Flotilla at Beaver Creek, TN, Enjoys 2 BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launches
What an amazing day of paddling the Beaver Creek Kayak Club created for their local community on Saturday, May 14, 2022, at their 5th annual Flotilla sponsored by First Bank. A passionate group of kayakers and a very long list of community stakeholders and volunteers also accomplished something for their community far beyond their successful Flotilla.
Charlie Austin, president of the Beaver Creek Kayak Club, played a substantial role in building the club to almost 3200 members who support the club’s efforts.
At the kickoff to the day’s events, Charlie Austin exuded enthusiasm and graciousness for the overwhelming community support they received. He asked for a show of hands to gauge how many paddlers were local to the Powell and Karns communities, where two BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launches have been installed. The inclusive launches are located in Powell behind the high school and in Karns at the Roy Arthur Stormwater Park. The accessible launches are 6 miles apart on the picturesque Beaver Creek. Paddlers completed the 6-mile paddle in about 3.5 hours and enjoyed some beautiful nature and sites along the way.
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Charlie asked the attendees to raise their hands if they were from outside the Powell and Karns communities. Almost half of the attendees put their hands in the air. With such an enormous turnout to the flotilla, it was evident the paddlers want what Charlie has created for his devoted community: close-to-home recreation; safe, easy, and inclusive access to the water; the ability to paddle the picturesque Beaver Creek; and a desire to connect with their community.
The installation of two BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launches has provided all that and a fun day of paddling that included everyone. “If you build it, they will come,” is a common theme where BoardSafe launches are installed. BoardSafe’s Adaptive Kayak Launches are designed for the widest range of users: young and old, novice and experienced, those who are physically able, those with limited mobility, and even paddlers in wheelchairs. The launch has been designed with the help of Ken Ryno, a C-5, C-6 paraplegic, and input from other adaptive paddlers who enjoy the freedom and independence they gain on the water. Here is a video of Ken entering his kayak independently:
The Most Accessible Adaptive Kayak Launch
The inclusive launch is fitted for kayaks, canoes, and SUPS, and gets everyone in the water safely and easily. Saturday’s flotilla connected families with each other, connected families to their community, and connected communities with other communities. The flotilla was clearly a win-win event!
The final number of registrants for the 2022 flotilla reached about 420 paddlers, a significant increase from last year's 225 participants.
Attending the event and showing support for the club’s efforts were Glenn Jacobs, Knox County Mayor; Carol Evans, Legacy Parks Foundation Executive Director and Floatmaster of the flotilla; Chris Parrot, Senior VP of First Bank, the community bank that sponsored this year’s flotilla; Joe Mack, Director of Knox County Parks and Recreation; Larsen Jay and Terry Hill, Commissioners for Knox County; and Justin Lafferty, State Representative.
Carol Evans, the Floatmaster for the flotilla, attended the first planning meeting about 7 years ago and recognized that people want close-to-home recreation opportunities. “The Great Smokey Mountains are a short drive away, but Beaver Creek is in our backyard and a place where people can stop after work or spend part of their weekend” she said. Ms. Evans also recognized Randy Burleson on the 30th anniversary of Aubrey’s Restaurant, whose generous donation to the Legacy Parks Foundation and Knox County Tennessee - Water Trail paid for the BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch at Powell, now being identified as "Aubrey’s Launch."
Larsen Jay, a commissioner for Knox County, stated that he has been involved in this project for the last 4 or 5 years. He and his co-commissioners understand the value to the community of the cleanup of Beaver Creek. So much so, that Knox County mayor Glenn Jacobs allocated one million dollars to improve and maintain the 44-mile stretch of water. A dedicated maintenance crew floats the creek every day to take something out. To date, they have removed 704 tons of debris, from small trash to downed trees and dams that have caused stormwater runoff and flooding of the community. Their vision of “Clear it, Clean it, and Care for it” has received overwhelming support from the communities along Beaver Creek.
