BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch, William R. Gaines Veterans Memorial Park, Charlotte County, FL
Charlotte County Parks and Recreation offered gratitude to BoardSafe Docks and Scott Tihansky for their invaluable support in designing, manufacturing, and volunteering to help install the new, fully ADA-compliant kayak launch at the William R. Gaines Jr. Veterans Memorial Park, located at 20414 Edgewater Drive, Port Charlotte, Florida. On September 16, 2024, an installation team worked together to complete the assembly and installation of the BoardSafe Accessible and Adaptive Kayak and Canoe Launch.
The launch site is part of Charlotte County’s Blue Way Trail System, which invites kayakers to paddle along 219 miles of coastline in and around Charlotte County. This fully accessible launch was designed with features that can accommodate paddlers in wheelchairs and those with limited mobility, offering everyone who enjoys paddling the opportunity to get out and experience the county’s beautiful canalways and trail system.
The launch’s adaptive features were created with input from paddlers in wheelchairs who depend on their upper body extremities to enter and exit their vessels. The features (ADA gangway, boarding bench, grab bars, straps, pull bars, and signage) provide accommodations to amputees and those paralyzed from the waist down, giving them the ability to get out on the water with family and friends. The launch features offer independence and can be life-changing for anyone with mobility limitations.
Watch a demonstration video here:
The Most Accessible Adaptive Kayak Launch
This installation would not have been possible without the assistance of Keesling Construction Inc. of Punta Gorda, Florida. The Keesling crew brought in a crane to help move the components into place on-site. They also installed concrete pilings to secure the launch.
Florida Premiere Contractors, the contractor overseeing the kayak launch site development, prepared the site for installation and provided an aerial photo of the park during the process.
The county also extends thanks to Paddle for Heroes and its founder and CEO, Stephen Fleming, for their support in raising the funds for the kayak launch. Stephen flew down from Michigan and was on-site to assist with the installation. This ADA-compliant kayak launch would not have been realized without their support and fundraising efforts.
BoardSafe Docks understands the value an accessible launch brings to communities.
An accessible kayak launch with adaptive features benefits a significant portion of our veteran population, including paddlers with mobility impairments, older adults, and people with temporary injuries or permanent conditions. Ask any adaptive kayaker about their feelings of enjoyment, liberation, and empowerment after completing a paddle. Many will tell you they cannot wait to get back out on the water!
Charlotte County remains committed to creating a fully accessible park for its visitors to enjoy, as well as a location that recognizes the service and sacrifice of veterans and first responders from Charlotte County and beyond. Currently, over 22,000 veterans reside in Charlotte County. Every veteran and first responder has their own experience and tells their own story; this park is for them with appreciation and gratitude for their service.
Mike Gaines, a leading advocate working with county officials to memorialize his brother’s sacrifice, works tirelessly to create a park destination that honors his brother’s legacy and deep commitment to our freedom. Watch this video link about their joint efforts here: Beirut Peacekeepers Memorial Tower going up in Port Charlotte.
If you are interested in following updates about this fully accessible park in honor of all veterans and first responders, please click on this link to follow or make a worthwhile donation to:
Updates | WRGj Veteran Memorial Fund
William R Gaines Jr. Veteran Memorial Fund
3280-36 Tamiami Trail
Unit 121
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
Phone: 941-218-0456
BoardSafeDocks.com prides itself on developing trusting and respectful relationships with our clients and is honored to be part of Charlotte County’s project, which will improve lifestyles for adaptive and recreation-loving paddlers.
For more information about our accessibility product line, please call us at 610-899-0286 or contact us through our website at BoardSafeDocks.com.
PFBC Accepting Applications for Boating Facility Grant Program
BoardSafe Docks, innovators in the planning, design, manufacture, and installation of adaptive and accessible floating docks and launches, is spreading the word that the PA Fish and Boat Commission is offering grants for improving public boating facilities on our waterways.
