Lake Acorn Hosts 2025 Greenways & Trail Forum By TN State Parks
Lake Acorn, located within Montgomery Bell State Park at 1020 Jackson Hill Road in Burns, Tennessee, is a cherished spot for outdoor enthusiasts. It recently hosted the 2025 Greenways & Trail Forum sponsored by the Tennessee State Parks, Office of Outdoor Recreation.
The Greenways & Trails Forum is designed to allow trail builders, planners, land managers, advocates, and volunteers to share the latest resources on trails, greenways, and blueways. Tom Warchol of BoardSafe Docks presented information to attendees about our accessible product line and our partnership with Tennessee State Parks, helping to build accessible infrastructures along the water.
The park's BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch demonstrates a commitment to accessibility, ensuring all visitors, regardless of mobility, can experience the beauty of Acorn Lake.
Attendees who like to paddle or fish had the opportunity to try out the recently installed BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch and enjoy the park’s beautiful scenery. Lake Acorn offers something for everyone.
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 between land and 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 is one rental outfitter on the lake, 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 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. The 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.
Wildlife watching
Montgomery Bell State Park boasts 20 miles of trails and a campground with a few 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. It proved to be the perfect setting for the Greenways & Trail Forum!
BoardSafe Docks understands the impact its accessible launch 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.
BoardSafe Docks is pleased to work in partnership with Tennessee State Parks to preserve, protect, and provide access to Tennessee's natural and cultural resources while providing safe and improved access to the water for an improved outdoor experience.
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. #AccessYourAdventure
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
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.
Beaver Creek Flotilla: Building Community and So Much More
The 7th Annual Beaver Creek Kayak Club Flotilla, sponsored by First Bank, was an exceptional day of paddling, camaraderie, and community spirit. Held on Saturday, May 18th, the early morning event saw participants and spectators gather to embrace the adventure awaiting them on the picturesque Beaver Creek. The weather forecast leading up to Saturday’s flotilla appeared uncertain; however, by mid-morning, the skies had cleared, the temperature was comfortable, and just a few clouds hung overhead, providing sufficient cover for an invigorating 6.2-mile paddle.
Paddlers of all ages and skill levels converged at the starting point located at Aubrey’s Launch behind Powell High School. Their colorful kayaks and life vests created a vibrant tapestry along the creek’s edge. The event started with an enthusiastic welcome from Beaver Creek Kayak Club president, Charlie Austin, who expressed gratitude to First Bank for their third consecutive year as title sponsor. “First Bank’s sponsorship has allowed us to make the Flotilla an annual highlight for our community. It’s wonderful to see so many familiar faces in the crowd and new friends coming out for the first time to enjoy Beaver Creek.” Many paddlers raised their hands, acknowledging it was their first time participating in the Flotilla but excited to paddle the creek.
Larsen Jay, Knox County Commissioner, recognized the club for its service to the community and acknowledged Knox County Parks and Recreation for their role in Clearing, Cleaning, and Caring for Beaver Creek. To date, they have removed 2100 tons of debris from the creek, restoring its health, improving water quality, animal and plant life, reducing flooding, and providing a recreational asset for the community.
Krickett Jones was recognized as Jr. Floatmaster for the event. Krickett is a Karns High School student who excels in both academics and athletics, and who was recently awarded the 2024 RSSAA Girls State Wrestling Championship for her weight class.
Jeff Jarnigan kicked off the Flotilla as Floatmaster, announcing that it was a great day to be paddling on the creek! Jeff has served the East Tennessee community for 30 years as the announcer for the University of Tennessee Football, Basketball, and Pride of the Southland Band. He has committed his career to connecting people and was an obvious choice for this year’s Floatmaster.
Following the opening ceremony, the paddlers took to the water, their kayaks gliding smoothly across the creek’s surface. The creek is known for its serene beauty, with the surrounding trees and foliage reflecting vividly in the clear, calm waters. The gentle current ensured that both novices and seasoned kayakers could enjoy the experience without concern. As the Flotilla progressed, the true essence of the event became evident. The Flotilla wasn’t just about paddling—it was about building and strengthening friendships and fostering community. Laughter and conversation filled the air as paddlers stopped to photograph the wildlife and picturesque scenery along the way. It was a reminder of the simple joys and natural beauty the Beaver Creek area offers. As the participants reached the endpoint, the takeout was at Charlie’s Launch, on the BoardSafe Kayak Launch located at Roy Arthur Stormwater Park. There was a palpable sense of achievement and fulfillment among the participants.