As the creek has been cleared and cleaned, the water quality has improved, the flooding decreased, and the stream is now open to the community for paddling and fishing. Knox County Stormwater hosted an information booth at the flotilla and provided education about their role in caring for the creek. Its mission of stormwater compliance is to enhance the quality of life for Knox County citizens through education, service, and management of water resources.
Kayaking and other paddlesports have proven to be beneficial to one’s mind, body, and spirit, and major factors in the dramatic increase in the number of people who now enjoy the sports. Saturday’s flotilla demonstrated an even greater, additional value, because it showed that building and investing in community resources will bring communities together—particularly communities that may not have been connected in the past.
The excitement about these communities investing in an accessible and inclusive BoardSafe Kayak Launch was present before the flotilla started.
Charlie Austin, club president, commented on the Beaver Creek Kayak Club’s Facebook page, “Y’all!!! I absolutely could not be any more excited! The new launch docks for the Landing in Powell and Roy Arthur Stormwater Park are heading to Knoxville! These docks are going to be a game-changer for total access to the stream! I feel like a kid that’s gotten the best gift ever! I’m so excited for the future of Beaver Creek!”
It's understandable why Charlie is president of the Beaver Creek Kayak Club—his enthusiasm and passion are contagious and you feel it from the moment you meet him.
Charlie wasn’t the only one excited about the launches being installed prior to the flotilla. Meredith Millhorn Boatman spotted BoardSafe’s tractor-trailer and stopped to post the following picture to BCKC’s Facebook page to share her enthusiasm about the accessible launch that was on its way. The club’s excitement was contagious as they waited for BoardSafe Docks to arrive.
Facebook photo posted by Meredith Millhorn Boatman
The number of volunteers the kayak club rounded up was too many to count. Blue shirts were everywhere ensuring that everyone was being helped and kept happy. The day could not have been such a success without them.
This 5 a.m. setup crew worked many long days leading up to the event.
Volunteers assisting at Powell Launch (upper photo) Volunteers at Roy Arthur Park exit (lower photo)
The commitment from community stakeholders was also evident by both their time and donations. The local Napa Auto Parts donated water to each participant in the paddling event and Weigles’ convenience store donated snacks and refreshments at the first exit and tossed granola bars and treats to those who chose to complete the full 6-mile paddle.
Almost every segment of the community seems to have played a part in this grassroots effort started by the Beaver Creek Kayaking Club and Karns Community Club. Participants included local scouting groups and high school teams who volunteered their time. What a great example this community is modeling for their youth!
The long-range plan of the Beaver Creek Kayak Club is to work with community stakeholders to continue to "Clear, Clean, and Care for" the 44-mile stretch of Beaver Creek. After their extremely successful flotilla, their energy level remains high to continue on down the creek. Connecting communities and getting everyone on the water safely and easily will please the families who reside there, build value by connecting the communities, and make Beaver Creek accessible to everyone who wishes to enjoy its beauty.
Adaptive Paddler Reviews Accessible Kayak Launch After First Experience
If you are interested in learning more about the amazing efforts of the Beaver Creek Kayak Club, you can follow them on Facebook and view hundreds of pictures from this memorable day. To help support this amazing community with their continuing efforts, you may donate here: https://legacyparks.networkforgood.com/projects/161247-beaver-creek-water-trail.
BoardSafe Docks was pleased to play a part in the design and manufacture of adaptive kayak launches for both the Powell and Karns communities. These launches will allow safe and easy access to the water for many years to come. "It was an incredible experience and an honor to have played a part in the event,” said Scott Tihansky of BoardSafe Docks. The excitement and sense of community could be felt by everyone involved. Every paddler ended their day with a smile. “Incredible." "Amazing." "So easy." "This is so awesome!” These were comments heard from paddlers as they exited their kayaks after the 6-mile paddle to the Karns Community Launch.
