Meredith Adaptive Launch Brings Universal Access to Leavitt Park
The Town of Meredith, New Hampshire, has taken a significant step toward creating a more inclusive waterfront experience with the installation of a new BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch at Leavitt Park. This innovative addition will provide residents and visitors of all abilities with safe, independent access to the waters of Lake Winnipesaukee, reinforcing the community’s commitment to ensuring that outdoor recreation is accessible to everyone.
For many individuals with mobility challenges, the simple act of launching a kayak can present significant barriers, and often what keeps them away. Traditional boat launches and shoreline access points often make it difficult or impossible for paddlers with disabilities, seniors, veterans, or individuals recovering from injuries to safely enter and exit a kayak. The new BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch eliminates many of these obstacles through thoughtfully designed adaptive features that support greater independence and confidence on the water.
Located along the scenic shoreline of Leavitt Park, the launch creates new opportunities for residents and visitors to experience the physical, emotional, and social benefits of paddlesports. Access to the water promotes active lifestyles, encourages outdoor exploration, and fosters connections with nature that can improve overall well-being. It welcomes good stewardship of our natural resources, and many friendships are formed on this common ground.
The project at Leavitt Park would not have been possible without the dedication and vision of Paula Wanzer, Chair of the Meredith Adaptive Launch Committee. Recognizing the need for improved waterfront accessibility, Wanzer spearheaded the effort to bring the project to life and, along with a very committed team, served as the driving force behind raising awareness throughout their community.
Wanzer first introduced the BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch concept to the Meredith Parks and Recreation Department, local community organizations, and the Rotary Club. She and her team worked tirelessly to build support, educate stakeholders about the importance of universal accessibility, and inspire community members to invest in a project that would benefit generations to come.
The team’s commitment reflects a broader vision embraced by the Town of Meredith, one that recognizes that public parks and recreational opportunities should be available to everyone, regardless of age, ability, or physical limitations. At the launch’s recent ribbon cutting, Wanzer shared sentiments that “Accessibility is about more than compliance; it’s about belonging. This launch ensures that more people can experience the joy, freedom, and therapeutic benefits of being on the water.”
Read more about the ribbon cutting here: Ribbon-cutting at Meredith Adaptive Paddling Launch marks new chapter in town’s commitment to supporting residents | Boating | laconiadailysun.com
BoardSafe Docks is proud to partner with communities like Meredith that are committed to removing barriers and creating universal access to water. Projects like the Meredith Adaptive Launch serve as powerful examples of how thoughtful infrastructure can strengthen communities, increase recreational opportunities, and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of life on the water.
The new accessible launch at Leavitt Park stands as a lasting reminder that when accessibility becomes a priority, entire communities benefit.
For more information on finding an access solution to your waterfront for paddling, fishing, or boating, contact BoardSafeDocks.com.
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
Gifford Pinchot State Park Adds BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch
Gifford Pinchot State Park is expanding inclusive outdoor recreation opportunities with the addition of a new BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch, providing a safe and accessible way for paddlers of all abilities to enjoy the beauty of Pinchot Lake.
Located in northern York County, Pennsylvania, between the communities of Rossville and Lewisberry, Gifford Pinchot State Park encompasses 2,338 acres of rolling woodlands, open fields, and the scenic 340-acre Pinchot Lake. Named in honor of renowned conservationist and former Pennsylvania Governor Gifford Pinchot, the park is a popular destination for paddling, fishing, hiking, camping, and wildlife observation.
The new BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch is located within the Conewago Day Use Area (1185 Alpine Road, Wellsville, PA 17365) and offers enhanced accessibility for individuals with disabilities, limited mobility, and anyone seeking a more stable and comfortable way to enter and exit a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard.
Designed to promote independence and inclusion, the launch provides a safer transition from shore to water, allowing more visitors to experience the physical, mental, and social benefits of paddlesports. The addition of this accessible amenity reinforces the park's commitment to ensuring outdoor recreation is available to everyone.
Whether visitors are exploring the calm waters of Pinchot Lake, enjoying a family paddling adventure, or discovering the park for the first time, the new launch creates greater opportunities for all individuals to connect with nature and enjoy Pennsylvania's outdoor resources.
