceremony were packed with activities to mark this exciting milestone, kick off the summer, and get things rolling on the river!
The project is a partnership among Friends of the Riverfront, Steel City Rowing Club, and Verona Borough, helping to realize the Friends' Water Trail Management Plan. This project improves access and water recreation on Pittsburgh's three rivers.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony and activities included a guided paddle with Allegheny Land Trust, Yoga by the Water with Be Yoga Oakmont, a Fishing Demonstration with Venture Outdoors, and Food Trucks with Kona Ice and Sharks Grill 412.
The accessible kayak launch was designed, engineered, and manufactured by BoardSafe Docks of Fleetwood, PA. The launch with adaptive features provides universal access to all, and is a valuable addition to the Three Rivers Water Trail, providing river access and enjoyment for everyone looking to get out and paddle the river.
Jenn Langzettel, the Executive Director of Steel City Rowing, said the ADA-accessible launch was an exciting addition to local water recreation. “Steel City Rowing Club is very happy and honored to have been able to work with Friends of the Riverfront and Verona Borough to provide this wonderful resource to the community,” Langzettel said. “Part of our mission here at SCRC is to provide access to the river for all, and this kayak launch will now allow for many individuals who previously have not had the opportunity to comfortably access our beautiful stretch of the Allegheny River,” she added.
Kelsey Ripper, executive director of Friends of the Riverfront, said that expanding the number of ADA-accessible launches on the Three Rivers Water Trail was part of the organization’s longer-term plan. “This launch is another step in Friends’ pursuit of making our trails accessible to all,” Ripper said. “Our region’s beautiful rivers and trails are precious assets, and we hear all the time how much it means to people to be able to use them freely.”
The Verona Accessible Kayak Launch was financed in part by a grant from the Community Conservation Partnerships Program Environmental Stewardship Fund under the administration of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation, and the Richard King Mellon Foundation grant, both administered through the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers–Ohio Basin Access for Canoes and Kayaks Grant Program and Statewide Watershed Access Grant Program.
Installation completed by Bluewater Docks, Chattanooga, TN
Read more about the ribbon-cutting ceremony here:
BoardSafe Docks is a trusted expert in the design, engineering, and manufacture of aluminum floating docks, especially for accessible and adaptive kayak launches. We have been in the industry for over 20 years and have a strong reputation for quality and innovation.
For more information on improving accessibility to your lake, river, or water trail, contact BoardSafe Docks at 610-899-0286 or BoardSafeDocks.com.