Click on the following link to view more pictures from the Beaver Creek Kayak Club 2022 Flotilla:
https://www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#B0l53qWtHZdfDR
BoardSafe Docks is a trusted designer, engineer, and manufacturer, of all types of aluminum floating docks and fishing pier systems. Their adaptive kayak launch and design knowledge about specific adaptive features necessary for paddlers in wheelchairs help make inclusive paddling happen for many cities, towns, lakes, and riverfront communities.
BoardSafe also specializes in designing and manufacturing rowing centers for national collegiate rowing teams all across the USA. You’ll find their gangways located all across the United States in places like the TD Garden in Boston and Battery Park in New York. They find solutions for many design questions that leave architects and engineers scratching their heads. BoardSafe is the go-to source for any project on the water. Their sales team is always available for questions, consultation, and to assist you in finding your optimal waterfront solution.
To learn more about our projects, please visit our website, BoardSafeDocks.com, or contact us at 610-899-0286.
We Empower All Abilities. This Spring Will Be More Fun for Paddlers at the New Beaver Creek Launch in Powell, TN
Two new adaptive kayak launches have been installed on Beaver Creek! You will find them at Powell High Landing (Brickyard Road) and Roy Arthur Stormwater Park (Harrell Road).
Beaver Creek Water Trail spans the length of Knox County, Tennessee, a 44-mile stretch from Halls to Melton Hill in Hardin Valley, and is a popular spot for paddling; ADA boat dock with kayak put-in behind Powell High School; dock/put-in at Roy Arthur Stormwater Park features a popular route running from the Park to the Northwest Sports Complex with a mix of light rapids and peaceful, placid water.
Beaver Creek is an ideal learning site, especially the area from Halls to Powell or launching at the put-in behind Powell High School and floating to Clinton Highway. You can stand up and walk out of most places in the creek and the gentle current will carry you along.
Learn more about the Beaver Creek Water Trail and how BoardSafe Docks helped them meet their accessibility and deadline goals with these local pieces:
View this video on Facebook:
facebook.com/groups/1682230425349003/permalink/3166073996964631/
Mandarin Park Florida Adaptive Kayak Launch
The City of Jacksonville, Florida, recently installed its fourth BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch at their Mandarin Park location in December 2021. The fully-accessible launch is located at 14780 Mandarin Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32223-2650.
Jacksonville is home to the largest urban park system in the nation, and is committed to making its park system an equitable and inclusive destination for its city’s residents and visitors. Enjoying the outdoors and taking advantage of the available activities offered through the city’s parks and recreation department have been a priority for the city’s administration.
Jacksonville is proud of its accomplishments in supporting adaptive recreation. Their rivers and waterways also support a wide variety of outdoor activities that include boating, fishing, bird and wildlife viewing, and a slew of special events that now can include and be attended by everyone. History and tourism also attract visitors to their city. Over the last several years, the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department has striven to improve its park facilities by making them equitable and inclusive destinations for people of all abilities. They’re hoping others will help spread the word about their adaptive facilities and recreation programs, including their adaptive kayak launch systems that can be found at the updated Mandarin Park facility and other parks around the city.
Last year was the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Jacksonville was pleased to share where they stand in supporting people with disabilities. The city created a video highlighting its efforts and identified adaptive recreation as a major initiative as part of its mission to make Jacksonville an accessible city for everyone. Adaptive paddling with the BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch is highlighted 5 minutes and 30 seconds into their showcase video (below). Jacksonville is a river city as well as a beachfront destination, and they continue to find creative ways to be at the forefront of providing access to their natural resources, rivers, and the ocean, for people with disabilities.
Americans With Disabilities Act 30th Anniversary celebrated in Jacksonville.
Mandarin Park is located in the southeast section of Jacksonville, adjacent to Julington Creek. In addition to an adaptive kayak launch, there are accessible picnic shelters, walking trails, and ADA-compliant playground equipment.
