Baker Park GA Improves Access with BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch & Accessible Fishing Pier
Exciting news is coming to Effingham County, Georgia! After months of renovations, Baker Park in Springfield is gearing up for a grand reopening, and January 10th, 2026, is the day you’ll want to mark on your calendar. The park is ready to reveal its brand-new look, with all kinds of upgrades that are sure to thrill the local community.
Baker Park has always been a popular spot, but this transformation takes it to a whole new level! Not only is it one of the few places in the county offering ADA-accessible water activities, including a BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch and Fishing Pier, but it now features tons of exciting additions that everyone can enjoy. From an updated boat ramp and brand-new pickleball courts to a modern playground, lighted walking trails, and even a dog park, this is a park that has something for everyone!
Effingham County Chair, Damon Rahn, couldn’t have said it better: "Effingham County’s parks serve as essential community infrastructure, providing safe spaces for children to play, a place for seniors to walk and socialize, and families to gather without incurring financial expenses." In a county that’s growing rapidly, Rahn emphasizes how parks like Baker Park help preserve the county's charming small-town vibe while creating a strong sense of community, even as the area expands.
One of the standout features is the BoardSafe Docks Adaptive Launch, which provides a universal access system for people of all abilities. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a beginner, young or old, Baker Park’s accessible floating dock system is perfect for getting out on the water with family and friends. And it’s not just local—the BoardSafe system is quickly becoming a nationwide favorite, helping communities across the country offer more inclusive outdoor adventures.
If you can’t wait to find an accessible launch near you, you can check out the BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch Locations to see where else this amazing system is making waves.
So, get ready to join the celebration on January 10th, 2026! Whether you’re looking to kayak, walk the trails, or just relax with friends and family, Baker Park is about to become the place to be in Effingham County.
#AccessYourAdventure #AccessibleKayaking #AccessibleFishing
Find a BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch Near You!
Many customers and paddlers ask about the locations of additional BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launches. BoardSafe has a live link on our website that gets updated as more accessible systems are installed across the country. To find a BoardSafe Accessible and Adaptive Kayak Launch near you, click on the live link or copy this link into your browser: BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch Locations.
Customers and accessibility advocates prefer BoardSafe Docks because of the trust we have developed and the reputation we have built as the industry leader in waterfront accessibility products. Our popular products include the Adaptive Kayak Launch, Accessible Fishing Pier, Floating Courtesy Dock, Pedestrian Bridge, and ADA Gangway, which make waterfronts accessible to all.
Users praise our accessible products because the design features were originally contributed to by a group of adaptive paddlers in wheelchairs. Collectively, they shared what features worked and what didn't work, identified features that needed further development, and offered their thoughts about missing components at other launches they had visited in their travels. We heard that their adaptive paddling group was growing, and their needs were becoming more diverse. Almost every paddler reported frustration about visiting locations that were deemed accessible, yet they still couldn't access the water. BoardSafe Docks listened to their needs and concerns, then designed, engineered, and manufactured an adaptive kayak launch suitable for paddlers in wheelchairs and people with mobility limitations. The inclusive launch gets almost everyone into the water.
While other dock manufacturers have attempted to copy our system, our proprietary extrusions make our products one-of-a-kind in engineering, design, and manufacturing. BoardSafe is known and appreciated for our excellent customer service and for working with our clients to provide individualized solutions for each launch location.
We are dedicated to designing products that are not just "ADA compliant" on paper, but truly functional and empowering for our users with diverse needs. Our original collaboration is the foundation we are built on with a solution-focused commitment that makes BoardSafe Docks stand out.
BoardSafe is inspired by hearing feedback from adaptive paddling groups that use our launches. Offering universal access to paddlers who were excluded in the past is precisely why BoardSafe Docks works hard to uphold our reputation as the premier provider of waterfront accessibility products. BoardSafe’s spirit of innovation and inclusion is a testament to listening to our paddlers and the communities who put their trust in us.
Here's to continued success in making waterfronts accessible to all! We hope you’ll consider trying out a BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch Location Near You and will allow us to work with you to transform your waterfront into a uniquely accessible location for kayaking, fishing, and boating opportunities in your community.
For more information or a free consultation, contact us at BoardSafeDocks.com or give us a call at 610-899-0286.