Grants have enabled many Pennsylvania parks and other venues to invest in BoardSafe's unique docks and launches, providing recreational opportunities for all community members.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (September 5) – As a growing number of communities realize the positive social and economic impacts of having convenient boating access along their local waterways, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is excited to offer the next round of Boating Facility Grants to help communities capitalize on the surge in new boating activity.
The Boating Facility Grant program provides grants for planning, acquisition, development, expansion, and rehabilitation of public boating facilities located on the waters of the Commonwealth.
The PFBC encourages townships, boroughs, and municipal and county governments to apply. Nonprofit groups (501c3) including land trusts, conservancies, and watershed associations are also eligible to apply. Private businesses and service clubs are not eligible for direct funding but are encouraged to partner with their local county or municipality.
“Across Pennsylvania, momentum continues to grow around outdoor recreation as a whole, and the enthusiasm we’re seeing for recreational boating is incredible,” said Tim Schaeffer, PFBC Executive Director. “Participation in paddlesports, especially kayaking, has surged, and many communities are eager to accommodate families and individuals by adding or improving safe and convenient public access to the water. Funds awarded through this grant program can help communities develop projects, particularly projects that are accessible for all, to improve existing access areas or develop something new to serve local residents and attract recreational boaters to their communities.”
Applicants can seek grants for site acquisition, development, expansion, prevention of the spread of aquatic invasive species, and rehabilitation of recreational boat access facilities. Eligible construction projects may include, boat ramps, courtesy floats, restrooms, access roads, parking areas and signs. Funds may also be used to enhance the facility’s ADA compliance or by adding adaptive elements to the access site. Applicants are encouraged to keep accessibility for all in mind when developing their applications.
Funding requests require a 50% match. For the 2025 round of grants, the PFBC will accept applications from anywhere in the Commonwealth.
The deadline for applications is November 30, 2024.
For more information about the Boating Facility Grant Program and application form, visit the PFBC’s website at fishandboat.com/Transact/Grants/Pages/BoatingFacilityGrantProgram.aspx.
BoardSafe prides itself on developing a trusting and respectful relationship with its clients throughout the design and manufacturing process. Their team understands their products’ impact on communities and has witnessed their product designs improve lifestyles for the adaptive and recreation-loving communities they serve. They are proud of the partnerships they develop with their customers and appreciate the opportunity to develop their customers’ visions and turn them into legacies of waterfront inclusivity for generations to come. For more information, contact us at 610-899-0286 or through our website at BoardSafeDocks.com.
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for New ADA-Compliant Kayak Launch at Frontenac Park
UNION SPRINGS – The Village of Union Springs, the Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway, and the Cayuga County Department of Planning & Economic Development are excited to invite the community to the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new ADA-compliant kayak launch at Frontenac Park. The kayak launch was constructed with funding provided by the New York State Department Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for New ADA-Compliant Kayak Launch at Frontenac Park of State (DOS) Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) under Title 11 of the Environmental Protection Fund.
The event will be held on Saturday, September 21st at 10:30 AM at Frontenac Park, located at 26 Chapel Street, Union Springs, NY 13160. READ AN UPDATE AND WATCH THE VIDEO OF THE CEREMONY HERE.
The installation of this state-of-the-art kayak launch marks a significant milestone in enhancing accessibility for all residents and visitors. As the premier boat and paddle craft launch site on Cayuga Lake, Frontenac Park now offers improved access for individuals of all abilities to enjoy the lake’s recreational opportunities. This new launch is one of the few ADA-compliant options along the 87-mile Blueway trail around Cayuga Lake, setting a new standard for inclusivity in the region.
The DOS LWRP program provided $63,045 in funding for the project, as well as $146,245 for the Cayuga Lake Blueway Trail plan development and Phase 1 improvements. Union Springs, in partnership with the Villages of Aurora and Cayuga, also received a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative award this year from DOS.
We warmly invite the community to join us in celebrating this important addition to our local infrastructure. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will highlight Cayuga County’s commitment to providing equitable, accessible recreational facilities for everyone. Anyone with questions may contact Kari Terwilliger, Director, at the Cayuga County Department of Planning & Economic Development at (315) 253-1485.