How BoardSafe Docks helped improve Jacksonville’s accessibility
The original Mandarin Park amenities included a boat ramp, floating docks, and a fixed fishing pier. However, prior to the existence of the ADA and Jacksonville’s accessible initiatives, its parks were not originally designed with inclusivity in mind. The Mandarin Park site contained a large amount of vegetation along the shoreline and was not conducive to safe or easy access to the water. While people were drawn to the beauty of the area and its waterfront destination, the pre-ADA facility made accessing the water very difficult and challenging. Access wasn’t safe for the adaptive paddler or their friends, family, and paddling groups who had to carry, lift, and maneuver an adaptive paddler into his or her kayak or canoe.
The upgrade to the Mandarin Park facility included increasing the number of aluminum floating docks in the boat ramp area and adding an accessible walkway along the shoreline that invites people in wheelchairs to a site they were previously restricted from using.
The BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch allows paddlers a way to access their kayaking vessel and canoe both safely and easily. The facility update allows for people with disabilities to participate and enjoy the park, its facilities, pavilions, walking trails, and adaptive kayaking on the water along with their friends, family, and other user groups who may require specific adaptive features. It’s become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
The height of the new walkway and mean low water elevations (that spanned 48 inches at its lowest and widest point) dictated that the length of the new gangway and chute be 53 feet long. Jacksonville mandates the slope of the gangways in their city to be no greater than a 1/20 pitch. Their required slope is actually more stringent than the 1/12 slope mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Under ADA guidelines, the gangway would normally have been acceptable at 32 feet. However, Jacksonville’s more stringent requirements increased the gangway length to 53 feet, thereby ensuring accessibility. What most people fail to realize or understand is that ADA standards identify minimum guidelines and standards. When structures are only designed and built to those minimum standards, they often exclude people with the most severe limitations and do not offer access to everyone.
The length of the 53-foot gangway was necessary to accommodate the 48-inches of elevation difference from the top of the water to the top of the gangway’s connection point and allows for fluctuations in the rise and fall of the tide.
Where you can find other BoardSafe Adaptive Launch Systems in Jacksonville
The City of Jacksonville has contracted with BoardSafe Docks for four waterfront projects for their city. Brian Burket, Waterfront Project Manager for the City of Jacksonville, has headed up all four of these adaptive projects. Brian has recognized the high level of accessibility a BoardSafe Kayak Launch offers to the City of Jacksonville and its adaptive paddling community. Other BoardSafe Adaptive Launches installed by the city that align with their mission of making Jacksonville an inclusive and accessible city can be found at:
- Bethesda Park, 10790 Key Haven Blvd., Jacksonville, FL, 32218
- Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, 500 Wonderwood Dr., Jacksonville, FL, 32233
- Southbank Riverwalk, 1001 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, FL, 32207
BoardSafe’s versatile launch system can also be used with canoes and standup paddleboards — there’s a center void down the middle of the launch saddle that will also accommodate an SUP’s rudder. The launches may be used by anyone but offer specific adaptive features so the launch can be used and enjoyed by everyone.
The cost for this inclusive and versatile launch system was approximately $85,000 and included an 8’ x 20’ aluminum floating dock, the adaptive kayak launch kit with multiple adaptive features, and a 53-foot gangway.
BoardSafe Docks is a trusted designer, engineer, and manufacturer, of all types of aluminum floating docks and fishing pier systems. Their adaptive kayak launch and design knowledge about specific adaptive features that are necessary for paddlers in wheelchairs help make inclusion happen for many cities, towns, lakes, and riverfront communities.
BoardSafe also specializes in designing and manufacturing rowing centers for national collegiate rowing teams all across the USA. You’ll find their gangways located all across the United States in places like the TD Garden in Boston and Battery Park in New York. They find solutions to design questions that can leave architects and engineers scratching their heads.
BoardSafe is the go-to source for any project on the water. Their sales team is always available for questions, consultation, and to assist you with finding your optimal waterfront solution.
The most accessible kayak launch
To learn more about our projects, please visit our website, BoardSafeDocks.com, or call us at 610-899-0286.
New Truly Adaptive Launch at Medina on the Erie Canal
The first challenge identified by BoardSafe Docks was that the existing gangway didn't conform to ADA guidelines and was greater than a 1/12 slope. To correct this issue, a landing was constructed for the existing gangway to rest on and a second gangway added to connect from that platform to the floating dock.