Scott Tihansky of BoardSafe Docks commented, “The Flotilla is a perfect example of what the Beaver Creek Kayak Club stands for: enjoying nature, promoting wellness, building and connecting communities. This aligns directly with the benefits a BoardSafe universal access launch system provides for communities across the USA.”
The 7th Annual Beaver Creek Kayak Club’s Flotilla was more than just a day on the water; it celebrated friendship, nature, and community. As participants packed their gear and headed home, they carried memories of a perfect day and a renewed appreciation for the simple yet profound joys of life on Beaver Creek.
BoardSafe Docks is happy to support Knox County in creating water trail access along the 44-mile-long Beaver Creek. Our signature product, the adaptive kayak launch, includes accessibility features that enable paddlers with mobility challenges to access their watercraft safely and more easily. We believe accessible and adaptive kayak launches are a key infrastructure component for successful paddle trails. Paddle trails with an accessible launch provide a range of economic benefits to communities, including increased tourism, increased property value, improved recreational opportunities, and universal access to the water for all paddlers.
BoardSafe designs, fabricates, and installs adaptive fishing piers, aluminum floating docks, rowing docks, gangways, and pedestrian bridges. Contact us at BoardSafeDocks.com or call 610-899-0286 and allow us to help you design your community’s water trail. #AccessYourAdventure #AccessibleKayaking #AdaptiveKayakLaunch #UniversalAccess #WaterTrails
Altoona, IA, Celebrates the Addition of an Accessible Kayak Launch at Spring Creek Park
A groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, April 22, 2024, celebrated a new park amenity at Spring Creek Park in Altoona, IA. The newly-installed BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch provides universal access to paddlers who enjoy kayaking and canoeing.
The boat launch project was partially funded by a $20,000 Prairie Meadows grant. Prairie Meadows is one of only two nonprofit casinos in the U.S., and for almost 30 years, they have averaged more than $27 million per year in supporting the arts, culture, healthcare, education, and infrastructure initiatives across central Iowa.
The universal access kayak launch at Spring Creek Park offers paddlers with disabilities the ability to enter and exit their kayak using adaptive features designed and manufactured by BoardSafe Docks of Fleetwood, PA. The inclusive amenities found in the adaptive launch are life-changing for those who need them, and also make accessing the vessel easier for beginning paddlers, children, seniors, and anyone with mobility challenges and limitations. The features allow for easy boarding of the vessel, and the cradle launch keeps the kayak stable, enabling paddlers to keep their feet dry during the entering and exit process. What keeps most paddlers from kayaking and canoeing is the challenge of getting in and out of the vessel; slipping, sliding, and tipping over are not a concern when boarding from a BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch.
Monday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony was organized by city officials and celebrated the first-of-its-kind launch in their area. They’re hoping it will encourage other towns and communities to do the same. The mayor provided a demonstration of the launch, showing how easy it will be for park users to get in and out of their kayak or canoe.
“Paddling at the park increases park visitor’s connection to the water, to our community, and each other,” reported Town Mayor Dean O’Connor. Future phases at Spring Creek Park will add trails, fishing piers, and additional recreational amenities.
Watch the mayor demonstrate the launch here:
https://x.com/CityofAltoonaIA/status/1782513174601703548
The new BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch is located on the south pond of Spring Creek Park, near the intersection of Northwest 80th Street and 30th Street Southeast in Altoona, IA. The fully-inclusive kayak launch will improve the user experience for those looking to get out on the water and propel around the lake. Fishing is common at the lake, where the south pond is reported to be up to 45 feet deep and hosts a variety of fish, including catfish, bluegill, bass, and crappie.