“The completion and implementation of Phase two of the Cayuga Lake Blueway Trail is a major step forward in providing inclusive access to the Cayuga Lake waterfront for people of all ages and abilities,” said New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. “The Village of Union Springs has embraced its role as a vibrant waterfront community, and this new amenity will offer the local community and tourists another exciting way to enjoy Cayuga Lake. The Department of State is proud to have contributed Local Waterfront Revitalization Program funding to this remarkable project, as well as a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative award to Union Springs and its neighboring communities of Aurora and Cayuga.”
“The Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway, Inc. is excited to add this inclusive, state-of-the-art amenity to the Blueway Trail. Village of Union Springs leaders recognize the importance of being a waterfront community and are building resources that encourage village and area residents and visitors to the area to engage with our beautiful freshwater lake. Thank you to Mayor Rob Thurston, DPW Superintendent Joe Smith and staff, and Village Clerk Christine Van Horn for your dedication to make this facility a reality. Also, thank you to the Cayuga County Director of Planning Kari Terwilliger for being an ardent supporter of the Byway and Blueway Trail.”—Sue Poelvoorde, Executive Director, Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway, Inc.
“The Cayuga County Department of Planning and Economic Development is thrilled to
introduce this groundbreaking and accessible addition to the Cayuga Lake Blueway Trail. The Village of Union Springs has truly embraced its role as a vibrant waterfront community, and this new amenity will offer both residents and visitors a meaningful way to engage with Cayuga Lake. Supporting the Village of Union Springs and the Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway and Blueway Trail has been an honor, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact this facility will have on our community.”—Kari Terwilliger, Director, Cayuga County Department of Planning and Economic Development
BoardSafe Docks understands the value an accessible launch brings to communities.
An accessible kayak launch with adaptive features benefits a significant portion of the population, including people with mobility impairments, older adults, and people with temporary injuries or permanent conditions. Ask any adaptive kayaker about their feelings of enjoyment, liberation, and empowerment after they complete a paddle. Many will tell you they cannot wait to get back out on the water!
Kayaking promotes healthy living, connects friends and families with each other and with nature, and encourages paddlers to be good stewards in caring for our natural resources.
BoardSafe prides itself on developing a trusting and respectful relationship with its clients throughout the design and manufacturing process. Their team understands their products’ impact on communities and has witnessed their product designs improve lifestyles for the adaptive and recreation-loving communities they serve. They are proud of the partnerships they develop with their customers and appreciate the opportunity to develop their customers’ visions and turn them into legacies of waterfront inclusivity for generations to come. For more information, contact us at 610-899-0286 or through our website at BoardSafeDocks.com.
Baytown Nature Center Backs BoardSafe’s Adaptive Kayak Launch
A new BoardSafe floating dock system with an adaptive kayak launch was recently installed at the Baytown Nature Center at 6213 Bayway Drive, Baytown, TX. The center, on Crystal Bay, is an incredible kayaking and paddle-boarding destination. The view of the San Jacinto monument over the water is picturesque and part of the beauty kayakers will experience during their paddle. This public launch project offers accessibility to all kayakers and is expected to increase recreational paddling at the nature center.
The accessible floating dock project was designed, engineered, and manufactured by BoardSafe Docks of Fleetwood, PA. The launch specifications include the following:
- 4-ft x 20-ft Aluminum Welded ADA-Compliant Gangway
- Adaptive Kit (Step Down Boarding Bench, Overhead Grab Bar with Straps, Pull-Out Seat)
- 8-ft x 16-ft Floating Dock
- 20-ft Kayak Chute w/Cradle (Keeps the Kayak Stable During Entry and Exit)
BoardSafe Docks are often the top choice for communities, lakes, tidal rivers, and park systems, because BoardSafe creates solutions at challenging water access sites. Our experience and background knowledge set us apart from other dock manufacturers.
