Jasper County, IA: Accessible Fishing Pier Opens Doors to Fishing
A community investment in accessibility brings families together, introduces young anglers to fishing, and creates lasting opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the outdoors.
In Jasper County, Iowa, a community-driven initiative is making a meaningful difference in how residents experience the outdoors. Thanks to the dedication of the Jasper Conservation Connection, a nonprofit organization committed to enhancing local parks and recreational opportunities, residents and visitors now have access to a new BoardSafe Docks Accessible Fishing Pier.
More than simply adding a new park amenity, this project represents an investment in accessibility, outdoor education, and community connection. By removing physical barriers to fishing, Jasper County is creating opportunities for individuals of all ages and abilities to enjoy one of America's favorite outdoor pastimes.
Bringing the Community Together, One Cast at a Time
The value of an accessible fishing pier became especially evident when Jasper County recently hosted a youth fishing event at the Outdoor Mentor Legacy Pond.
Approximately 150 participants gathered for a memorable day of fishing, family fun, and outdoor recreation. Young anglers cast their lines, reeled in fish, and experienced the excitement of fishing, including the thrill of catching several tagged fish.
For many children, events like these provide an introduction to fishing and help develop an appreciation for nature and outdoor recreation. They also offer opportunities for parents, grandparents, mentors, and volunteers to share their knowledge, teach new skills, and create lasting memories.
The new accessible fishing pier helped provide a welcoming setting for this community celebration.
When communities invest in accessible recreation, they create opportunities that extend far beyond the individuals who use the facilities. They bring people together, encourage participation, and help build stronger connections across generations.
Accessibility Creates Opportunities for Everyone
For individuals with mobility challenges, traditional fishing locations can present significant obstacles. Uneven shorelines, steep embankments, muddy surfaces, and unstable footing can make reaching the water difficult or even impossible.
An accessible fishing pier changes that experience.
BoardSafe Docks designs and manufactures accessible floating fishing piers that help communities remove these physical barriers and welcome more people to the waterfront.
A properly designed accessible fishing pier allows wheelchair users, individuals with limited mobility, older adults, and families with young children to approach the water on a more stable, accessible surface.
These improvements also benefit veterans with disabilities, individuals recovering from injuries, and anyone who needs additional support when navigating outdoor environments.
Accessibility is not simply about meeting a design requirement. It is about giving people the opportunity to participate, connect, and enjoy the same recreational experiences as their friends, families, and neighbors.
When a grandparent can accompany a grandchild to the water's edge, or a person who uses a wheelchair can participate in a community fishing event, the value of accessible infrastructure becomes personal.
Designed for Accessibility, Engineered for Long-Term Community Value
BoardSafe Docks specializes in designing and manufacturing commercial waterfront infrastructure that combines accessibility, structural durability, and long-term performance.
Its accessible fishing piers incorporate features that help improve safety, stability, and usability for people with a wide range of physical abilities.
Key design features include:
- Accessible Gangways: Engineered gangways connect the shoreline to the floating fishing platform, providing a more accessible route to the water. BoardSafe designs gangway lengths, slopes, and transitions around site conditions and applicable accessibility requirements.
- Welded Aluminum Construction: Durable aluminum frames provide structural strength for commercial waterfront environments while reducing maintenance demands.
- Accessible Handrails and Protective Panels: Configurable handrail systems, protective mesh panels, and toe kicks help improve safety for wheelchair users and other visitors.
- Floating Dock Systems: Floating platforms adjust to changing water levels, helping maintain access throughout varying water conditions. Properly designed gangway transitions accommodate this movement.
- Customizable Modular Designs: BoardSafe's aluminum dock systems allow communities to select configurations that address their waterfront conditions, recreational needs, and anticipated public use.
BoardSafe designs each system with the understanding that public waterfront infrastructure must withstand changing environmental conditions, frequent use, and the demands of long-term operation.
For municipalities, conservation organizations, and park departments, this approach helps protect their investment while supporting reliable recreational access for years to come.
Introducing the Next Generation to Fishing and Conservation
The benefits of Jasper County's accessible fishing pier extend beyond the structure itself.
Youth fishing programs introduce children to outdoor skills while encouraging patience, confidence, responsibility, and respect for the environment.
Through hands-on experiences, young anglers can learn about fish habitats, water quality, conservation practices, and the importance of protecting natural resources.
Accessible facilities also make it easier for organizations to plan inclusive fishing programs, educational activities, and community events that welcome participants with different physical abilities.
The Outdoor Mentor Legacy Pond event demonstrates how a well-designed recreational facility can support these experiences.
By bringing approximately 150 community members together, the event highlighted the power of outdoor recreation to strengthen relationships, promote healthy activities, and inspire the next generation of anglers.