For more information about BoardSafe’s Adaptive Kayak Launch, Accessible Fishing Piers, Gangways, and Pedestrian Bridges, please view our projects at BoardSafeDocks.com or contact us at 610-899-0286. We specialize in guiding our customers through accessibility projects and help communities connect paddlers with nature and the great outdoors. Let us help you #AccessYourAdventure!
2024 Tennessee RiverLine Summit Presented by BoardSafe Docks
BoardSafe Docks is pleased to partner with the Tennessee RiverLine to support the development of North America’s next great regional trail system.
The 2024 Summit is happening now at the Lodge at Pickwick Landing in Hardin County, TN.
The interactive forum offers planning sessions, outdoor excursions, water trail workshops, accessibility awareness, and networking opportunities.
Tennessee RiverLine’s vision of a continuous water trail experience begins where the Tennessee River forms in Knoxville, TN, to its confluence with the Ohio River in Paducah, KY. It includes 652 miles of paddle trails and touches the four states of Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, and Kentucky. Improving accessibility to the Tennessee River is a dream for anyone who enjoys kayaking, canoeing, and spending time on the water. Their full vision is laid out in the booklet here: Tennessee RiverLine Vision Booklet.pdf
Accessible recreation by BoardSafe
The desire for accessible recreation in and by the water offers new economic opportunities, encourages ecological stewardship and conservation, draws people to the water, and promotes better health for its citizens. Kayaking, canoeing, and fishing opportunities connect people to their communities. The advantage of ensuring that entry points offer universal access ensures that paddlers with disabilities and mobility limitations can be included in activities along with family and friends. Educating others about universal access has become a significant part of BoardSafe’s Mission. Our goal is to assist others in understanding that “accessible” is not synonymous with “adaptive.” Paddlers with physical disabilities and mobility limitations require additional adaptive features to enter their kayaks and get out on the water. When BoardSafe’s Kayak Launch was designed, BoardSafe’s team collaborated with a group of paddlers in wheelchairs who provided input into the launch’s features. These meetings ensured the necessary features were not overlooked and would be developed to the extent necessary to provide the accommodations paddlers in wheelchairs require for safe entry into their vessels. Equitable access ensures all paddlers may enjoy the beauty, diversity, and history of the Tennessee River and beyond.
What makes BoardSafe unique?
BoardSafe’s unique applications for improving accessibility with their adaptive features, paired with the design integrity of their floating dock system, continue to make them the industry leader and expert in accessibility for all. Ultimately, the user experience is improved for everyone who uses their launch systems for kayaking or fishing.
BoardSafe’s manufacturing takes place in Fleetwood, PA, but as a licensed contractor in Tennessee, they have a strong presence helping to improve accessibility with their adaptive kayak launches and fishing piers. Their pedestrian bridges, gangways, and rowing docks also improve access points throughout the state.
Representing BoardSafe Docks at RiverLine’s Summit are Tom Warchol, a BoardSafe Partner, Kelly Bealls from the Business Development Team, and Bill Bogdan, an adaptive sports enthusiast who has partnered with BoardSafe to share the important message about universal access for all.
Helping non-disabled people gain a better understanding of the features required for inclusive fishing and paddling is necessary because, all too often, launches are built and deemed to be accessible when they’re not. When a paddler in a wheelchair can enter their vessel safely and with minimal assistance, their experience is life-changing. The paddling experience is improved for the adaptive paddler as well as those kayaking with them. Here is a video of Bill using BoardSafe’s Adaptive Kayak Launch independently: Adaptive Kayak Launch at Lake Chaminwood
Accessibility in the outdoors
Tennessee RiverLine is a catalyst for new investments in outdoor recreation and infrastructure that will create jobs and stimulate the economy. Successful paddle trails should ensure proper accessibility that includes features for paddlers in wheelchairs. Paddling and kayak fishing are a great part of their rehabilitation and exercise routine and it gets them out on the water with everyone else.
When accessibility is at the forefront of the design process, the paddling experience will be improved for all users. Communities investing in accessible infrastructure will benefit economically and ecologically, will improve public health, and draw more people to the water.
