BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch Helps More People Access Lake Chillisquaque
The Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association and Montour Area Recreation Commission collaboratively installed a new BoardSafe adaptive kayak launch at Montour Preserve's Lake Chillisquaque on Saturday, August 3, 2024.
The launch was made possible thanks to a grant from the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds and funding from the Vernal School Environmental Education Partnership effort via the 1994 Charles B. Degenstein Foundation.
“Adaptive kayak launches allow people who may have physical limitations or emotional fears to access the lake by using a special chute and bench system that cradles a kayak or canoe and makes it much easier to get in and out,” said Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper John Zaktansky. “This launch will allow people to engage with our resources in ways they couldn't before. To my knowledge, this is the only adaptive launch within an 80- to 90-mile radius of this area. We are excited to offer programs using this system to inspire more people to connect with our aquatic ecosystem.”
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BoardSafe Docks Had a Busy Summer Season!
While many of you were enjoying spring and summer paddling excursions, BoardSafe Docks was busy designing, engineering, and manufacturing more universal access kayak launches for all paddlers to enjoy.
BoardSafe’s kayak launch is designed for easy access, great stability, and adaptive features for those who need them. The launch is well-known for providing a seamless experience for paddlers of all abilities. BoardSafe’s launch system is designed to accommodate both kayaks and canoes and is a perfect addition to parks, marinas, and waterfronts where accessibility needs improvement. For those looking to enhance their kayaking adventure with a safer, stable, and easy launch system, try out a BoardSafe Accessible and Adaptive Kayak Launch near you!
We’ve updated our map in the link below to assist you with finding a BoardSafe Kayak Launch location near you. We always recommend checking in with park offices to determine the exact location of our universally designed system.
We apologize if one of our launch systems near you has been overlooked as we try to keep our map up-to-date. Please contact us through our website if you notice that a launch system near you is missing from our map. Happy Paddling!
BoardSafe Docks Adaptive Launch Map
Cove Lake Pedestrian Trail Bridge Improves Trail Accessibility
Cove Lake State Park in Caryville, Tennessee, improved its trail access with a BoardSafe Pedestrian Bridge. The lake is located at 10 Cove Lake Road in Caryville, TN, 37714-0656.
Cove Lake State Park sits on 606 acres of beautiful mountains and valleys on the eastern edge of the Cumberland Plateau. It offers scenic nature trails that lead through a mixture of wetlands and woodlands. The locale is ideal for viewing wildlife, birding, and enjoying the panoramic views of the Tennessee Valley. It's the perfect place for nature-loving enthusiasts looking to connect to the outdoors.
There are six large picnic pavilions available for rent, making it a worthwhile destination for larger groups looking to enjoy their day. The park also offers 106 campsites equipped with grills and picnic tables for guests looking to extend their stay.
Cove Lake also offers a paved walking trail loop. The 3-mile trek is a moderate loop trail located near Caryville, Tennessee. It features views of the lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for walking, running, nature trips, and bird watching. The trail is dog-friendly but dogs must be kept on a leash.
BoardSafe Docks of Fleetwood, Pennsylvania, is excited to be part of the trail improvements at Cove Lake State Park. BoardSafe designed, engineered, and manufactured the 6-ft x 60-ft powder-coated aluminum pedestrian trail bridge. The decking is marine-grade aluminum non-skid grating solid decking.
There are many benefits to using marine-grade aluminum in pedestrian bridges. The corrosive nature of water dictates the use of special materials for structures near, over, or in the water. Constant exposure to water and moisture warrants a marine-grade application, making aluminum-welded pedestrian bridges one of the best options available, similar to what was constructed for Cove Lake.
Aluminum develops a higher level of corrosion resistance and strength when alloyed with other metals to qualify as marine grade. This type of commercial aluminum can tolerate constant contact with water and will not corrode.
Wood rots and steel will rust, making marine-grade aluminum one of the best choices for use near high-moisture environments. Marine-grade aluminum offers high strength-to-weight ratios, superior corrosion resistance, and good formability and weldability. Aluminum footbridges will remain rust-free whether they are unpainted or powder-coated.
Pedestrian bridges add value to trails by connecting people to nature and providing access over and around rivers, streams, and ravines. Trail bridges are a strong, durable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective choice, allowing trail links to connect to neighboring communities and offer reliable pathways for many years ahead.