To see the BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch in action, watch the demonstration video on YouTube here: youtu.be/vUVoc8a7EV8.
BoardSafe Docks is a trusted designer, engineer, and manufacturer of aluminum floating dock systems, adaptive kayak launches, accessible fishing piers, gangways, and waterfront infrastructure. Our team partners with parks, municipalities, nonprofits, and recreation agencies throughout the USA to create durable, innovative solutions that remove barriers and expand access to the water.
To learn more about BoardSafe's accessible waterfront solutions, visit BoardSafeDocks.com or call 610-899-0286.
#BoardSafeDocks #AdaptiveKayakLaunch #AccessibleRecreation #UniversalAccess #Paddlesports #Kayaking #PennsylvaniaStateParks #PinchotLake #OutdoorForAll #AccessYourAdventure
Breaking Down Barriers to Outdoor Recreation at Willow River State Park
At BoardSafe, we're proud to partner with organizations that share our belief that access to nature should be available to everyone.
Thanks to the leadership, vision, and fundraising efforts of the Friends of Willow River and Kinnickinnic State Parks, a new BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch has been installed at Willow River State Park in Hudson, Wisconsin. The project was funded entirely through grants and community donations secured by a very dedicated Friends’ Group, whose commitment to universal access helped bring this vision to life.
The installation includes:
- 28-foot accessible gangway and kayak chute
- 8' x 16' aluminum floating dock
- kayak launch with adaptive boarding kit
The new launch creates a safer, more accessible way for individuals of all abilities to enjoy Little Falls Lake and experience the benefits of outdoor recreation.
A community ribbon-cutting celebration held on June 13 welcomed residents, supporters, and partners who helped make the project possible.
This launch is just one part of the Friends Group's broader mission. Their second major initiative is the development of a new state-of-the-art Nature Center that will expand environmental education opportunities, provide classroom space for up to 200 visitors, and support conservation efforts for future generations.
The Friends of Willow River and Kinnickinnic State Parks is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing Wisconsin's natural resources through conservation, education, and infrastructure improvements that benefit all visitors.
Interested in creating more accessible waterfront experiences in your community? BoardSafe specializes in innovative accessibility solutions that help remove barriers and connect more people with the outdoors. For more information, contact us at BoardSafeDocks.com.
#BoardSafe #AccessibleRecreation #UniversalAccess #KayakLaunch #AdaptiveRecreation #OutdoorsForAll #StateParks #AccessibilityMatters #WaterfrontAccess #Inclusion
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
Heritage Park Lake Expands Access with BoardSafe Kayak Launch
Another community is expanding access to the water with a new BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch!
Recently installed at Heritage Park Lake in Olathe, Kansas, this new launch enhances access to the Heritage Park Marina, which is part of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District (JCPRD). Connected by a new ADA-accessible pathway to the existing dock, the launch provides paddlers with a safer, easier, and more independent way to enjoy the water.
Heritage Park is a premier outdoor recreation destination, spanning 1,239 acres and featuring a 40-acre lake, picnic shelters, playgrounds, dog parks, outdoor fitness equipment, sports fields, disc golf, and a championship golf course, offering something for everyone to enjoy.
BoardSafe designed and manufactured the following components for the launch:
- 4' x 40' Gangway
- 12' x 16' Floating Dock
- Adaptive Boarding Kit with Paddlers in Wheelchairs
- Accessible Kayak Launch
We're proud to help communities like Olathe create inclusive outdoor recreation opportunities that connect more people to nature and the joy of paddling.
BoardSafe Docks continues to lead the industry in accessible outdoor recreation infrastructure, helping parks, municipalities, and waterfront destinations create meaningful opportunities for everyone to enjoy nature, paddling, fishing, and life on the water.
For more information about improving accessibility at your park, lake, or waterfront, contact BoardSafe Docks at 610-899-0286 to discuss customized solutions for your accessibility challenges.