BoardSafe prides itself on developing a trusting and respectful relationship with our clients throughout the manufacturing process. Our team understands our products’ impact on communities and has witnessed our product designs improve lifestyles for the adaptive and recreation-loving communities we serve. We are proud of the partnerships we develop with our customers and appreciate the opportunity to develop our customers’ visions and turn them into legacies of waterfront inclusivity for generations to come. Through the power of partnerships and collaborative planning, great things are happening in Tennessee!
BoardSafe Docks is the industry leader in adaptive kayak launches and fishing piers, gangways and pedestrian bridges, rowing centers, and marinas. We specialize in design consultation, engineering, and manufacturing, and will work with you to ensure your project is accessible to the widest range of users. You may learn more about BoardSafe Dock’s projects through our website at BoardSafeDocks.com or by calling 610-899-0286.
Shawnee Mission Park Marina Upgrades: Easy Access to Canoes, Kayaks Debuted at Popular Johnson County Park
Have you seen Shawnee Mission Park Marina’s updates? The largest park in Johnson County and the most visited park in the entire state of Kansas has reopened after a $1.6 million renovation.
The popular marina at Johnson County’s Shawnee Mission Park opened last summer after undergoing extensive renovations that began in November of 2022. The popular new features include a massive new ADA-accessible dock, a new ticketing booth, dock-level bathrooms, upgraded security cameras, and a storage facility for the marina’s 85 boats.
The final addition to the park’s impressive amenities is a BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch. Visitors can rent kayaks, tandem kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, and pedal boats to launch into the lake. The inclusive features offered by BoardSafe’s kayak launch provide all paddlers with a steady platform to enter and exit their boats.
The feature-rich launch provides universal access with its ADA gangway, tiered, step-down boarding bench, a roll-cage offering an overhead grab bar, grab straps to lower oneself into their vessel, and a stabilizing kayak chute with pull bars for a stable entry onto the water. Everyone knows that getting in and out of a kayak is often the most challenging part of kayaking. BoardSafe’s inclusive features improve the user experience for everyone—young and old, novice and experienced, paddlers with mobility limitations, and even paddlers in wheelchairs.
Long-term planning and preparation paid off
The project cost was approved as part of the county’s capital improvement plan for 2022. However, the marina improvements serve as part of the department’s long-term Shawnee Mission Park Master Plan, which dates back to 2003. Johnson County cares about its community and is committed to achieving its long-term goal of providing a state-of-the-art, inclusive recreation facility for the community.
What’s new at the park?
The park had an aging marina and storage building. The new building underwent significant improvements for accessibility. The improvement project also included the addition of new restrooms and a customer service counter. The park offers a lake, beach, beach house, marina, and floating docks for boating, paddling, and fishing.
The aquatic manager for the Johnson County Park and Recreation District reported that thousands of boaters use the marina’s rental services each season, and they are fortunate to bring the best to their community. High rates of usage support how facilities such as these are important draws for communities. Close-to-home recreation brings communities together and provides inclusive recreation for all, no matter the ability or disability.
Paddling builds inclusive communities and improves quality of life
As the county better accommodates 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. BoardSafe’s well-known inclusive adaptive kayak launch allows people in wheelchairs to safely transition into their kayak and get out on the water. The launch system has been designed and engineered with input from adaptive paddlers to identify features that will improve the paddling experience for all users and ensure that family and friends can paddle together.
Economic benefits of building an accessible kayak launch
- Promotes tourism A kayak launch can attract tourists to the area and increase annual visitors to the trail. Visitor spending will increase revenue to shops, restaurants, gas stations, and hotels and appeal to nature, history, and culture enthusiasts.
- Job creation The construction and operation of the kayak launch can contribute to the economic development of the community by creating jobs for residents, such as construction workers, small business owners, kayak rental operators, and paddling guides. River and lake communities attract and retain skilled workers and businesses. Economic development inspires entrepreneurship and generates tax revenues for municipalities and states.
- Increases property value Inclusive access to a kayak launch can increase property values in the area, which can benefit local property owners and help spur economic development. Homeowners desire close-to-home recreation and are looking to connect with friends, family, and nature through outdoor recreation.
