Public access to the water is a major draw for communities. Lakeside parks and riverwalks are always a crowd favorite. Then there are marinas which have a need for easy access and seamless walkways. When municipalities look to expand or revitalize these spaces, they’re faced with the choice between floating walkways and traditional fixed. Both options provide scenic paths along the shoreline, but they have some key differences. Their long-term performance and maintenance needs don’t compare—and the level of accessibility can vary dramatically depending on your site conditions.
For projects that have changing water levels or sensitive shorelines, a floating walkway system is usually the way to go. It’s a great way to get the best balance of flexibility and durability for public safety.
Floating Walkway Benefits for Public Parks and Marinas
Floating walkways are designed to move with the water. This makes them ideal for lakes, reservoirs, and marinas where levels rise and fall throughout the year. Fixed boardwalks require piles and deep foundation work. This can harm the local environment and be costly. Floating systems, on the other hand, can adapt naturally to changing conditions. What’s more, they’re stable and cost-effective. It’s the perfect solution for protecting your investment while providing convenient access.
1. Year-Round Stability
Floating walkways deliver stability and durability even during seasonal water fluctuations. They can also stand up to heavy pedestrian traffic. What makes them so great is that the surface height automatically adjusts with water levels. That way, you’re able to ensure year-round ADA accessibility and comfortable travel for everyone. There’s no need to have steep ramps, and you can reduce the risk of trip hazards when you have the right system, like EZ Dock.
2. Lower Environmental Impact
Floating systems minimize shoreline disruption. This is great for protected environments and nature lovers. You don’t need to worry about having deep foundations or pile driving, which can harm aquatic habitats. Floating systems are better because they blend in with the local environs. The boards rest on the water. This also makes them easy to inspect and repair. Plus, the materials won’t be subject to corrosion or rot. You can reduce repair costs and feel good knowing that you’ll have a long lifespan for your project after installation.
3. Flexible Layouts
Floating walkways give you options. The modular designs allow for curves, loops, or extensions over time. It’s easy to expand a waterfront trail or connect to fishing piers and boat launches. For parks, marinas, or nature preserves, this flexibility can mean safer access and better views. And it’s all with a lower overall environmental footprint compared to a traditional boardwalk.
We Help Municipalities Enhance Recreation—Let’s Connect!
At Deaton’s Waterfront Services, we help communities design and build custom floating walkway systems that prioritize sustainability and safety. That way, it’s green for your site and available for all walks of life. We’re all about turnkey solutions that make the process simple and efficient. We’ll be with you from the initial designs all the way through installation.
Whether you’re upgrading an existing waterfront path or adding a new recreational feature, Deaton’s can help you evaluate your site. Let us work with you to recommend the best system for long-term performance. Together, we’ll set you up with a walkway that can welcome visitors year-round, all while protecting your environment. Let’s get started to enhance your community’s connection to the water. Send us a message today!