This concept was a cost savings for Mayor Mike Sidari in the Village of Medina because BoardSafe recognized they were able to use their existing gangway and not replace it with a more costly gangway. A replacement gangway would have been nearly 70-feet long.
The adaptive kayak launch in Medina was designed to attach to the customer’s existing floating marina. The marina’s freeboard was 16 inches, and the same height as a standard BoardSafe Dock. BoardSafe was able to size the docks and configure the launch to fit onto the downriver side of their dock system.
The components of this project included a customized landing platform for their existing gangway, a new 30-foot aluminum welded gangway, two 5' x 10' floating docks, one 8' x 20' floating dock, and one Clip-a-Launch 20S with a single side entry.
The cost of this project was approximately $65,000.
The BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch appeals to adaptive paddlers and will help the village of Medina continue to grow as a tourist destination because of its accessibility to the water, downtown historic district, and painted murals project located behind their historic downtown buildings.
Read more about BoardSafe's exclusive adaptive products here.
BoardSafe Docks Improves Accessibility for Adaptive Paddling Along the Erie Canal
Hospitality and heritage bring hundreds of thousands of tourists to the Erie Canal each summer. They come from near and they come from far, attracted to the region by different activities: biking, paddling, camping, hiking, shopping, sight-seeing, or simply to refresh and resolve to do absolutely nothing. The tourists are as diverse as the region itself. This includes a diverse range of personal mobility — some hindered by age and arthritis, others living with significant disabilities. As a tourist, there is nothing worse than having your group — whether family or friends — fragmented because one member in the group is unable to access a particular location. Everyone in the tourism industry knows the importance of being hospitable, and this includes accommodating those with disabilities.
As the Erie Canal Heritage Corridor strives to better accommodate all visitors, many local leaders have recognized the popularity of paddling and the need to provide safe and convenient access in and out of the water. The recent addition of three adaptive kayak launches has improved accessibility for the adaptive paddling community and all visitors hoping to paddle the historic canal.
BoardSafe Docks is the manufacturer of the adaptive kayak launch, an industry leader in customized marine access products. BoardSafe Docks’ inclusive design allows for persons in wheelchairs to safely transition into their kayak and out on the water. It also ensures that groups of family and friends paddle together.
The launch system has been engineered with specific adaptive features that have improved the paddling experience for the widest range of users. The launch can also be used with canoes and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), making it a versatile option for towns, communities, and park systems looking for a truly inclusive launch.
Read "Who can use the BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch?"
The Story of the Erie Canal
The Erie Canal is one of the greatest civil engineering feats in our nation’s history. Nestled along the Erie Canal are 234 cities, towns, and villages that touch New York’s 524 miles of navigable waterways. The identities of its communities are all tied to their canal heritage. Historically, the Erie Canal created an economic structure by connecting its small canal towns, opening a water route to the midwest, and allowing for cheaper transportation of goods. The canal provided new opportunities for work and life for Americans living along the canal corridor. The waterway created a social connectedness between villages and served as the information highway for that era. The canal also became instrumental for social reform.
Today, the Erie Canal corridor is a national heritage landmark and a national treasure for each village because of its help in shaping American history. History and tourism are the crown jewels of each canal town. In-water activities offered along the canal corridor — specifically, paddlesports like kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding — offer a positive contribution to each town’s economy.
Tourism and paddling on the Erie Canal
There has been a tremendous increase in kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding over the last several years. COVID has added to paddlesports’ popularity. Visitor research completed for the Erie Canalway National Corridor in 2017 reported that 42% of visitors would like to canoe or kayak on the canal.
Erie_Canalway-Visitor_Research.pdf
In the years since that research study has been completed, it’s very likely the percentage of visitors interested in paddling the canal has increased. However, most small towns have not improved their canal access points or made provisions to include the disabled community. Launches that have not been improved and launches that have been built in accordance with minimum ADA standards still exclude a large group of adaptive paddlers. Adaptive paddlers require a launch with specific adaptive features. Adaptive athletes find great joy in getting into their vessel and out onto the water with their family and friends.