Kevin Jones and his crew from Blue Water Docks of Chattanooga, TN, installed the 60-foot pedestrian bridge at Cove Lake State Park.
BoardSafe is the trusted industry leader and educational advocate for accessible marine products. BoardSafe manufactures commercial aluminum pedestrian bridges using the highest-quality materials, including marine-grade 6160 aluminum and a heavy-duty proprietary extruded aluminum frame.
For surface decking, clients may choose non-skid aluminum deck boards, fiberglass grating, or composite deck boards connected with hidden TimberStrong deck fasteners. BoardSafe’s pedestrian bridges and walkways are designed for trail systems, lakes, marshlands, parks, and rivers, and offer expert solutions for accessibility along, near, or around any waterway.
To learn more about this project or similar designs, please call us at 610-899-0286 or visit our website at BoardSafeDocks.com.
Acorn Lake Acquires Adaptive Kayak Launch by BoardSafe Docks
Lake Acorn, located within Montgomery Bell State Park at 1020 Jackson Hill Road in Burns, Tennessee, is a cherished spot for outdoor enthusiasts. For passionate paddlers, families who love to fish, or someone seeking a spot to enjoy the beautiful scenery, Lake Acorn offers something for everyone. The park's latest addition, a BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch, demonstrates its commitment to accessibility, ensuring all visitors, regardless of mobility, can experience the beauty on Acorn Lake.
BoardSafe’s Adaptive Kayak Launch: Paddling Made Accessible
The new BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch, installed on the serene shores of Lake Acorn, is a major milestone for inclusivity in outdoor recreation. With this launch, paddlers of all abilities can easily access the water. The launch system features
- (1) 8’2” x 16’4” floating dock that allows for easy entry and exit from land to water, and accommodates wheelchairs with its stable aluminum-welded frame, composite decking materials, and protective toe kick.
- (1) 32’ x 4’ single rail gangway for smooth ADA wheelchair access to the dock.
- (1) 32’ chute for kayaks.
- (1) 16’4” kayak launch, with a stable cradle for the kayak and side pull bars.
- (1) adaptive kit with adaptive boarding bench, overhead grab bar, hand straps, and signage.
- bulkhead mounting angle to attach to the concrete foundation.
The adaptive launch promotes inclusivity and provides independence to individuals with disabilities who wish to enjoy kayaking or fishing on the lake from their kayak. The installation makes Montgomery Bell State Park a paddler's paradise and a top destination for accessible outdoor activities in Tennessee.
Paddling on the Lake and Boat Rentals
Lake Acorn caters to paddlers with various boat rental options. Broken Paddle Outfitters (no affiliation with BoardSafe Docks), is located at the park’s boat dock, and rents kayaks, canoes, pedal boats, and flat-bottom fishing boats. Private vessels are welcome on the lake; however, gas-powered motors are prohibited in order to preserve the tranquility of the lake. To rent equipment, visitors can contact Broken Paddle Outfitters at 615-669-8196.
Fishing at Lake Acorn
Fishing is another highlight at Lake Acorn. Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) works diligently to make fishing a highlight at Lake Acorn. The lake is a family-friendly fishing hotspot. Stocked with rainbow trout, the lake promises high catch rates and fun for beginners and seasoned anglers. The lake does hold anglers to a seven-fish daily limit, but it's a perfect spot for a day of fishing in a very peaceful setting.
Swimming at Lake Acorn
Across the footbridge from the Lodge at Montgomery Bell, Lake Acorn’s swim beach welcomes all park visitors. The calm waters on the lake are ideal for swimming, making it a favorite summer activity for families. Paddleboards and other watercraft are available for rent near the beach, offering a full day of aquatic fun for visitors.
Wildlife Watching
Montgomery Bell State Park boasts 20 miles of trails and a campground with some rentable cabins, making it an ideal destination for weekend getaways. Day trippers and nature lovers will also appreciate the diverse wildlife in the park. The park’s serene landscape provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching and appreciating nature. Visitors report seeing mallards, wood ducks, bald eagles, and various songbirds like the Carolina chickadee, tufted titmouse, white-breasted nuthatch, barred owl, and more.
