Visit the 2026 ASLA Southeast Regional Conference Today!
The 2026 ASLA Southeast Regional Conference is happening this weekend, May 29th through June 1st, at the Raleigh Convention Center in Downtown Raleigh, NC.
See Tom and Kelly of BoardSafeDocks and HivePaddlesports, and hear how we can design, engineer, and fabricate your waterfront infrastructure and help you #AccessYourAdventure on the water!
#UniversalAccess #AccessibleKayaking #FishingPiers #Gangways #PedestrianBridges #CourtesyBoatDocks
Spring is Calling...Call BoardSafeDocks
Spring is calling, and it’s time to get people back outside.
As parks, trails, and greenways come alive with warmer temperatures and longer days, access to the outdoors matters more than ever. That’s where BoardSafe Docks comes in. As an industry leader in accessible outdoor products and services, BoardSafe helps communities remove barriers and open the door to nature for everyone.
From beautifully designed pedestrian bridges, like the one shown here, to accessible kayak launches, fishing piers, and floating boat docks, BoardSafe’s solutions connect people to the outdoors in meaningful ways. Whether it’s crossing a quiet stream, exploring a riverside trail, or simply enjoying a scenic overlook, these structures enable individuals of all abilities to experience the benefits of being outdoors.
This spring, invest in infrastructure that invites everyone in. Partner with BoardSafe Docks and create spaces where communities can gather, explore, and thrive, because the outdoors should be for all!
For more information on our accessible solutions, contact BoardSafeDocks at 610-899-0286.
BoardSafeDocks and HivePaddleSports Celebrate Tennessee's Outdoors
BoardSafeDocks and HivePaddleSports were proud to join the second annual Outdoors Day on the Hill, hosted by the Tennessee Outdoor Partnership (TOP) on March 24 in Nashville, TN.
With more than 650 members of the General Assembly and the public in attendance, the day brought together the people and organizations shaping the future of outdoor recreation across Tennessee.
Watch video here: Celebrating the 2026 Outdoors Day on the Hill
BoardSafe and Hive are honored to partner with leaders across the state to deliver recreational infrastructure, from floating docks and fishing piers to accessible kayak launches and kayak rental kiosks that connect communities to Tennessee’s incredible lakes, rivers, and streams.
These investments do more than create great experiences outdoors; they prove to
✔️ Drive economic growth
✔️ Enhance quality of life in parks and communities
✔️ Inspire stewardship of natural resources
The impact is real. Tennessee’s outdoor industry generated $15.6 billion in 2024 and supports over 114,000 jobs, ranking #1 in the Southeast and #2 in the nation for 10-year GDP growth in the outdoor recreation sector.
A big thank you to Tennessee Outdoor Partnership (TOP), along with state agencies and partners like Trust for Public Land and The Nature Conservancy in Tennessee, for making this event possible and continuing to move outdoor access forward.
Outdoor recreation isn’t just fun—it’s fundamental to Tennessee’s future.
Events like this allow us to showcase our designs, engineering, and waterfront infrastructure that connects Tennesseans and their visitors to the water for endless adventures in boating, fishing, and kayaking. Thanks again, Tennessee Outdoor Partnership (TOP), for an awesome day on the Hill!
#AccessYourAdventure #OutdoorsTN #OutdoorsDayOnTheHill2026 #TNConservation #TennesseeOutdoorsPartnership #OutdoorRecreation
BoardSafe Expands to Support Demand for Accessible Infrastructure
BoardSafeDocks of Fleetwood, PA, a leading designer and manufacturer of aluminum floating dock systems and accessible waterfront infrastructure, has completed a significant expansion of its manufacturing operations to support continued growth and increasing nationwide demand.
The expansion adds new production space and long-term infrastructure improvements that will allow BoardSafe to increase production, improve workflow efficiency, and continue delivering high-quality, custom-engineered dock systems for public agencies, municipalities, and private clients across the U.S.
“This investment reflects the sustained demand we’re seeing for durable, accessible, and thoughtfully engineered waterfront solutions,” said Tom Warchol, co-owner, BoardSafe. “By expanding our manufacturing footprint, we’re positioning the company to support our partners better, shorten lead times, and maintain the level of quality and service our customers expect.”