BoardSafe docks are structurally sound, engineered for strength, durable, low-maintenance, and manufactured with high-quality aluminum-welded materials, composite lumber, and non-polluting plastic encapsulated flotation. You can read more about them here:
Maintenance Costs Are at a Minimum with Your BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch
What Makes a BoardSafe Dock So Unique?
BoardSafe’s Adaptive Kayak Launch was designed with input from adaptive paddlers. A team of paddlers in wheelchairs were looking for a way to get their paddlers into the water because their group was growing and their needs became more diverse. They were frustrated by going to launch sites deemed “accessible,” yet the launch features didn’t work for them. Barriers were overlooked or accommodations were incorrectly designed.
The members of the group of paddlers in wheelchairs had paralysis, were wounded veterans, or were amputees, yet all had use of their upper body or arms. They required accommodations from the parking lot, to the launch site, and into the water. The group identified features that worked, that didn’t, were overlooked, or needed further development. Their input makes BoardSafe’s kayak launch the highest-quality accessible launch on the market. Equipped with the most adaptive features in its class, the launch offers the safest entry into and exit out of the water for most paddlers with disabilities.
Understanding Available Launch Systems
Several types of docks are designed for launching kayaks, each suited to different environments and user needs. Here are some common types:
Floating Docks rise and fall with the water level, making them ideal for areas with fluctuating water levels. There are advantages to launching from a floating dock because the dock remains at water level and can be adjusted for different watercraft. Floating docks are beneficial on lakes, rivers, and areas with changing tides. They offer advantages and benefits that cannot be offered by a stationary pier.
Fixed Docks are permanently installed and do not move with the water level. They are good for areas with consistent water levels. Because the dock is fixed, it cannot offer accessibility to those who require it. To be accessible, the dock must float along with the fluctuations of the water; otherwise, it will become a barrier for any paddler needing accommodations.
Modular Docks consist of interlocking pieces that can be configured in various shapes and sizes. Budget-minded customers may choose this more economical plastic dock that is best suited for residential applications. Plastic docks may be a less expensive option than a commercial-grade aluminum-welded dock. While a plastic dock may be a good option for the budget-minded consumer, plastic docks will not hold up to weather elements like a welded aluminum structure, or be a good fit for commercial and high-use applications.
Launch Ramps are sloped surfaces leading into the water; however, they can be slippery and cause kayaks to tip over upon entry.
Each type of dock and launch system has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on the location, water conditions, user needs, and budget.
If you need help choosing the ideal design or layout for your accessible and adaptive floating dock project, the experts at BoardSafe Docks can help. Our design team is committed to providing clients with the most practical long-term solutions to fit their needs. Contact us today to get started!
BoardSafe Docks Sponsors the 2024 SOBA Symposium
The States Organization for Boating Access (SOBA) invites you to join them August 26th - 29th in Wilmington, North Carolina, for the 2024 Education & Training Symposium. Online registration is now open!
SOBA is the largest gathering of professionals and affiliate organizations engaged in improving and expanding public recreational boating access facilities throughout the United States.
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is this year’s host and BoardSafe Docks is recognized as the Platinum Sponsor for the third consecutive year.
It’s less than two weeks away from the symposium that will connect you with more than 200 state boating officials, consultants, engineering firms, manufacturers, suppliers, publishers, and other businesspersons invested in boating access.
SOBA is the place to learn about the latest materials, designs, and construction techniques for boating access and water recreation. The event offers an exclusive opportunity to learn from the experts in public boating and non-motorized boating access. To learn more about this event and register, click on the link below:
Education & Training Symposium - States Organization for Boating Access
Waddington NY Pioneers Accessibility with BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch
Waddington, New York, has significantly promoted equity and accessibility by installing a BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch at the Whitaker Park Boat Launch on the St. Lawrence River. This initiative reflects the town's commitment to ensuring that everyone, regardless of physical ability, can enjoy the beauty and recreational opportunities on the St. Lawrence River.