Providing accessibility for all abilities
Why paddle the Erie Canal?
Kayaking and other paddle sports are great options for visiting tourists who want to experience life on the water in the small canal towns. Fishing, relaxation, fun, and family, were the answers most often given when kayakers were asked about what draws them to the water. Kayaking allows for those who love the water to get out onto the water for less money than the cost of boating.
"We kind of just like going at our own pace, it's peaceful, and you can take kayaks into places you can't take other boats," said a paddler who used the Fairport Village Launch operated by the Erie Boat Company.
Benefits of a BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch
The Village of Fairport is proudly equipped with a custom BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch, part of a complete waterfront redesign at its Erie Canal’s entry point. GPI, the design engineer on the project, sought out BoardSafe Docks for their assistance in developing a design solution that would fit the adaptive launch into a designated space that rests next to their newly-designed boat ramp.
The launch system was designed with a concrete trench at the top of the launch that allowed for the installation of the bulkhead angle and related hinge pin. This space allowed the pin to be removed for an easy installation.
The customized scope of this project included an 8-foot-wide gangway that fit into the designated launch space. The chute was also designed to be 8 feet. The launch included an 8-foot by 20-foot floating dock and Clip-A-Launch 20S (designed for entry from one end). The cost of this project was $50,000 and was installed at the location of the Erie Boat Company, Inc., operated by Peter Abele.
The Erie Canal Boat Company offers kayak rentals and excursions on the Erie Canal and also has associated walking and bike trails along the canal. Their accessible boat company offers kayak, canoe, paddle board, pontoon, and bicycle rentals to people of all abilities.
The Erie Canal Boat Company is a recognized supporter of, and partner with, Rochester Accessible Adventures and the Adaptive Paddling And Cycling Centers (APACC) in the Upstate New York Regions. Together they host accessible paddle days, offer training, equipment, and inclusive programming to transform the Erie Canalway. Anita O’Brien, Executive Director of RAA, has a mission to ensure that people with disabilities who live or travel in the region have access to equipment and have the ability to enter the water as safely and easily as they deserve. She wants everyone to experience the greatness of the Erie Canalway alongside their family and friends. Anita O’Brien is currently working with BoardSafe to get more of their adaptive launches installed along the canal.
The BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch supported the Erie Canal Boat Company in their mission and has helped make Fairport an inclusive destination for paddlers of all abilities. Tourism is on the rise in Fairport, which is becoming recognized as an inclusive destination.
The Village of Brockport installed their BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch in June 2021. The adaptive system is located in downtown Brockport along the Erie Canal. One of the challenges for this project was a nearly 20-foot-high concrete wall along the entire area, meaning the gangway for this project needed to be engineered from the walkway along the wall and down to the dock.
Since the canal is considered a "navigable waterway,” the Erie Canal Corporation stipulated the entire dock system could only project a minimal distance into the canal. BoardSafe Docks identified a design solution that included a cantilevered walkway with support arms attached to the concrete wall. The walkway provided the solution as well as the necessary attachment point for the gangway that ran parallel to the concrete wall and attached to the floating dock. The adaptive launch was attached to the opposite end, allowing for safer and easier access for persons in wheelchairs.
A second challenge at this site was keeping the dock system in place. BoardSafe analyzed the options and recommended that two vertical I-Beam pilings be bolted to the concrete wall and piling guides be attached to the floating dock. This solution allowed the dock system to move up and down as the water level fluctuated, keeping the dock in the same position in relation to the concrete wall.
This custom project included a 5' x 6' landing, a 4' x 16' gangway, one 8' x 20’ floating dock, one Clip-a-Launch 16Dual that allows entry from both sides, and two custom I-Beam pilings and piling guides.
The total cost of this project was about $45,000.