Working with Seedcopa to finance the purchase of additional manufacturing space has enabled us to grow and expand our manufacturing capabilities and meet customers’ growing needs. Seedcopa’s long-term, fixed-rate financing supports BoardSafe’s responsible growth and preserves operational flexibility and working capital. This expansion reinforces our commitment to long-term manufacturing investment, skilled labor, and domestic production.
BoardSafe’s dock systems are used nationwide in parks, marinas, riverfronts, and public access sites, with a strong focus on ADA-compliant design, resilience, and low lifecycle maintenance. The expanded facility will support both current product lines and future innovation as the company continues to grow.
For more information about BoardSafe, our products, or joining our innovative team, visit www.boardsafedocks.com.
BoardSafeDocks Wishes Our Family, Friends, & Customers a Blessed Christmas!
As the year draws to a close, we had the pleasure of gathering at our Pennsylvania manufacturing plant for a festive holiday luncheon and a heartfelt "Thank you!” to some of our team members in person.
We are deeply grateful for the dedication and expertise of our team, whose contributions in sales, design, engineering, and manufacturing help make our floating dock systems the industry standard for quality and innovation.
During this season of celebration, we want to extend our sincerest thanks to our employees, industry partners, and customers for the opportunity to work together. We are honored by the trust our customers place in us and the unwavering commitment our employees bring to delivering accessible, high-quality designs that have earned us recognition as the nation’s leader in water access solutions.
At BoardSafe, we value the relationships we’ve built and appreciate the time, conversations, and collaborations with those who help us make universal access a reality for communities across the country. Your support makes our work meaningful, and for that, we are truly blessed.
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous, safe, and peaceful holiday season!
#BoardSafeDocks #HivePaddleSports #AccessYourAdventure #ExperienceCounts #RelationshipsMatter #BlessedHolidaySeason
Find a BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch Near You!
Many customers and paddlers ask about the locations of additional BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launches. BoardSafe has a live link on our website that gets updated as more accessible systems are installed across the country. To find a BoardSafe Accessible and Adaptive Kayak Launch near you, click on the live link or copy this link into your browser: BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch Locations.
Customers and accessibility advocates prefer BoardSafe Docks because of the trust we have developed and the reputation we have built as the industry leader in waterfront accessibility products. Our popular products include the Adaptive Kayak Launch, Accessible Fishing Pier, Floating Courtesy Dock, Pedestrian Bridge, and ADA Gangway, which make waterfronts accessible to all.
Users praise our accessible products because the design features were originally contributed to by a group of adaptive paddlers in wheelchairs. Collectively, they shared what features worked and what didn't work, identified features that needed further development, and offered their thoughts about missing components at other launches they had visited in their travels. We heard that their adaptive paddling group was growing, and their needs were becoming more diverse. Almost every paddler reported frustration about visiting locations that were deemed accessible, yet they still couldn't access the water. BoardSafe Docks listened to their needs and concerns, then designed, engineered, and manufactured an adaptive kayak launch suitable for paddlers in wheelchairs and people with mobility limitations. The inclusive launch gets almost everyone into the water.
While other dock manufacturers have attempted to copy our system, our proprietary extrusions make our products one-of-a-kind in engineering, design, and manufacturing. BoardSafe is known and appreciated for our excellent customer service and for working with our clients to provide individualized solutions for each launch location.
We are dedicated to designing products that are not just "ADA compliant" on paper, but truly functional and empowering for our users with diverse needs. Our original collaboration is the foundation we are built on with a solution-focused commitment that makes BoardSafe Docks stand out.
BoardSafe is inspired by hearing feedback from adaptive paddling groups that use our launches. Offering universal access to paddlers who were excluded in the past is precisely why BoardSafe Docks works hard to uphold our reputation as the premier provider of waterfront accessibility products. BoardSafe’s spirit of innovation and inclusion is a testament to listening to our paddlers and the communities who put their trust in us.
Here's to continued success in making waterfronts accessible to all! We hope you’ll consider trying out a BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch Location Near You and will allow us to work with you to transform your waterfront into a uniquely accessible location for kayaking, fishing, and boating opportunities in your community.
For more information or a free consultation, contact us at BoardSafeDocks.com or give us a call at 610-899-0286.
BoardSafe Docks a Winner of the 2025 INNOVATEAble Showcase!