A child's first fishing experience may last only a few hours, but the memories, skills, and appreciation for the outdoors can last a lifetime.
A Community Investment That Makes a Lasting Impact
Projects like the Jasper County accessible fishing pier demonstrate what communities can accomplish when local organizations, supporters, and residents share a common vision.
Through local fundraising and collaboration, Jasper Conservation Connection helped turn the goal of more inclusive fishing access into a valuable community resource.
The result is more than a fishing platform. It is a place where families can gather, young people can discover new interests, experienced anglers can share their knowledge, and individuals with mobility challenges can participate more fully in outdoor recreation.
Accessible waterfront infrastructure can also help parks expand programming, attract additional visitors, and strengthen the overall recreational value of public spaces.
Most importantly, these investments communicate a powerful message: Everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the outdoors.
BoardSafe Docks is proud to provide waterfront infrastructure that helps communities like Jasper County make that vision a reality.
Make Your Waterfront More Accessible with BoardSafe Docks
Whether your community wants to introduce youth to fishing, expand adaptive recreation programs, or improve accessibility at an existing park, BoardSafe Docks can help you develop a waterfront solution designed for your site and the people who use it.
From accessible fishing piers and ADA-accessible gangways to adaptive kayak launches and floating dock systems, BoardSafe combines thoughtful design, engineering, and durable aluminum construction to create long-lasting public recreational infrastructure.
Because investing in accessibility means investing in people, community connections, and opportunities for generations to come.
Learn more about BoardSafe Docks' accessible fishing piers, gangways, and waterfront solutions.
Website: www.BoardSafeDocks.com
Phone: 610-899-0286
BoardSafe Creates Outdoor Classroom at Middle Fork Bottoms State Park
A new destination for outdoor learning, recreation, and community engagement has officially opened on Bulrush Lake at Middle Fork Bottoms State Park, Tennessee’s newest state park. Fishing is also permitted from the floating platform, creating even more opportunities to connect with the water and enjoy the park's natural beauty.
The lake is stocked with fish such as bass, bluegill, and catfish, making fishing a popular activity at this West Tennessee state park. The new park is also a popular spot for birdwatching, hiking, and biking, and is connected by miles of accessible, flat, paved trails. An ADA-compliant trail connects to the Outdoor Floating Classroom that extends out over the water.
This exciting project was made possible through partnerships between Tennessee State Parks, Toyota, NEEF, The Nature Conservancy, and the Tennessee State Parks Conservancy.
More than just a floating deck, this new amenity expands outdoor educational opportunities, encourages environmental stewardship, improves waterfront accessibility, and provides a welcoming gathering place for visitors of all ages and abilities to connect directly to nature. Future enhancements such as bench seating, interpretive signage, and canopy shade are being added to the floating classroom to increase its value to the community as an outdoor learning destination.
Learn more about the new state park here: From the Ground Up - The Tennessee Magazine
BoardSafeDocks of Fleetwood, PA proudly designed and manufactured the floating classroom and fishing pier, accessible by a 30-foot ADA-compliant gangway that provides safe and convenient access to the water for all visitors.
Whether your goal is education, fishing, paddling, or creating inclusive waterfront experiences, BoardSafe Docks specializes in designing and manufacturing innovative waterfront infrastructure that helps communities maximize the value of their natural resources.
To learn more about floating classrooms, accessible fishing piers, adaptive kayak launches, pedestrian bridges, and ADA-accessible gangways, contact us at BoardSafeDocks.com.
#BoardSafeDocks #FloatingClassroom #TennesseeStateParks #OutdoorEducation #AccessibleRecreation #FishingPier #WaterfrontAccess #UniversalAccess #ParkImprovements #AccessYourAdventure
From Coast to Coast, BoardSafe Builds Access
As we celebrate Independence Day and the 250th Anniversary of the USA, BoardSafeDocks would like to wish you and your loved ones a safe and happy Fourth of July!
Whether you are heading to a family gathering, a community celebration, or plan to spend the day on the water, fishing, paddling, or boating, BoardSafeDocks is proud to help create waterfront infrastructure that’s accessible to all. Waterfront communities have grown to count on us for our safe, convenient, and seamless access to the water.
As you celebrate this holiday weekend, please remember to wear your US Coast Guard personal flotation device with an attached whistle, leave a float plan with a family member, carry plenty of water and a first aid kit, and stay alert to weather and water conditions.
From BoardSafe’s family to yours, have a safe, enjoyable, and memorable Independence Day.
Happy Fourth of July! 🇺🇲
Accessible Recreation Grows at Spring Creek Park in Altoona, Iowa
Accessible outdoor recreation continues to grow at Spring Creek Park in Altoona, Iowa!