#AccessYourAdventure #AccessiblePaddling #Kayaking #UniversalAccess #OutdoorRecreation #BoardSafeDocks #AdaptiveRecreation #InclusionMatters
BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch Opens on the Kankakee in Wilmington, IL
The City of Wilmington, Illinois, is expanding access to outdoor recreation with the recent installation of a BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch on the beautiful Kankakee River.
Working on behalf of the Forest Preserve District of Will County, Chamlin & Associates collaborated closely with BoardSafe throughout the design process, allowing BoardSafe’s expertise in waterfront construction to guide the design on key structural elements including gangway length, support features, and a specialized anchoring system designed to secure the launch system to land during fluctuating water levels and flood events.
This project marks the second BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch installed in Will County. The first launch, located at Lake Chaminwood Preserve, has become a popular destination for kayaking and fishing, offering safe, convenient, and free access to the water for paddlers of all abilities.
Austin Tyler Construction, the project's general contractor, selected BoardSafe Docks to design and fabricate the launch system as part of the park's ongoing improvements. Installation support was provided by Kevin Jones of Blue Water Docks from Chattanooga, Tennessee.
The new launch is fully accessible from the parking area via a paved pathway and is designed to provide a safer, easier paddling experience for everyone. Features include:
- Wheelchair-accessible boarding bench
- Step-down bench with pull-out seat
- Overhead grab bar
- Grab straps and pull bars
- Secure kayak cradle to help prevent tipping during entry and exit
Together, these accessibility features support paddlers of all ages and abilities, creating a more inclusive recreational experience while connecting more people to the water.
The City of Wilmington continues to demonstrate its commitment to investing in parks, outdoor recreation, and accessible infrastructure. By improving access to the river, the city is helping residents and visitors connect with nature, enjoy healthy outdoor activities, and experience firsthand how accessible waterfront recreation benefits everyone.
As Mayor Ben Dietz recently shared, projects like this reflect the community's vision for creating welcoming outdoor spaces to be enjoyed by all.
For more information about BoardSafe's accessible waterfront solutions, visit BoardSafeDocks.com or call 610-899-0286. Whether you're enhancing a park, waterfront, marina, or community recreation area, BoardSafe can help create a customized solution that expands safe access to the water. Safe accessibility benefits everyone!
#AccessYourAdventure #AccessiblePaddling #Kayaking #UniversalAccess #OutdoorRecreation
Urbana Improves Access and Strengthens Connections at Keuka Lake Inlet
The completion of the Glenn H. Curtiss Park in the Town of Urbana, Village of Hammondsport, NY, marks far more than the opening of a new recreational space; it represents a major investment in the quality of life, accessibility, and economic vitality.
The new park expands opportunities for outdoor recreation while strengthening connections between existing public parks and waterfront destinations. The project’s goal was to create a more connected, welcoming, and vibrant waterfront for residents and visitors alike. The improvements at the Keuka Lake Inlet include pedestrian walkways, a shared-use path, upgraded boardwalk features, seasonal lighting, landscaping, picnic areas, interpretive signage, and an accessible waterfront that creates a gathering place for walking, biking, paddling, and community engagement along the lakeshore.
One of the project’s most meaningful additions along the water is BoardSafeDock's Accessible Kayak Launch and ADA-compliant Gangway, which helps ensure people of all ages and abilities can safely experience Keuka Lake, while promoting better health, wellness, and social benefits of spending time outdoors. These accessible features reinforce the community’s commitment to inclusivity and equal access to recreation.
The adaptive roll cage includes a 4-tiered boarding bench, overhead grab bar and grab straps, a pull-out seat, a stable and secure kayak saddle and chute, and pull bars for a smooth launch into the water.
The park’s accessible amenities are expected to strengthen tourism and local economic activity and attract visitors to the waterfront.
There’s a special history about the park, which was named in honor of aviation pioneer Glenn H. Curtiss. New York’s Secretary of State, Walter T. Mosley, noted: “This project creates a vibrant and accessible destination for residents and visitors to enjoy for generations to come.”
BoardSafe Docks is proud to design, engineer, and manufacture waterfront solutions that give universal, safe access to the water for all paddlers. For more information about an accessible solution for your waterfront, contact BoardSafeDocks.com at 610-899-0286.