Paddlers Celebrate New BoardSafe Docks Kayak Launch at Beaubien Woods
New Adventure, access, and community connection have arrived at Beaubien Woods! Nestled in the Forest Preserves of Cook County, Beaubien Woods is a 279-acre natural gem where prairie, woodland, and wetland habitats meet. Centered around scenic Flatfoot Lake—the vibrant preserve that is located off W. Doty Ave S, just southeast of E 130th St. and S Ellis Ave. in Chicago—Beaubien Woods has become an even more exciting destination for paddlers, anglers, and families alike.
A New Era for Beaubien Woods
The Forest Preserves of Cook County (FPDCC) recently unveiled a wave of new improvements at a recent ribbon-cutting celebration. The star attraction was a BoardSafeDocks Accessible Canoe and Kayak Launch, designed to open the water to paddlers of all ages and abilities. The project also features comfortable riverside seating, a program shelter, interpretive signage, and an upgraded fishing boardwalk that invites everyone to explore and enjoy the beauty of the Little Calumet River.
From the moment you enter the preserve, accessibility takes center stage. The park’s inclusive picnic shelter welcomes all visitors, while a sturdy dock stretches out over the 19-acre Flatfoot Lake. The lake is an inviting spot to share laughter, launch a kayak, or cast a fishing line. The lake, stocked with channel catfish and bluegill-sunfish hybrids, is a favorite for local anglers and youth programs alike.
Nature, Community, and Celebration
At the ribbon-cutting event, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle captured the spirit of the day:
“Beaubien Woods is a place where our community, culture, and nature can now come together. These new amenities will allow visitors of all ages and abilities to fish, paddle, picnic, and participate in programs that celebrate this site’s natural beauty and history. The investments create more equitable access to outdoor recreation on Chicago’s South Side and promote stewardship and the spirit of inclusion in Cook County.”
Bill Bogdan, Disability Liaison at the Secretary of State’s office, demonstrates how to use BoardSafe’s Accessible Kayak Launch. Bogdan’s opinion about the launch is, “It’s awesome.” Bogdan also serves on the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s accessibility advisory board and said, “I feel our forest preserves are hidden gems. I plan to continue to increase accessibility awareness for people with disabilities. I’m going to make sure I hold them to the tag line, 'nature is for everyone.’ It’s great to be able to launch our kayaks safely and easily.”
Learn more about Beaubien Woods | Openlands. Openlands is a conservation partner that highlights the accessible features, including the fishing pier, kayak launch, and picnic shelter at the updated site.
That spirit of conservation and collaboration runs deep. The Field Museum and Calumet Stewardship Initiative regularly organize volunteer days focused on cleanup, invasive species removal, and habitat restoration. Each June, community partners and the Forest Preserves host a free family nature festival, turning Beaubien Woods into a lively hub of music, laughter, and discovery.
With its mix of restored landscapes, accessible design, and a renewed sense of community connection, Beaubien Woods is once again proving that nature belongs to everyone. We hope you’ll take the time to check out these new accessible sites that are part of the draw to the preserve.
Praise from paddlers who require additional accommodations and features found on a BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch shows evidence of how BoardSafe’s inclusive design can impact a community and how the launch naturally meets the needs of paddlers in wheelchairs. This is the spirit of innovation and inclusion that BoardSafe Docks embodies.
Here's to continued success in making waterfronts accessible to all! For more information about BoardSafe’s Accessible Kayak Launch, accessible fishing piers, and courtesy boat docks, contact us at 610-899-0286.
#BeaubienWoods #AccessibleKayaking #FPDCC #AccessibleFishing #UniversalAccess #NatureisforEveryone
Welcome Addition Expands Access at Fall Creek Falls State Park TN
Autumn is one of the most beautiful times to explore Tennessee State Parks. Cooler temperatures, vibrant fall colors, and calm waters make it an ideal season for kayaking and connecting with nature.
As part of the Access 2030 Initiative, Tennessee State Parks continues to lead the nation in accessibility. The statewide plan aims to make every park the most inclusive and barrier-free in the country by 2030, enhancing physical access for visitors with disabilities while also addressing sensory and learning needs.
A New Way To Experience Fall Creek Falls
Known for its 256-foot waterfall, the tallest of its kind east of the Mississippi River, Fall Creek Falls State Park is a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts who love hiking, camping, fishing, paddleboarding, canoeing, and kayaking.