Spring Creek Park recently expanded its accessible amenities with the addition of a BoardSafe Accessible Fishing Pier, complementing the park’s existing BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch. Designed, engineered, and manufactured by BoardSafe Docks, these specialized access solutions help create more inclusive opportunities for people of all abilities to enjoy time on the water with family and friends.
Located on Spring Creek Park Lake, the accessible fishing pier provides anglers with a comfortable and convenient place to cast for bass, bluegill, catfish, and crappie. The lake also supports paddling and small watercraft with electric motors, making it a popular destination for outdoor recreation.
The new fishing pier is part of Altoona’s long-term vision to preserve the Mud Creek and Spring Creek corridors as vibrant recreational greenways while improving access for everyone in the community.
In addition to the fishing pier and adaptive kayak launch, visitors can enjoy other accessible park features, including hard-surface pathways, ramps, and accessible restrooms.
Read more about the park and its plan here:
Adaptive Amenity at Spring Creek Park
At BoardSafe Docks, we're proud to help communities create welcoming waterfront destinations where everyone can experience the benefits of fishing, paddling, and connecting with nature. Contact us at BoardSafeDocks.com for more information.
#BoardSafeDocks #AccessibleFishingPier #AdaptiveKayakLaunch #InclusiveRecreation #UniversalAccess #ParksAndRecreation #FishingForAll #OutdoorAccessibility #AccessYourAdventure #AltoonaIA
BoardSafeDocks Supports Future Business Leaders
BoardSafeDocks Supports Future Business Leaders
Tom Warchol of BoardSafe Docks recently attended a business trade fair at APW High School in Parish, NY. BoardSafeDocks was invited to participate and share our accessible products with the Future Business Leaders of America Club at their High school's trade fair. It is great to support such a strong group of students engaged in business. Pictured with Tom is Norah, an active member of the club. #FutureBusinessLeaders #LeadershipDevelopment #CareerPreparation #StudentNetworking #College/TechnicalCareerPartnerships
Spring is Calling...Call BoardSafeDocks
Spring is calling, and it’s time to get people back outside.
As parks, trails, and greenways come alive with warmer temperatures and longer days, access to the outdoors matters more than ever. That’s where BoardSafe Docks comes in. As an industry leader in accessible outdoor products and services, BoardSafe helps communities remove barriers and open the door to nature for everyone.
From beautifully designed pedestrian bridges, like the one shown here, to accessible kayak launches, fishing piers, and floating boat docks, BoardSafe’s solutions connect people to the outdoors in meaningful ways. Whether it’s crossing a quiet stream, exploring a riverside trail, or simply enjoying a scenic overlook, these structures enable individuals of all abilities to experience the benefits of being outdoors.
This spring, invest in infrastructure that invites everyone in. Partner with BoardSafe Docks and create spaces where communities can gather, explore, and thrive, because the outdoors should be for all!
For more information on our accessible solutions, contact BoardSafeDocks at 610-899-0286.
BoardSafeDocks and HivePaddleSports Celebrate Tennessee's Outdoors
BoardSafeDocks and HivePaddleSports were proud to join the second annual Outdoors Day on the Hill, hosted by the Tennessee Outdoor Partnership (TOP) on March 24 in Nashville, TN.
With more than 650 members of the General Assembly and the public in attendance, the day brought together the people and organizations shaping the future of outdoor recreation across Tennessee.
Watch video here: Celebrating the 2026 Outdoors Day on the Hill
BoardSafe and Hive are honored to partner with leaders across the state to deliver recreational infrastructure, from floating docks and fishing piers to accessible kayak launches and kayak rental kiosks that connect communities to Tennessee’s incredible lakes, rivers, and streams.
These investments do more than create great experiences outdoors; they prove to
✔️ Drive economic growth
✔️ Enhance quality of life in parks and communities
✔️ Inspire stewardship of natural resources
The impact is real. Tennessee’s outdoor industry generated $15.6 billion in 2024 and supports over 114,000 jobs, ranking #1 in the Southeast and #2 in the nation for 10-year GDP growth in the outdoor recreation sector.
A big thank you to Tennessee Outdoor Partnership (TOP), along with state agencies and partners like Trust for Public Land and The Nature Conservancy in Tennessee, for making this event possible and continuing to move outdoor access forward.
Outdoor recreation isn’t just fun—it’s fundamental to Tennessee’s future.
Events like this allow us to showcase our designs, engineering, and waterfront infrastructure that connects Tennesseans and their visitors to the water for endless adventures in boating, fishing, and kayaking. Thanks again, Tennessee Outdoor Partnership (TOP), for an awesome day on the Hill!