A Vision Inspired by a Neighboring Community
Waddington’s journey towards installing an accessible kayak launch began in 2022 after witnessing a similar project in nearby Canton, NY. Canton had installed a BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch, which caught the attention of Waddington's community leaders. Inspired by the positive impact it had on accessibility, Waddington set out on its own mission to bring a similar launch to its residents and community.
Collaboration and Planning
Over the course of two years, Waddington worked closely with BoardSafe Docks of Fleetwood, PA, a company specializing in adaptive and accessible outdoor recreation products. BoardSafe assisted with the permit applications and design concepts for three potential locations within the town. After careful consideration and planning, Whitaker Park was chosen as the ideal site for their first new accessible kayak launch.
In 2024, Waddington received the necessary funding to move forward with the project. The town contracted with BoardSafe to manufacture and install the kayak launch, which features a 16-foot-long gangway and kayak chute, and an 8-by-16-foot floating dock equipped with a 16-foot BoardSafe Clip-A-Launch. The installation is supported by two precast concrete blocks, supplied by BoardSafe, that serve as the bulkhead foundation.
Community Effort and Installation
The installation of the kayak launch in late June was a true community effort, with town employees Chris, Jeff, Nate, and Caleb working alongside BoardSafe to set the blocks and complete the installation. Their dedication and teamwork ensured that the project was completed efficiently and to the highest standards.
Enhancing Outdoor Access
The new adaptive kayak launch at Whitaker Park not only opens up the St. Lawrence River to individuals with physical disabilities, it also reinforces Waddington's reputation as a premier destination for outdoor recreation. The park is already well-known for its world-class smallmouth bass fishing and is the site of the BassMaster Elite tournament, which will take place from August 15–18, 2024.
By investing in this accessible infrastructure, Waddington is making a powerful statement about the importance of inclusivity and the right of all people to enjoy the natural environment. The town's leaders, including Mayor Mike Zabrobelny, have been instrumental in bringing this vision to life, demonstrating a commitment to equity that will benefit the community for years to come.
A Model for Other Communities
Waddington's successful installation of their adaptive kayak launch serves as a model for other communities looking to enhance accessibility and promote outdoor activities for everyone. It provides nearby towns with a model and a vision to explore similar projects, and demonstrates what thoughtful planning, collaboration, and community involvement can have in creating more inclusive public spaces.
As the new kayak launch welcomes paddlers of all abilities, Waddington stands as a shining example of how small towns can lead the way in making the great outdoors accessible to all.
To learn more about BoardSafe Docks’ additional projects and capabilities, view our “About Us” video here:
BoardSafe Docks: Manufacturer of Marinas, Rowing Centers, Adaptive Launches, Gangways & Bridge
For more information about this project and others, or for a consultation, visit us at boardsafedocks.com or call 610-899-0286.
Monongahela River Wharf Offers Accessibility with BoardSafe Kayak Launch
Riverside Wharf Park, located in the small suburb of Brownsville and nestled along the Monongahela River, plays a key part in Brownsville’s community. The wharf is within walking distance from town and offers fishing, a public boat launch, and a relaxing place to read a book or watch activities on the water. Access to the waters of the Monongahela River was limited for many residents, especially those with physical disabilities before the borough’s partnership with BoardSafe Docks. Renowned for our commitment to accessibility, BoardSafe Docks of Fleetwood, PA, designed and manufactured Brownsville’s state-of-the-art adaptive kayak launch and accessible floating dock system. The dock now provides boating, paddling, and fishing access from Brownsville’s historic wharf. The dock fulfills a 10-year vision that Brownsville Borough had for providing accessible boating access to their wharf.
The Monongahela River played a significant role in Pittsburgh’s industrial and economic development, particularly during the “steel era.” As recent as 2013, “the Mon” was recognized as River of the Year for its scenic beauty, fishing spots, and boating opportunities. The river uniquely flows from south to north, and meets with the Allegheny River at its confluence to form the Ohio River in downtown Pittsburgh.
Brownsville’s new dock and kayak launch is more than just a piece of infrastructure—it symbolizes inclusivity and progress in the borough. Designed with various adaptive features, the kayak launch ensures that everyone, regardless of physical ability, can enjoy the freedom and joy of kayaking. The well-equipped site offers an ADA gangway that provides a gentle, easy pitch down to the water where people in wheelchairs can access the 100 feet of floating docks and the adaptive kayak launch. The accessible launch includes a stabilizing cradle for safe and easy access in and out of the kayak, an adaptive kit with a step-down bench, overhead grab bar, hand straps, and pull bars that make it easy for individuals to move from their wheelchair into their kayak.
Megan, a local resident who had been an avid kayaker before an accident left her with limited mobility, was one of the first to use the new kayak launch. As she paddled out onto the river for the first time in years, she felt a wave of emotions wash over her: freedom, empowerment, and a deep connection to nature. "It's incredible to be back on the water," she said with joy in her eyes. "This launch allows me to kayak again, and it’s something I really enjoy!"
BoardSafe expects the impact of the adaptive kayak launch to ripple through Brownsville just as it does in other communities. There is hope for schools and community groups to organize kayak outings, and for people of all ages and abilities to come together to enjoy paddling on the Monongahela. The borough hopes the launch area will become a hub of activity and foster new friendships in the community.
BoardSafe Docks' innovative design and commitment to accessibility garnered attention from Brownsville Borough and other nearby towns with the vision to explore similar projects. The success story unfolding along the Monongahela River inspires others looking to enhance riverfront communities.
Brownsville’s riverfront access is more than a facility—it’s a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together with a vision of inclusivity and accessibility. It demonstrates that when barriers are removed, everyone can share in the beauty and adventure of nature. As kayakers of all abilities glide across the river, the spirit of unity and progress that has built the launch will continue to flow through the town.
Scope of Work on the Monongahela River Wharf Project
The project included
- 100 feet of floating dock installed on the Monongahela River.
- a BoardSafe Clip-A-Launch and Adaptive Boarding Kit for kayakers with limited mobility.
- a 30-ft-long accessible gangway with a handrail.
- a 30-ft long support arm to temporarily support the dock until piles are installed.
BoardSafe fast-tracked the project timeline for the borough to have it installed in time for Brownsville’s RiverFest on July, 5th, 2024. BoardSafe’s expertise and experience with similar projects allowed us to design, draft, fabricate, and install the project in less than 3 weeks.
Key stakeholders involved in the project responsible for seeing it through to completion were Mike Walters of the Brownsville Borough and McMillen Engineering, who assisted with the DNR and Army Corps of Engineers permit applications. Kevin Jones and his remarkable team of installation experts from Blue Water Docks of Chattanooga, TN, installed the floating courtesy dock, gangway, and kayak launch.
BoardSafe Docks believes our products can improve lifestyles for communities that enjoy recreating on the water and those looking for accessible and adaptive recreation. BoardSafe understands the value true accessibility brings to communities. Ask any adaptive kayaker about their feelings of enjoyment, liberation, and empowerment after they complete a paddle. Many will tell you they cannot wait to get back out on the water! Kayaking promotes healthy living, connects friends and families with nature, and encourages paddlers to be good stewards, caring for our natural resources.
BoardSafe values the partnerships we’ve developed and appreciates the opportunity to develop our customer’s visions and turn them into legacies of waterfront inclusivity for generations to come. Call us at 610-899-0286 or contact us through our website at BoardSafeDocks.com and allow us to #ACCESS YOUR ADVENTURE!
Making the Erie Canal More Accessible Throughout New York State
A new effort among the New York Power Authority, New York State Canal Corporation, and Rochester Accessible Adventures, aims to guide communities in creating accessible facilities along the Erie Canal. Anita O’Brien, executive director of RAA, said her group will work with businesses and other entities who wish to make their locations more accessible and remove barriers for individuals with disabilities.
Julie Cataldo, who has cerebral palsy, uses a custom BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch in Fairport along the Erie Canal with help from her friend, Adrienne Allen, and Peter Abele, owner of the Erie Canal Boat Company in Fairport.