Now, paddlers have two new ways to access the water, thanks to the recent installation of two BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launches at the park. These innovative launches make it easier, safer, and more inclusive for everyone to enjoy Fall Creek Falls Lake. The launches are designed to provide universal access for seasoned kayakers and first-time paddlers using the adaptive features.
One launch is located near the main boat ramp and dock, while the second launch is installed near the dam. Both offer a convenient access point for exploring the lake.
Community Excitement
Visitors and longtime park supporters are thrilled about the new installations:
💬 “I’ve been camping here for nearly 50 years, and seeing Fall Creek Falls become more accessible makes my heart so happy!”
💬 “As a paraplegic in Cookeville, I can’t wait to try it out. The gradual step-down transfer is so impressive.”
About the Project
The boat ramp launch features an 8’ x 16’ floating dock, a 16’ kayak launch and chute, an adaptive boarding kit, a bulkhead mounting angle, and a 6’ x 8’ dock extension with a gangway system that connects to the existing dock.
The second system, located closer to the dam, includes a longer gangway and chute for easier transfer and water access from the land.
Expanding Access, One Launch at a Time
BoardSafe Docks is proud to support Tennessee’s Access 2030 Initiative, helping make the state’s waterways more accessible for all. Every new adaptive launch represents more opportunities for people of all abilities to enjoy the outdoors, build confidence, and connect with nature.
To learn more about these installations or to schedule a free consultation to improve accessibility at your park, visit boardsafedocks.com or call 610-899-0286.
It’s a great time to discover the beauty and inclusivity of Tennessee State Parks. We hope to see you on the water!
#AccessYourAdventure #AdaptiveKayaking #AccessForAll #InclusiveOutdoors #Access2030 #KayakLife #BoardSafeDocks #FallCreekFallsStatePark #TennesseeStateParks
New BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch at Hellenberg Park, Monroe MI
The City of Monroe is proud to announce the opening of a BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch at Hellenberg Park, giving paddlers of all ages and abilities a safer, easier way to access the River Raisin.
Located at 1313 E. Front Street, Hellenberg Park is already a favorite destination for boating, fishing, and outdoor play. In addition to the new accessible launch, the park features a large parking area for small watercraft, a basketball court, green space for volleyball and other land sports, and plentiful fishing opportunities from the shore and on the water.
City crews completed the installation of the new launch and the foundation connecting the launch to the land. The accessible launch was designed with adaptive features to make kayaking accessible for everyone, from first-time paddlers to those with mobility challenges. The system provides a stable, supportive kayak cradle that allows users to enter and exit their kayaks with confidence.
Key features of the launch at Hellenberg Park include:
- 36-foot aluminum gangway/chute with safety toe kick.
- 8' x 16' floating dock with composite decking.
- Clip-A-Launch 16S system with adaptive bench, pullout seat, and overhead grab bar with hand straps.
- plastic-encapsulated floats for long-term stability.
- instructional sign and guy wire cable system for added safety.
The City of Monroe, founded in 1785, has always been a community shaped by its waterways. Once a natural crossroads for the Potawatomi Tribe, French missionaries, fur traders, and early settlers, the city continues to welcome visitors with its rich history and natural beauty. Just a short distance from the River Raisin National Battlefield Park, Hellenberg Park’s new adaptive launch adds another way to connect with the river and the community’s outdoor heritage.
With the new addition of a BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch, Monroe reaffirms its commitment to accessibility, recreation, and preserving the River Raisin as a place for all to enjoy.
City crew members were able to install the required foundation and install the launch that offers paddlers and kayak fishermen access to the River Raisin. The launch with adaptive features offers paddlers of all abilities a new perspective on the water.
BoardSafe Docks brings a tangible and lasting value to communities. Here are the key areas of impact:
Accessibility & Inclusion
A BoardSafe system provides safe water access for people of all ages and abilities, including those with mobility challenges, seniors, veterans, and beginners. Our systems transform paddling into a truly inclusive recreational activity. Our universal design standards ensure equal participation for everyone.
Health & Wellness
- BoardSafe systems encourage outdoor recreation, exercise, and stress relief through paddling.
- Expanding opportunities for adaptive sports and therapeutic programs.
- Strengthening mental health by connecting people with nature and water.
Community Engagement
- Creates a gathering place where families, friends, and community groups can participate together.