Accessible Facilities
Montgomery Bell State Park is dedicated to providing accessible facilities for all visitors. The aviary features a wheelchair-accessible sidewalk, allowing close-up views of the birds. The Lake Woodhaven Spillway Overlook can also be accessed via a concrete sidewalk, offering stunning views of the spillway and surrounding landscapes.
For those planning a picnic, the Lake Woodhaven Picnic Shelter includes a wheelchair-accessible table equipped with electricity, water, and a grill. Accessible picnic tables are conveniently located along roadways and in various areas throughout the park.
Montgomery Bell’s Complete Outdoor Experience
Lake Acorn in Montgomery Bell State Park is more than just a beautiful lake; the state park offers 3,847 acres of parkland and is a welcoming destination for families and individuals of all abilities. With the addition of the BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch and its inclusive recreational activities, the park stands as a model for accessibility in outdoor recreation. Whether you’re kayaking, fishing, swimming, exploring the trails, or simply enjoying the tranquility of nature, Lake Acorn offers an unforgettable experience.
BoardSafe Docks understands the impact its accessible launch with adaptive features offers to its users. Whether experienced or novice, the features offer an easier way in and out of vessels, making the experience safer and more enjoyable for all.
To learn more about how we can improve accessibility on your lake, river, or water access point, please give us a call at 610-899-0286 or contact us through our website at Sales & General Inquiry - BoardSafe Docks.
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.
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.
Cowan Lake Cultivates Inclusivity—BoardSafe Accessible Fishing Pier
The Ohio Division of Natural Resources operates Cowan Lake State Park in southwest Ohio. Cowan Lake, located at 1750 Osborn Road, Wilmington, OH, now offers accessible fishing with a BoardSafe Accessible Fishing Pier.
The Ohio Division of Natural Resources and Division of Wildlife manages the state’s fisheries. They enhance the fish habitat by improving the spawning habitat, installing fish attractors, stocking fish, implementing fishing regulations, and incorporating park and water features. They understand that fishing isn't just a great way to spend time with friends and family outdoors—it's also an inexpensive way to eat freshly caught fish and help the natural ecology of their lakes and parks.
Cowan’s peaceful lake and scenic inlets offer fishing, boating, camping, cabins, nature trails, swimming, and picnicking. Hiking pathways wind through mature trees and foliage. Overnight guests can reserve and rent deluxe family cabins or camp in their comfortable campground.
The Division of Wildlife operates six hatcheries throughout the state and maintains a variety of fishing opportunities for residents. Annually, the ODNR propagates up to 30 million fish. The primary species produced are walleye, channel catfish, striped bass, saugeye, muskellunge, and rainbow trout, making fishing opportunities attractive to those who fish for sport or enjoyment in Ohio.
The project specifications at Cowan Lake included:
- one (1) 6’ wide x 20’ long aluminum gangway with dual-sided handrail and supplemental flotation.
- one (1) Bulkhead Hinge Connection Kit.
- one (1) 6’2” wide x 20’ long floating docks.
- two (2) 8’2” wide x 20’ long floating docks.
- two (2) transition strips connecting docks.
- two (2) External Elongated Piling Guides.
- two (2) 3’’ wide x 8’ long galvanized steel pilings.
- Fishing Handrail around the perimeter of (2) 8’2” wide docks.
- Standard Handrail around the perimeter of (1) 6’2” wide dock.
Whether you wish to enjoy a lakeside breeze or experience exciting fishing, BoardSafe’s fishing piers and aluminum floating docks are unique because they are engineered and constructed for easy accessibility. The gangway accommodates wheelchairs with a 1:12 slope or less and its low-rise thresholds provide a 4-inch protective toe kick on both sides of the gangway. Dual continuous handrails run along the perimeter of the docks and on both sides of the ramp. The standard railing height is 42 inches, and the additional intermediate handrail to accommodate wheelchair users is at 34 inches and consistent with ADA requirements.
The project at Cowan Lake and the improvements to its fishing areas have made it a popular place to visit and a fishing destination for decades to come. Those who are disabled or have limited mobility will appreciate the accessibility to the water. BoardSafe specializes in manufacturing aluminum floating docks, adaptive kayak launches, accessible fishing piers, gangways, pedestrian bridges, and rowing centers. BoardSafe design experts can offer both standard and ADA-featured products and provide personalized design solutions for your water access project. If you’d like to learn more, visit BoardSafeDocks.com or call us at 610-899-0286.