- Offers inclusive water access An accessible kayak launch will encourage more people to participate in outdoor activities on the water. An inclusive launch brings family and friends together and offers a healthy activity for people with mobility limitations and disabilities. As more disabled paddling groups look for recreational opportunities, a fully inclusive launch will draw adaptive paddlers to the water. In turn, this will benefit the local economy by promoting spending on outdoor gear, related activities, and services.
- Offers increased recreational opportunities An accessible kayak launch can provide new recreational opportunities for residents, which can improve the overall quality of life in a community. A gentle paddle down the river and sightseeing through calm waters on lakes offer associated health benefits and improve the overall quality of life.
- Environmental benefits Accessible kayak launches can benefit the environment by helping to protect local waterways and wildlife by maintaining the health of our most valuable natural and cultural resource.
Working together achieved results
For this extensive project, the Johnson County Parks and Recreation Department worked with design firm SFS Architecture on the project’s concept design. BoardSafe was brought into the planning for their experience and expertise in designing and building accessible floating docks. They understand the impact projects like these have on communities. With over 30 years of construction experience and 20+ years as the industry leader in dock designing, engineering, and manufacturing, BoardSafe knows that each location and installation presents distinct challenges. Water flows, tidal fluctuations, and environmental and habitat considerations, all need to be considered
when selecting the optimal dock configuration for each site. How the products fasten to the shore must allow for movement under varying marine and traffic usages. These variations—as well as ecological considerations—are carefully calculated.
BoardSafe has designed over 20 different launch configurations that can be customized to their customer’s launch site, which makes BoardSafe stand out in the marine industry.
Click here to view the 20 different kayak launch layouts that will affect pricing.
For this particular project, launch option #2 was selected with a 4 x 20 single rail gangway and a 20’ kayak chute. BoardSafe takes pride in knowing we put our customers on the right path to obtaining the best launch configuration for their site.
BoardSafe was pleased to help Shawnee Mission Park achieve their accessibility goals. To learn more about the most durable and accessible aluminum floating launch system for your location, contact BoardSafeDocks.com today at 610-899-0286. BoardSafe’s team will help you find the ideal solution for improved accessibility to and around the water.
Adaptive Kayaking Is Not One-Size-Fits-All, and Neither Is a BoardSafe Dock
BoardSafe’s Accessible Kayak Launch provides universal access with over 20 possible launch configurations to meet your site’s specifications. BoardSafe’s design experts will evaluate your site conditions and recommend a launch system that keeps you and all our customers at the center of the design process. A BoardSafe Accessible Kayak and Canoe Launch creates a positive user experience with its functional, sustainable, and durable design. View some of our configurations here.
Other dock companies may attempt to copy BoardSafe’s Adaptive and Accessible Kayak Launch, but BoardSafe’s proven history and experience as a trusted expert will ensure you're getting the best kayak launch on today’s market. Click here to learn how our launch system transforms the user experience: Kayak Launch at Lake Chaminwood. For more information on improving accessibility at your lake, stream, or water access point, contact us at our website, BoardSafeDocks.com, or call us at 610-89-0286.
Accessibility Is Not One-Size-Fits-All—Lake Chaminwood’s Story
The BoardSafe kayak launch at Lake Chaminwood opened this fall 2023. Matt Novander, the Forest Preserve's chief landscape architect, oversaw the project. He mentioned that the launch's design caters to different abilities. The Forest Preserve may use the same design for future launches. Novander says, "We had lake access but needed access for people with disabilities. We reached out to some companies, researched ways to get people to the water, & called BoardSafe and selected their products."
Lake Chaminwood is situated on Shepley Road, west of Interstate 55. The preserve is open from 6 a.m. to sunset until October, and from 8 a.m. to sunset from November to March. The new launch is anticipated to improve the experience of paddlers visiting the preserve, especially those with mobility issues.
Lake Chaminwood Preserve in Channahon recently unveiled an accessible kayak and canoe launch this fall. The launch is part of a larger improvement project for the preserve, which includes an expanded parking area and a new entrance completed earlier this summer. The launch is equipped with features to assist paddlers with mobility issues.
The project received partial funding from an $80,000 Illinois Department of Natural Resources Boat Access Grant. Novander emphasized the importance of such grants in supporting the project's completion.