At BoardSafeDocks, Safety is our Standard
During #NationalSafeBoatingWeek, true safety means creating a secure environment for boaters, kayakers, and adaptive athletes of all ability levels. At BoardSafeDocks, we focus on safety all year long, ensuring independent, safe, and risk-free water entry for all users.
Did you know that transition zones, getting from the shore to the dock, and into your vessel, are where many boating-related slips and falls occur? BoardSafe’s ADA-compliant, heavy-duty aluminum gangway and anti-slip composite or aluminum decking are engineered to keep you upright and secure before you ever hit the water.
Our BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch offers features like a 1:12 sloped gangway, a tiered step-down boarding bench, and a roll cage with an overhead grab bar, grab straps, and pull bars, which help promote a safe entry for all paddlers.
Our launch cradle helps keep the vessel stable and secure so it doesn’t tip over during the boarding process. The plastic-encapsulated floats under our floating dock provide more stability, allowing users and paddlers in wheelchairs better stabilization during entry.
Traditional, slippery, or steep launches create safety hazards for children, seniors, and those with mobility limitations.
BoardSafe Dock acts as a staging ground for critical safety preparations. Check out our BoardSafe Product Line Options to upgrade your waterfront infrastructure, or contact us at 610-899-0286 to learn more about safe and easy access to the water for all.
This #NationalSafeBoatingWeek, BoardSafe is proud to engineer waterfront solutions that give universal, safe access to the water for every single paddler. 🛶⚓️
#AdaptiveSports #Accessibility #SafeBoating #UniversalAccess #Kayaking #Boating #Fishing
Hudson Crossing Cuts Ribbon at BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch
On April 28, 2026, BoardSafe Docks proudly celebrated the ribbon-cutting for the new BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch at Lock C5 Island in Schuylerville, New York. The event brought together community leaders, outdoor recreation advocates, and accessibility champions to commemorate a significant step forward in inclusive waterfront access along the historic Champlain Canal.
The celebration featured remarks from Hudson Crossing Park Executive Director Kate Morse and representatives from the New York State Canal Corporation, who highlighted the importance of expanding recreational opportunities while preserving the region’s rich canal heritage.
This project marks the first BoardSafe Docks installation on the Champlain Canal, a historically significant waterway connecting Lake Champlain to the Erie Canal and the Hudson River. Managed by the Canal Corporation, the Champlain Canal and other feeder canals, including the Cayuga Canal linking the Finger Lakes region to the Erie Canal and the Oswego Canal connecting Lake Ontario to the Erie Canal, are part of ongoing enhancement efforts through 2028. These waterways continue to play a vital role in New York’s history, tourism, and outdoor recreation economy.
One of the most inspiring moments of the ribbon-cutting came when Jim Nolan, former Town of Greenwich Supervisor and a Hudson Crossing Park committee member living with quadriplegia, demonstrated the adaptive launch's effectiveness by independently accessing the water. His experience powerfully illustrated the mission behind every BoardSafe project: creating safe, inclusive outdoor access for people of all abilities.
The new BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch incorporates several innovative accessibility features designed to support adaptive paddlers and improve independent water access, including:
- A four-step boarding bench that allows users to transition from a wheelchair or standing position into a kayak safely and comfortably.
- An overhead grab bar, grab straps, and pull-out sliding bench that provide additional leverage and stability during boarding.
- An accessible gangway connecting the floating dock system directly to the park’s trail network.
- Adaptive paddling support equipment from Creating Ability, including kayaks equipped with stability outriggers, higher seat backs, and one-hand paddle mounts.
This accessible launch system was connected to an existing dock at the site, with installation completed by Schultz Contracting.
BoardSafe Docks continues to lead the industry in accessible outdoor recreation infrastructure, helping parks, municipalities, and waterfront destinations create meaningful opportunities for everyone to enjoy nature, paddling, fishing, and life on the water.
For more information about improving accessibility at your park, stream, or waterfront, contact BoardSafe Docks at 610-899-0286 to discuss customized solutions for your accessibility challenges.