Brockport is on the National Register of Historic Places and is known for its Victorian downtown district. The College at Brockport, State University of NY, is also located here and is recognized for offering the first Adaptive Physical Education Program in the country. It’s fitting that the Village of Brockport understands the need for equity and inclusion in providing an accessible waterfront and saw value in the BoardSafe Adaptive kayak launch with specific adaptive features, ensuring that paddlers of all abilities can experience the joys of paddling the Erie Canal.
The Village of Medina installed a customized BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch, Floating Docks, Gangway, and Landing, completed in September 2021.
The first challenge identified by BoardSafe Docks was that the existing gangway didn't conform to ADA guidelines and was greater than a 1/12 slope. To correct this issue, a landing was constructed for the existing gangway to rest on and a second gangway added to connect from that platform to the floating dock. This concept was a cost savings for Mayor Mike Sidari in the Village of Medina because BoardSafe recognized they were able to use their existing gangway and not replace it with a more costly gangway. A replacement gangway would have been nearly 70-feet long.
The adaptive kayak launch in Medina was designed to attach to the customer’s existing floating marina. The marina’s freeboard was 16 inches, and the same height of a standard BoardSafe Dock. BoardSafe was able to size the docks and configure the launch to fit onto the downriver side of their dock system.
The components of this project included a customized landing platform for their existing gangway, a new 30-foot aluminum welded gangway, two 5' x 10' floating docks, one 8' x 20' floating dock, and one Clip-a-Launch 20S with a single side entry.
The cost of this project was approximately $65,000.
The BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch appeals to adaptive paddlers and will help the village of Medina continue to grow as a tourist destination because of its accessibility to the water, downtown historic district, and painted murals project located behind their historic downtown buildings.
Although the needs and challenges of these three villages are all very unique and different, BoardSafe Docks was able to evaluate their needs and identify a solution to create an accessible launch system that includes specific features that will work for an adaptive paddler.
Build one and they will come
In addition to helping Erie Canal communities boost tourism and revenue, More Features = More Paddlers. Adaptive launches serve a wide range of paddling groups, making it safer and easier to enter and exit the vessel and the water. Adaptive launches are all about inclusion and human rights. Launches with specialized features increase social connection for adaptive paddlers and offer physical activity to contribute to the best medical outcomes. The Erie Canal has a great history for improving the lives of Americans who lived and worked on the canal and contributed to social reform. Today, the canal and villages have the ability to continue this work and ensure their launches are available to and accessible for everyone.
BoardSafe Docks is the industry leader in adaptive kayak launches and fishing piers, gangways and pedestrian bridges, rowing centers, and marinas. They specialize in design consultation, engineering, and manufacturing, and will work with you to ensure your project is accessible to the widest range of users and that necessary specific adaptive features are not overlooked.
You may learn more about BoardSafe Dock’s projects through our website at BoardSafeDocks.com or by calling 610-899-0286.
Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Commits to Universal Access
The NYS Canalway Water Trail with Universal Access offers paddlers a wealth of places to visit and sights to see. You'll navigate century-old locks, pass stunning stone aqueducts used to carry boats over rivers and streams in the 1800s; paddle alongside tugboats and cruisers; and experience narrow flatwater stretches and wider river segments. For a constructed waterway, the canal is surprisingly serene and natural. You can expect to see a diversity of birds and wildlife, unique geology, and varying terrain.
Rochester Accessible Adventures, under the leadership of Anita O'Brien, M.A., a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, is on a mission to improve the health and wellness of people with disabilities by guiding communities to create a culture of physical accessibility, social inclusion, and equitable open access in recreation, sports and tourism.
Rochester Accessible Adventures and Erie Canal Boat Company have led the charge for adaptive paddling.
Hot off the press! In response to a dramatic increase in canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards on the NYS Canal System, Erie Canalway has recently published the New York State Canal System Hand-Launch Facility Design Guide. The free guide shares best practices for communities and organizations looking to install hand-launch facilities for paddlers on the NYS Canal System. It is a tremendous resource for inclusion and making the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor a world-class paddling destination! We at BoardSafe are privileged to work with Erie Canalway on this endeavor and we are honored to be featured on the cover. It is available for free download at eriecanalway.org/watertrail.