Read or listen to this special feature from NPR News station WXXI, Rochester, NY:
Making the Erie Canal more accessible throughout New York State | WXXI News
Darien Lakes Enhances Water Access with BoardSafe Kayak Launch
Darien Lakes State Park, nestled in western New York State approximately 30 miles east of Buffalo, has taken a significant step toward inclusivity and accessibility with the recent installation of a kayak and canoe launch on Harlow Lake. This project, a collaboration between New York State Parks and BoardSafe Docks, promises to enhance the recreational experience for all park visitors, particularly those with mobility challenges.
Harlow Lake, a serene 12-acre body of water within the park, now boasts a fully accessible kayak launch, thanks to the expertise and innovative solutions provided by BoardSafe Docks. The adaptive launch system includes a 16-foot-long gangway and kayak chute, and an 8x16-foot floating dock with adaptive launching kit, all designed to facilitate easy and safe access to the water.
The process began with the State Parks crew installing the bulkhead, followed by the meticulous assembly of the kayak launch system. The new infrastructure is a testament to the park’s commitment to providing accessible outdoor activities and fostering an inclusive environment for all visitors.
John Snyder, a key figure from NY State Parks involved in the project, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome. Snyder remarked, “The final product has already made a noticeable difference for our visitors. The adaptive kayak launch is not only functional but also user-friendly, ensuring that everyone can enjoy Harlow Lake."
This initiative aligns with a broader trend of enhancing accessibility in all state parks across New York, ensuring that nature and outdoor activities are available to everyone, regardless of physical abilities. The new kayak launch at Darien Lakes State Park is a wonderful example of how thoughtful design and collaboration can create inclusive recreational opportunities.
The addition of the kayak launch is expected to attract more visitors to the park, encouraging people of all abilities to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of Harlow Lake. It stands as a model for future accessibility projects within the state park system, demonstrating that inclusivity and outdoor adventure can go hand in hand.
For more information about the new kayak launch and other accessibility features at Darien Lakes State Park, visitors are encouraged to explore the park’s website or contact the park office directly.
To learn more about the benefits of planning an inclusive launch system for your community or park system, read more about the benefits here:
6 Reasons for Designing a Universal Access Kayak Launch.
If you’d like to discuss your project’s vision with a design team member from BoardSafe Docks and learn more about our Adaptive Kayak Launch and Accessible Fishing Pier, its durable and maintenance-free construction, plus the long-term value it will bring to your community, please call us at 610-899-0286 or contact us through our website at BoardSafeDocks.com.
The Evolution of Kayaking and Access for All
Think about how popular canoeing and kayaking have become over the last several years. With the increase of rails to trails and greenways spreading across our country, people’s interest in connecting with nature is real. The popularity of water trails, kayaking, and canoeing is on the rise, and communities and local governments are recognizing and responding to a growing desire to connect with the outdoors. Nature enthusiasts want to recreate on the water; therefore, access to the water where everyone can participate is being looked at differently.
People enjoy traveling and sightseeing but also value close-to-home recreation spots where they can go for a quick paddle after work, or a nearby location to take their family on the weekend. Before kayak launches became popular, we had to drag our kayaks over stones and steep embankments and struggled to get our vessels into the water. We got muddy and wet, banged our shins, and tipped our kayaks when launching our vessels into the water.
With BoardSafe’s Accessible and Adaptive Launch, universal access features provide safe and easy access to the water for all who wish to get out and paddle. The launch’s universal design accommodates paddlers in wheelchairs and makes launching vessels easier for younger, older, and novice paddlers, those with physical conditions, limited mobility, and even lower body paralysis. BoardSafe’s launch offers safe and easy access for all. The innovative launch makes paddling fun and helps improve the paddling experience for all paddlers looking to access the water.