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!
Undine Barge Club, Boathouse Row, Chooses BoardSafe Dock
Undine Barge Club, a rowing club on prestigious Boathouse Row in Philadelphia, recently upgraded its dock system with a BoardSafe Rowing Dock. The club operates year-round with a racing team, summer racing programs, and a masters rowing club.
The rowing club is located at #13 Boathouse Row in the historic row of boat houses along the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The club was founded in 1856.
Work Scope and Specifications
The following components were installed:
- One (1) 12-foot by 60-foot low-profile floating dock
- Supplied in Six (6) 6-foot by 20-foot dock sections
- Aluminum frames
- Composite decking
- Plastic encapsulated floats
- Corner bumpers
- Rub rail
- Stainless steel fasteners
- One (1) 12-foot by 8-foot diverter dock
- One (1) 6-foot by 20-foot connector dock
- One (1) hinged, mounting angle (for attachment between gangway and connector dock)
- Dock-to-dock mounting kits
- The freeboard along the 60-foot, river side of the dock is approximately 4.5 to 5.0 inches.
BoardSafe’s aluminum floating rowing docks are the highest-quality rowing docks available. Engineered for performance, our rowing docks for this project have low-profile plastic-encapsulated foam floats with a 4.5”-5″ freeboard, and feature the same commercial quality as our floating docks.
To learn more about BoardSafe’s unique capabilities when designing rowing centers, watch one of our project videos here:
Texas Rowing Center - the World Class Rowing Center Built by BoardSafe Docks
Customers interested in replacing or constructing rowing docks are encouraged to consult with our Rowing Dock specialists. Contact us through our website at BoardSafeDocks.com, or call 610–899-0286 and allow us to evaluate your project.
Knox Lake BoardSafe Fishing Pier Offers Accessibility to All
The Ohio Division of Natural Resources operates Knox Lake State Park, located at 17811 Buena Vista Dr, Fredericktown, OH 43019. This 756-acre wildlife area is in central Ohio, about 1½ miles northeast of Fredericktown. The lake now offers a BoardSafe Accessible Fishing Pier, accessible to all, and even accommodates persons in wheelchairs.
The Division of Wildlife maintains the amenities at the lake and fishing is one of its most popular recreational activities. Knox Lake has one of the best largemouth bass fisheries in the state and is heavily targeted for large trophy flathead catfish. Other fishing opportunities include black and white crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, and yellow perch.
History of the Lake
Knox Lake was built by the ODNR Division of Wildlife in 1954. Its purpose was primarily for recreation. After nearly 60 years of service, the Knox Lake Dam required repair for the safety of its visitors.
In June 2020, the Division of Wildlife invested significant resources to repair, renovate, and replace parts of the dam, spillway, and main boat access. Improvements also allow them to control lake levels and prevent erosion. Public safety was the primary goal of this project, and the improvements to its fishing areas have made it a popular place to visit and a favorite fishing destination for decades to come.
Specifications of the BoardSafe Accessible Fishing Pier
- one (1) 6’ wide x 20’ long aluminum gangway with dual-sided handrail and supplemental flotation
- one (1) Bulkhead Hinge Connection Kit
- two (2) 6’2” wide x 20’ long floating docks
- two (2) 8’2” wide x 20’ long floating docks
- three (3) transition strips connecting docks
- two (2) External Elongated Piling Guides
- fishing handrail around the perimeter of (2) 8’2” wide docks
Adaptive fishing piers and aluminum floating docks are unique because they are engineered and constructed with the adaptive athlete in mind, using ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features. Whether you wish to enjoy a lakeside breeze or some exciting fishing, BoardSafe’s accessible aluminum fishing piers and floating docks provide accessibility for all.
The ADA features include a 1:12-slope aluminum gangway, as well as low-rise thresholds. The adaptive fishing piers, floating docks, and gangways have a 36″ continuous handrail along the perimeter, protective toe kick for wheelchair safety, and are consistent with ADA requirements. BoardSafe engineers its aluminum floating docks for adaptive fishing piers to provide maximum stability on the water.
To find out more about Adaptive Fishing Piers and installations, check out our website at BoardSafeDocks.com, or give us a call at 610–899-0286. Also, visit ADA Boat Launch, Floating Dock, and Fishing Pier.