You can view the guide here: NYS Canal System Hand-Launch Facility Design Guide (PDF).
BoardSafe Adds Unique Adaptive Launch on Ohio River, Manchester
The Village of Manchester, Ohio, on the Ohio River, has an existing floating wood dock that rises and falls with the river level. A wooden piling inserted through the dock "guides" the wooden dock during fluctuations.
The wooden dock provides protection from the force of the current because the BoardSafe ADA launch is downriver, blocked from the river flow and floating debris.
The old dock has a 20" freeboard, whereas the adaptive launch has a 16" freeboard. A lower freeboard means easier entry into the boat or kayak BoardSafe designed and installed a transitional ramp to go from the floating wooden pier to the floating adaptive dock and launch.
The new dock also features a bench rail, toe kick, handrails, and hand straps, and is suitable for stand-up paddleboard use.
View some photos of the installation below:
[metaslider id="6968"]
BoardSafe Custom Pier and Docks on the Schuylkill River
This recent BoardSafe custom installation includes an aluminum staircase leading down the bank, measuring 3½ feet wide by 18 feet long. It also includes a fixed aluminum pier, as well as floating aluminum docks.
City of Coeur d'Alene Atlas Waterfront Project
The City of Coeur d'Alene has officially purchased nearly 47 acres of Spokane River waterfront property that was the former Atlas Mill site for the inclusion of a BoardSafe adaptive kayak launch and Clip-A-Launch. The city purchased the property for $7,850,000 and the sale was recorded on May 16, 2018, making the sale official. The city began the process of purchasing the Atlas Waterfront property in May of 2017. The city purchased the property to create permanent public waterfront access and encourage economic development initiatives on the site.
The featured photo is of the BoardSafe Kayak Launch being installed in Coeur D’Alene, Idaho, at Atlas Mill Waterfront Park. This system not only includes our standard launch system, but a Clip-A-Launch as well. This was BoardSafe's first project in Idaho.
The City of Coeur d'Alene is working in partnership with ignite CDA to assess all opportunities related to uses of this property and to engage the community. The City Council and ignite CDA board members have directed staff to move forward with creating a new urban renewal district, which is being referred to as the Atlas District, and to expand the River and Lake districts. A Site Analysis, Financial Feasibility Study, and Master Planning effort is underway to develop an urban renewal plan for the project. That effort is being led by Welch-Comer Engineers with sub-consultants Heartland and GGLO. City staff, ignite CDA, and elected officials have been working together to provide feedback on the analysis and to provide ample opportunities for community outreach and public involvement. Special thanks to CDA2030 and other community volunteers for making the community engagement efforts to date a success.
Here we will provide basic project information, project status updates, and when and how stakeholders and community members can get involved in sharing their thoughts on this important project.
News & Information
- ATLAS WATERFRONT NEWS LOG (Click on link for more project information and news)
- COR Vision Group
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Traffic Impact Study Frequently Asked Questions
- Property Photos - Taken June 2017
- Environmental & Geotechnical Research of Property
- Resolution No. 14-049 - A City Council resolution calling for maximization of public access to riverfront property
- City Purchases Atlas Waterfront - It's official. The 47-acre Atlas Waterfront property is now owned by the City of Coeur d'Alene! The City purchased the property for $7,850,000 and the sale was recorded on May 16th, making the sale official. The City began the process of purchasing the property in May of 2017.
Rowing Center Aluminum Floating Dock Survives Flood
The Conshohocken Rowing Center, located north of Philadelphia on the Schuylkill River, was challenged by a rainstorm that caused the river to rise 20 feet, reaching the top of the embankment. Despite the flooding, the aluminum floating docks, gangways, and rowing center, remained intact. This is yet another testimony to BoardSafe's engineering and construction skills. Watch this on-the-spot video: