CLIENT BACKGROUND
Nature Trails, a prominent national enterprise focused on developing public-access trails for hiking and biking, initiated contact with American Muscle Docks & Fabrication regarding an exciting new infrastructure project in Morgantown, West Virginia.
The core of the initiative was to complete a recreational bike trail encircling the recently constructed Flegal Reservoir on Cobun Creek. The ultimate objective was to establish an economical and resilient way for the public to cross the expansive 120-foot stretch of water, thereby linking the newly established trail system.
CLIENT CHALLENGES
The initial design approach for the necessary water crossing involved standard, land-based construction—specifically, a paved bridge. This traditional vision quickly faced two significant hurdles:
Prohibitive Cost: The preliminary plans for the land-based structure were deemed excessively expensive. This was primarily due to the complex geological and geographical difficulties involved in building the bridge supports and foundation in the reservoir area.
Need for Durability: The final system had to demonstrate exceptional resilience. It needed to withstand high-volume public usage while demanding minimal long-term maintenance, ensuring the sustainability of the public amenity for years to come.
SOLUTION
The project team successfully transitioned away from the high-cost, land-based model, adopting a superior floating dock system in its place. This specialized solution was anchored by the state-of-the-art SeaFlex anchoring system, which was chosen specifically because it requires no frequent adjustments, despite the wide and frequent fluctuations in water level common to the reservoir.
The custom floating dock system was engineered by American Muscle Docks & Fabrication, with anchoring expertise provided by SeaFlex Corporation (based in Sweden), and flawlessly installed by Beavers Marine Store, based in Magnolia.
Key Elements of the "Discovery Cove" System:
Structure and Aesthetics: The docks were built using robust steel truss frames and decked with rough-cut timbers. This choice provides a highly durable, bike-friendly surface while perfectly complementing the site's rustic, natural environment.
Added Value: The substantial cost savings achieved by opting for a floating system over traditional bridge construction allowed the project to incorporate beneficial extras, including a designated fishing space and a functional kayak launch area.
Innovative Gangways: The system features two custom-built 40-foot aluminum gangways. These were modified to include multi-directional wheels, significantly reducing stress on the hinge joints and allowing the entire structure to articulate seamlessly as the water levels change.
Rapid, Eco-Friendly Installation: Beavers Marine Store utilized specialized scow barges and a crane, allowing the massive dock sections to be fully completed on-site in an impressive four days, achieving minimal disruption to the environment. This installation proudly marks the first use of the SeaFlex anchoring system in West Virginia.
RESULT
Flegal Reservoir is now perfectly positioned to become a premier destination for hikers and bikers throughout the Morgantown region. The implementation of the SeaFlex system effectively resolved the challenge of wildly changing water levels, guaranteeing stable trail access without the need for constant, manual maintenance. Furthermore, the significant project cost savings allowed for the valuable inclusion of accommodations for both kayakers and those looking to fish, transforming the reservoir into a truly multifaceted recreational hub.
Ready to Discuss Your Next Waterfront Project?
Don't let complex geography or prohibitive costs sink your infrastructure plans. Whether you're connecting a trail, building a marina, or need a durable solution for fluctuating water levels, the experts at American Muscle Docks & Fabrication have the innovative floating dock systems you need.
Contact our team today for a consultation and discover how a customized floating dock system can save you time and money.
