Tag Archives: commercial docks

Planning ADA Fishing Piers with Your Dock Builder

When you’re in charge of a public dock, you want to make sure that visitors can enjoy their favorite waterfront activities in a safe and convenient way. That’s why the Accessibility Guidelines for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are so important. An ADA-compliant fishing pier gives everyone the chance to reel in a big catch!

ADA Checklist for Your Public Fishing Pier

Incorporating some practical features with your fishing pier design helps sites stay compliant with the ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG). A good place to start is with an accessible route to the fishing pier or platform entrance. It’s not enough to have ramps for the fishing area itself. Visitors must first be able to reach the site. This is the first item on the ADA Checklist for Existing Facilities. From there, you can begin to assess some of your other features, including:

  • Gangway Slope and Length
  • Transition Plates/Ramp Landings
  • Handrails and Railings
  • Clear Floor Space
  • Edge Protection

If you don’t know what to watch for, following the guidelines can sometimes seem daunting. But when you’re working with an experienced team of dock builders, you’ll be able to include all of the ADA fishing pier features with a seamless design. You don’t have to figure out the details all on your own.

For example, dock builders can help confirm that the gangway slope is no more than 1:12. Or, they can work with you to redesign the route for a longer length. They can also help you add a transition plate and a landing, as needed, to make your fishing pier’s ramps more accessible. Paying attention to floating platform or pier movement from wind and waves is another key part of an ADA-compliant site, as this can affect the slope. You’ll also need to make sure you’re providing plenty of fishing opportunities with lowered railings. All of these details should be factored in to your overall design.

Fishing Pier ADA Guidelines for Railing Dispersion

The easiest thing to notice on an ADA-compliant fishing pier is probably the guards. The railings should include sections of a 34” maximum height to give easy fishing access to individuals in wheelchairs. We all want to have the right railings for casting our line, so you’ll need to measure appropriately.

When you look around your fishing pier, at least 25 percent of the handrails and guards in the fishing area need to be below that 34” height. To give enough variety for fishing, these sections should also be dispersed throughout the pier or platform. Different locations can offer varying water depth, shade, and vegetation. Some might be closer to the shoreline, and others could be farther away. That way, there will be lots of fishing choices for each visitor.

Public dock managers should also look at the clear space near these sections. There should be at least one maneuvering space of 30” by 48” inches for wheelchairs to easily turn around. That, plus a 2” curb or barrier will help keep these areas compliant. It takes a lot of measuring, but again, the right dock builders can work with you to get the job done.

Existing Dock Alterations vs. New Dock Builds

Your public fishing pier should be a safe and welcoming environment for people of all abilities. Knowing how to follow the ADAAG can help your community thrive. Whether you’re ready to upgrade your existing facility with an ADA fishing pier or platform, or you’re looking to build a ADA-compliant waterfront feature from the ground up, it always helps to have experience on your side.

Our crew at Deaton’s Waterfront Services is passionate about building docks and fishing piers that are up to code for all types of public waterfront sites. If you aren’t sure where to begin, feel free to give us a call at (317) 747-4933. Our service area covers Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Missouri. We’ve worked on a variety of ADAAG projects over the years, and we’d be happy to help you out too!

Managing Safety Hazards on Public Waterfronts

Getting ready to enjoy another year on the water is always an exciting time. But you don’t want to overlook the proper safety protocols! Public waterfronts and commercial docks need to be especially careful about their equipment. Regular dock maintenance checks and being able to make necessary repairs quickly can help make the difference between a safe site and a tragic waterfront accident.

Waterfront safety hazards can be easily prevented when you work with the right experts. Here at Deaton’s Waterfront Services, we love helping boat launches and docks on public lakes, reservoirs, and other commercial waterfronts stay up to code. Two types of problems in particular can be a big cause for concern.

Accessibility on Commercial Docks

Our public parks and recreational areas are an invaluable part of our country, and a real source of enjoyment for so many people. In order to protect these sites and help make them available for everyone, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law in 1990. These standards cover fishing piers, floating structures, and other local or state facilities.