BoardSafe Docks is thrilled to be recognized as a winner of the 2025 INNOVATEAble Showcase, held in honor of the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act!
BoardSafe’s Accessible and Adaptive Kayak Launch was selected as one of the top solutions advancing accessibility in the travel and tourism industry. We were excited to present our winning pitch at the TravelAbility Showcase in July 2025 in preparation for TravelAbility’s Summit this October in Sunriver, Oregon. BoardSafe Docks is proud to continue driving change through innovation alongside other participants in the showcase.
Each participant provided a 3-minute video pitch about their product and was interviewed by the judges during a 7-minute question-and-answer session to discuss the features of our kayak launch and share the impact of our accessible system, as well as how it enhances the paddling experience for people with disabilities.
Lori Limpar, Content Marketing Manager for BoardSafe Docks, represented BoardSafe in the showcase.
The participants in Pitchfest 2025 included:
- ADAPTS A lightweight transfer sling for safer mobility in tight or inaccessible spaces.
- BoardSafe Docks Accessible kayak launches and floating docks that expand waterfront access with features that offer universal access to all.
- Koda AI-powered live captioning that works on any device, no app required.
- Lotus A smart ring that controls devices with a simple point—no Wi-Fi or rewiring needed.
- RightHear Audible wayfinding for blind and low vision travelers navigating indoor and outdoor spaces.
- ScanMeHome A QR-code ID system that helps quickly reunite loved ones who may wander.
- Touch2See 3D Tablets that let blind sports fans follow the action in real time.
The judges praised the caliber of entries and noted just how tough the competition was this year. With so many standout innovations, choosing winners wasn’t easy.
Thank you to the judges, Nick Nerbonne, Chris Maher, Autumn Saxton-Ross, and Kristine McConnell!
More information about the Summit is available at this link: TravelAbility Summit.
Participants attending the Summit will elevate their experience at the leading conference on Accessible Travel!
#INNOVATEAble #TravelAbilitySummit #AccessibleInnovation #ADA35 #DisabilityInclusion
We’re heading back to the NRPA Conference 2024. Are you?
The NRPA Conference is taking place October 8 - October 10 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA. This event is the largest annual gathering of park and recreation professionals in one place, and an excellent opportunity to showcase, network, and learn about products and services in the field of recreation.
Come see BoardSafe Docks in the Exhibit Hall in Booth #2642!
BoardSafe’s kayak launch is designed for universal access and offers great stability with adaptive features. It improves the kayaking experience for paddlers of all abilities. The launch system is designed to accommodate both kayaks and canoes and is a perfect addition to parks, marinas, and waterfronts looking to improve accessibility.
For those looking to enhance their kayaking adventure with a safer, stable, and easy launch system, please stop by booth #2642. Scott and Dave from BoardSafe Docks would love to share information about BoardSafe’s product line and show you the features of an adaptive kayak launch. It’s not too late to register for the NRPA 2024 Annual Conference. We hope to see you there!
#NRPA2024 #WhereYouBelong #UniversalAccess #AccessibleSolutions
We're Counting Down Until #ASLA2024 in D.C.! Will you be there?
BoardSafe Docks is attending the ASLA Conference on Landscape Architecture October 6th – 9th in Washington, DC.
The ASLA Conference on Landscape Architecture is the largest annual gathering of landscape architecture and allied professionals, all coming together to learn, connect, share knowledge, gain inspiration, and bring value to their practice. The conference offers sessions, professional development, networking opportunities, and a world-class EXPO featuring over 275 vendors showcasing cutting-edge products and services.
Come see BoardSafe Docks in Booth #3757
BoardSafe’s kayak launch is designed for universal access and offers great stability with adaptive features. It improves the kayaking experience for paddlers of all abilities. The launch system is designed to accommodate both kayaks and canoes and is a perfect addition to parks, marinas, and waterfronts looking to improve accessibility.
For those looking to enhance their kayaking adventure with a safer, stable, and easy to launch system, please stop by booth #3757 in the exhibit hall. Tom Warchol and Kelly Beals from BoardSafe Docks would love to share information about BoardSafe’s product line and demonstrate the features of an adaptive kayak launch in person. It’s not too late to register at the ASLA Conference on Landscape Architecture. We hope to connect with you there!
#ASLA2024 #BoardSafeDocks #UniversalAccess #AccessibleSolutions
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.