Outdoor enthusiasts rave about the brilliance of BoardSafe's accessibility. The durability and design features of the BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch mean it can be described as the best universal access kayak launch on today’s market. One park director commented, “We had our state grant inspection yesterday and the inspector reported BoardSafe’s Launch was the best canoe/kayak launch they’ve ever seen.” Everyone knows that getting in and out of a kayak or canoe is often the most difficult part of the sport. With BoardSafe’s signature features, designed with input from a group of adaptive paddlers and professionals who support them, our innovative aluminum floating dock system has proven to be the best commercial launching system available to communities and parks looking for improved accessibility.
Research from Outdoor Industry
The economic, recreational, and environmental benefits of investing in and improving access for all are now recognized. Recent research from the Outdoor Industry reflects the sport’s surge in popularity. The Outdoor Recreation Economy Report identifies outdoor recreation as one of our nation's largest economic sectors. According to this report, outdoor recreation generates $887 billion in consumer spending annually, 7.6 million American jobs, $65.3 billion in federal tax revenue, and $59.2 billion in state and local tax revenue.
The Economic Impact of Parks and Rivers
Parks and rivers have become powerful economic drivers for communities. Policymakers, elected officials, and parks and recreation professionals have noticed how investments improve the standard of living. There is compelling evidence of the positive impacts in the tourism, hotel, restaurant, and recreation industries. The investment in an accessible kayak launch—particularly one built of non-corroding aluminum, composite lumber, non-polluting flotation, and stainless steel—will pay dividends to communities for years to come.
Benefits of Creating More Access Points to Our Rivers
With outdoor recreation growing and being one of our largest economic contributors, creating accessible water access points will benefit local communities. Why is this true? Because people of all abilities are hooked on paddle sports. When you step into a kayak and take those first few paddle strokes, nature surrounds you. It’s easy to understand how nature’s draw pulls people to the water.
Paddling and kayak fishing have become everyone’s favorite hobbies and sought-after forms of outdoor recreation. Kayaking is an inclusive activity that offers paddlers with disabilities the opportunity to be out on the water like everyone else.
BoardSafe Is Recognized as an Industry Leader in Accessibility
BoardSafe is a leading provider of innovative access solutions specializing in designing, fabricating, and installing floating docks, gangways, pedestrian bridges, adaptive kayak launches, and accessible fishing piers that promote accessibility and inclusivity for waterfront activities.
BoardSafe is the industry expert with innovative solutions and specialized knowledge and understanding for designing floating docks, gangways, pedestrian bridges, adaptive kayak launches, and accessible fishing piers that promote accessibility and inclusivity for waterfront activities. Our projects are individualized to meet our customers' needs and site requirements. Since no two waterfront projects are the same, we share our understanding of site requirements to ensure accessibility. Our experience and specialization are unmatched by anyone else in the marine industry.
Everyone Benefits
It's a common misconception that an accessible kayak launch is ONLY intended for people with mobility impairments. The truth is that an accessible launch benefits the entire community and assists people of all abilities with accessing the water. Able-bodied paddlers love an accessible launch because it offers a simple and dry way to enter the water. BoardSafe’s launch also helps novice paddlers and families with young children learn how to enter a kayak and paddle safely. The accessibility features also benefit people with minor impairments, such as a bad knee or hip.
How Does the Launch Attract More Paddlers?
Nearly 20% of the U.S. population live with a form of disability, and approximately 12% live with a mobility disability. This is a sizable portion of our population who still want to enjoy recreating on the water with family and friends. This is why the features of the BoardSafe launch have such an appeal. Our universal design features will enhance your waterfront and provide access for all people who wish to get out and paddle with family and friends. Your investment in our accessible product line—built of aluminum, composite lumber, non-polluting flotation, and stainless steel—is virtually maintenance-free and will pay dividends to communities for years to come.
Contact BoardSafe Docks at 610-899-0286 for more information on your solution for inclusive access with universal design features and to learn more about the unique projects we have designed and built that no other dock builders are capable of. We meet the needs of persons with disabilities and will serve your whole community with accessible waterfront designs that everyone can appreciate.