To be recognized as ADA-compliant dock, both fixed and floating waterfront structures need to be wheelchair-accessible. This helps ensure that people of all abilities can utilize public docks. Sites of all sizes—from small lakes to large marinas—are held accountable. Commercial docks and other public facilities need to pay special attention to these requirements, but sometimes certain features get overlooked.

If you ever need help maintaining your own ADA-compliant dock, just contact Deaton’s Waterfront Services. Our experienced team understands the importance of having accessible ramps, guardrails, curbing on the walkways, and other features for dock safety. We’re always happy to review your site to make sure it meets or exceeds the ADA standards.

Electrical Safety for Waterfronts

Public waterfronts also need to keep a close eye on their electronics. As we look forward to the summer season on the water, it’s important to remember that safety risks can exist anywhere on a dock or marina. Electrical hazards are especially dangerous for waterfronts. Marine industries have to work hard to protect the public against these concerns, but often, there’s a lot left to check.

While some regulations are already in place, electrical safety still makes headlines. Large conferences around the county address marina electrical safety every year—and for good reason. These types of waterfronts often work with a lot of electricity on and around the dock. If these electronics aren’t grounded properly, people swimming in the harbor can be at risk for electric shock drowning. The electrical systems for big marinas and around public lakes definitely need to be up to code. If you aren’t certain that everything is an order, you’re probably due for a dock inspection.

Talking with a waterfront services company can help you verify your dock’s safety features. In other situations, though, you might need to bring a marine electrician to your site. Regularly testing your setup can keep your guests safe.

Get Your Dock Up to Code

If you want to minimize the safety hazards on your public dock or waterfront, Deaton’s Waterfront Services can help. We have experience working with docks of all sizes. When you aren’t sure if your site is up to code, give our team a call at (317) 747-4933. We can either send someone to your location for an in-person tour, or schedule a video call to review your current setup.

Some of the best ways to make your site safe and secure are pretty easy to do. Make sure your wheelchair ramps are at the right angle, and update your rails and curbing to protect visitors from accidents.  A review of your existing electrical equipment is also important this time of year. For a truly successful season, don’t ignore waterfront safety. Partner with Deaton’s Waterfront Servicers to keep your site up to code and ADA-compliant all year long!

Accessibility and ADA-Compliant Docks at Public Waterfronts

If you have a community boat dock near you and your neighbors, you want to make sure that everyone can enjoy it. Being able to spend time outdoors and around the water is part of life’s greatest pleasures . But if the public dock isn’t handicap accessible or ADA-compliant, you’re preventing citizens from fully utilizing the space. Getting a site that’s up-to-code and open to everyone makes a big difference in building a vibrant, healthy, and engaged community.

Waterfronts on state property and other local public sites need to be regularly reviewed to ensure that they’re not only safe for guests, but that they are accessible for people of varying ability levels. Easy mobility on boat docks and fishing docks helps make these spaces welcome to anyone who wants to use them.

Guidelines for Recreational Facility Accessibility

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) works to protect the rights of individuals, no matter what their physical abilities might be. The law helps ensure that everyone can have safe, convenient access to local government and state facilities, including our treasured parks and recreational areas. Boating facilities, as well as fishing piers and platforms, must accommodate people with disabilities. Both fixed and floating structures need to comply with the ADA standards.

In 2002, the Access Board issued some helpful guidelines for new boating facilities and other remodels. Outlining the minimum requirements for these sites helps public docks improve their accessible features. These resources make it easier to create wheelchair-accessible routes for fishing docks and other boating activities. Of course, it’s always best to work with a seasoned waterfront specialist when drafting your designs. The right team of dock experts will help ensure that any new builds or remodels are ADA-compliant.

No matter the size of the recreational facility, certain accessibility features will need to be in place. Large marinas and piers, and even small public campgrounds with just one or two boat slips must meet these requirements. By addressing the usability at sites of all shapes and sizes, the public can have a great time around the water—no matter where they are.

Accessible Dock & Waterfront Solutions

Fortunately, making public docks accessible isn’t that big of a mystery. There are plenty of waterfront products available that can streamline the process. ADA-compliant features make fishing, boating, and other outdoor recreation fun for everyone! Including some of the best accessible dock solutions into your site is a great way to help your community stay safe on the water.