#AccessYourAdventure #OutdoorsTN #OutdoorsDayOnTheHill2026 #TNConservation #TennesseeOutdoorsPartnership #OutdoorRecreation
Green Cove Pond Reopens with BoardSafe Accessible Fishing Pier
After years of restoration and accessible improvements, Green Cove Pond is once again welcoming anglers, and it’s better than ever!
As of March 1, 2026, Green Cove Pond officially reopened within the scenic Cherokee National Forest near Tellico Plains. Green Cove Pond is one of the most cherished trout fishing destinations in Tennessee. Its reopening represents a renewed commitment to conservation, accessibility, and community connection.
Over the course of the project, efforts were made to restore the pond’s ecosystem by removing more than 500 cubic yards of sediment, which deepened the pond and restored cooler and more oxygen-rich water that supports the Rainbow Trout population.
The new BoardSafe floating fishing pier connects the land to the water by an accessible gangway. Park infrastructure also offers ADA-compliant parking, sidewalks, and a picnic area. The extended walking trail around the pond also opens additional shoreline fishing opportunities, helping to spread out anglers and enhancing the overall fishing experience.
The accessible upgrades make the pond more welcoming to everyone, ensuring families, seniors, and individuals with mobility challenges can more easily enjoy time on the water, whether it’s their first visit or a long-awaited return.
Green Cove Pond is part of many park systems managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. The revitalized pond represents a long-term investment in conservation, stewardship, and community access. The updated amenities ensure that more people can experience the joy of fishing and the natural beauty of Tennessee’s mountains.
Whether you’re casting a line for the first time or returning to a favorite spot, Green Cove Pond is ready for you. We hope to see you out there enjoying the new park amenities!
Read more about Green Cove Pond here:
Popular Trout Angling Destination Opens after Renovations.
BoardSafe Docks understands the impact its accessible waterfront infrastructure offers parks and communities across the nation. To learn more about BoardSafe’s accessible products, fishing piers, boat docks, adaptive kayak launches, and more, you may contact us at BoardSafeDocks.com or give us a call at (610) 899-0286.
#AccessYourAdventure #AccessibleFishing #FishingLife #AccessibleOutdoors #TroutFishing #CherokeeNationalForest #AccessibleForAll @BoardSafeDocks.com
BoardSafe Expands to Support Demand for Accessible Infrastructure
BoardSafeDocks of Fleetwood, PA, a leading designer and manufacturer of aluminum floating dock systems and accessible waterfront infrastructure, has completed a significant expansion of its manufacturing operations to support continued growth and increasing nationwide demand.
The expansion adds new production space and long-term infrastructure improvements that will allow BoardSafe to increase production, improve workflow efficiency, and continue delivering high-quality, custom-engineered dock systems for public agencies, municipalities, and private clients across the U.S.
“This investment reflects the sustained demand we’re seeing for durable, accessible, and thoughtfully engineered waterfront solutions,” said Tom Warchol, co-owner, BoardSafe. “By expanding our manufacturing footprint, we’re positioning the company to support our partners better, shorten lead times, and maintain the level of quality and service our customers expect.”
Working with Seedcopa to finance the purchase of additional manufacturing space has enabled us to grow and expand our manufacturing capabilities and meet customers’ growing needs. Seedcopa’s long-term, fixed-rate financing supports BoardSafe’s responsible growth and preserves operational flexibility and working capital. This expansion reinforces our commitment to long-term manufacturing investment, skilled labor, and domestic production.
BoardSafe’s dock systems are used nationwide in parks, marinas, riverfronts, and public access sites, with a strong focus on ADA-compliant design, resilience, and low lifecycle maintenance. The expanded facility will support both current product lines and future innovation as the company continues to grow.
For more information about BoardSafe, our products, or joining our innovative team, visit www.boardsafedocks.com.
BoardSafeDocks Wishes Our Family, Friends, & Customers a Blessed Christmas!
As the year draws to a close, we had the pleasure of gathering at our Pennsylvania manufacturing plant for a festive holiday luncheon and a heartfelt "Thank you!” to some of our team members in person.
We are deeply grateful for the dedication and expertise of our team, whose contributions in sales, design, engineering, and manufacturing help make our floating dock systems the industry standard for quality and innovation.
During this season of celebration, we want to extend our sincerest thanks to our employees, industry partners, and customers for the opportunity to work together. We are honored by the trust our customers place in us and the unwavering commitment our employees bring to delivering accessible, high-quality designs that have earned us recognition as the nation’s leader in water access solutions.
At BoardSafe, we value the relationships we’ve built and appreciate the time, conversations, and collaborations with those who help us make universal access a reality for communities across the country. Your support makes our work meaningful, and for that, we are truly blessed.
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous, safe, and peaceful holiday season!
#BoardSafeDocks #HivePaddleSports #AccessYourAdventure #ExperienceCounts #RelationshipsMatter #BlessedHolidaySeason