- Supports local nonprofits, adaptive paddling organizations, and youth programs.
- Builds civic pride by demonstrating a community’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity.
Economic Impact
- Attracts tourism by drawing paddlers, adaptive athletes, and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Boosts nearby businesses (restaurants, shops, outfitters, lodging) with increased visitor traffic.
- Enhances the appeal of parks and waterfronts, raising property and community value.
Environmental Stewardship
- Encourages people to experience rivers, lakes, and waterfronts firsthand, building appreciation for natural resources.
- Promotes sustainable recreation with low environmental impact.
Cultural & Historical Connection
- Strengthens community ties to local waterways, which are often tied to history, culture, and identity.
- Offers residents and visitors a new way to explore heritage sites from the water.
Contact BoardSafe Docks at 610-899-0286 for information on making your water access entry points more accessible to all.
The 2025 NRPA Annual Conference Is Happening Now in Orlando, FL
For more than 50 years, the NRPA Annual Conference has been where the park and recreation communities come together to learn, connect, and grow. Whether you’re exploring the latest products in the interactive exhibit hall, earning CEUs in engaging education sessions, or sharing ideas with peers from across the country, this is your chance to be inspired, build connections, and gain tools to make a difference. It’s not too late to register and attend!
BoardSafeDocks and HIVE PaddleSports are set up and ready to provide you with solutions to improve your waterfront access for paddling, fishing, and boating.
See us in BOOTH 313 in the Exhibit Hall and learn more about BoardSafeDocks and HivePaddleSports, your solutions for universal access to the water.
Why Attend NRPA 2025?
The NRPA Annual Conference is your opportunity to:
- Learn from industry leaders – Gain valuable insights, practical tools, and innovative ideas to take back to your community.
- Build meaningful connections – Network with your peers from across the country who share your passion.
- Solve challenges with innovation – Explore more than 400 booths and interactive exhibits, showcasing the latest products and services for the field.
- Earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) – Choose from hundreds of education sessions tailored to your unique career journey.
Register Now
We hope to see you at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.
The Exhibits run September 16–17, and the Conference runs September 16–18.
#AccessYourAdventure #BuildTogetherPlayTogether #NRPAConference2025 #PowerOfParks
BoardSafe Docks a Winner of the 2025 INNOVATEAble Showcase!
BoardSafe Docks is thrilled to be recognized as a winner of the 2025 INNOVATEAble Showcase, held in honor of the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act!
BoardSafe’s Accessible and Adaptive Kayak Launch was selected as one of the top solutions advancing accessibility in the travel and tourism industry. We were excited to present our winning pitch at the TravelAbility Showcase in July 2025 in preparation for TravelAbility’s Summit this October in Sunriver, Oregon. BoardSafe Docks is proud to continue driving change through innovation alongside other participants in the showcase.
Each participant provided a 3-minute video pitch about their product and was interviewed by the judges during a 7-minute question-and-answer session to discuss the features of our kayak launch and share the impact of our accessible system, as well as how it enhances the paddling experience for people with disabilities.
Lori Limpar, Content Marketing Manager for BoardSafe Docks, represented BoardSafe in the showcase.
The participants in Pitchfest 2025 included:
- ADAPTS A lightweight transfer sling for safer mobility in tight or inaccessible spaces.
- BoardSafe Docks Accessible kayak launches and floating docks that expand waterfront access with features that offer universal access to all.
- Koda AI-powered live captioning that works on any device, no app required.
- Lotus A smart ring that controls devices with a simple point—no Wi-Fi or rewiring needed.
- RightHear Audible wayfinding for blind and low vision travelers navigating indoor and outdoor spaces.
- ScanMeHome A QR-code ID system that helps quickly reunite loved ones who may wander.
- Touch2See 3D Tablets that let blind sports fans follow the action in real time.
The judges praised the caliber of entries and noted just how tough the competition was this year. With so many standout innovations, choosing winners wasn’t easy.
Thank you to the judges, Nick Nerbonne, Chris Maher, Autumn Saxton-Ross, and Kristine McConnell!
More information about the Summit is available at this link: TravelAbility Summit.
Participants attending the Summit will elevate their experience at the leading conference on Accessible Travel!
#INNOVATEAble #TravelAbilitySummit #AccessibleInnovation #ADA35 #DisabilityInclusion
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 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