Public Fishing Docks

Building an accessible fishing dock is often a top priority for commercial and public waterfronts. Since fishing is such a popular hobby, it would be a shame to limit anyone’s access to the lake or pond! A simple public fishing dock will let park visitors get a great catch. We prefer building with EZ Dock because it’s easy to upgrade commercial dock setups. When necessary, you can even add a floating walkway with guardrails to expand visitor access.

Public Kayak Launches

For a really convenient canoe and kayak launch experience, you can’t go wrong with the latest EZ Launch Accessible Transfer System. These models make it easier than ever for small boating enthusiasts to enter and exit their watercraft. The transfer bench is made with two different heights to accommodate varying wheelchair sizes, and the entire system exceeds the minimum requirements of the ADA standards.

Community Boat Docks

If your setup requires multiple boat slips, ramps, and access points, you can still count on EZ Dock. We’ve utilized their modular system to build floating docks in communities all across the Midwest. Because you can easily expand your design with EZ Dock, there’s always the option to add new elements for a better overall experience. Making sure you have the proper ADA-compliant railings and curbing for safe, accessible ramps streamlines these designs.

Ready to Improve Your Public Dock?

If you need help making your local or state property compliant and accessible, call on the dock experts. At Deaton’s Waterfront Services, we’re proud to work with municipalities and commercial docks of all shapes and sizes. We have completed multiple waterfront projects for state properties and public lakes throughout Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Illinois.

Getting your waterfront accessible and ADA-compliant is easy when you work with a professional team. To get started, simple contact Deaton’s Waterfront Services to schedule an on-site visit or request a quote. We would be honored to work with you!

 

Our Top Commercial Waterfront Projects from 2017

As we get ready to wrap up the year, it’s only natural to reflect on how our company has grown. In 2017, Deaton’s Waterfront Services was proud to work on a variety of commercial dock projects. From new floating docks, to kayak launches and boat houses—we love helping making your waterfront experience better than ever.

Working with state parks, government groups, and other commercial clients is a big part of what we do at Deaton’s. Take a look at some of this year’s highlights to get an idea of what our crew is capable of creating for both residential and commercial waterfronts!

1. Paddle Dock at Jacobson Park

The marina at Jacobson Park in Lexington, Kentucky needed a waterfront upgrade, and we were happy to help. Their new floating dock now gives park-goers easy access to their paddle boat rentals. It’s a relatively simple project, but adds great value to their marina.

Although the boat dock is now closed for the season, Jacobson Park is sure to get some great use out of this setup in 2018. A sturdy EZ Dock system was just what this park needed.

2. Boat House at Griggs Reservoir

Building a custom boat house gives commercial waterfronts total control over their setup. We recently teamed up with the Columbus Police Department in Ohio to construct a boat house. The finished project now keeps their gear protected and meets all their needs.

We traveled over to Griggs Reservoir in Columbus, Ohio for the job. Once we assembled the dock, uprights, and purlins, the rest of the construction for this boat house was smooth sailing.

3. Floating Dock at Crab Orchard

Some floating docks are easier to install than others. But this large community dock definitely needed a team effort. Managing the many sections of this commercial dock was a fun challenge for us! The end result is a strong, stable structure—even with its large surface area.

The Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge stretches across nearly 44,000 acres in southern Illinois. We were honored to complete this dock over in Carbondale.

4. Kayak Launch at Cowan Lake State Park

This summer we also took a trip to Wilmington, Ohio. Cowan Lake State Park needed a kayak launch for their park visitors and outdoor enthusiasts. We knew that they would love the new EZ Dock kayak launch. The completed install looks great on their waterfront.

Getting out of the water is breeze with this setup. The floating dock and kayak launch have a low-profile to make the site even more accessible and user-friendly.

Commercial Waterfront Services

Making plans for a new and secure commercial dock system can be complicated. But you should never compromise safety. The right equipment for your waterfront can help everyone have a good time. Match that with an experienced team for the install, and you’ll have a winning setup that will last for years to come.

If your commercial site needs a new dock or boat launch, contact Deaton’s Waterfront Services. Our team is proud to serve clients throughout Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, and Tennessee. For commercial dock systems big and small, you can count on us!