CLIENT BACKGROUND
Washington County Parks & Recreation sought to enhance public access and recreation at Cross Creek County Park, a 258-acre serene green space southwest of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The goal was to create a signature waterfront attraction, reflecting the county’s commitment to modern accessibility and long-term sustainability for its community.
CLIENT CHALLENGES
The initial vision for the "Discovery Cove" centerpiece involved traditional, land-based paved walkways and fixed floating platforms.
- Prohibitive Cost: Initial land-based construction plans were found to be too costly due to complex geological and geographical challenges near the water's edge.
- Need for Durability: The solution needed to be highly durable and withstand heavy public use while requiring minimal long-term maintenance to ensure sustainability.
- Accessibility Requirements: The final design had to be fully ADA-compliant to ensure accessibility for all community members.
THE SOLUTION
The team pivoted away from costly land-based construction and implemented an innovative Reinforced Polymeric Frame (RPF) floating dock system designed by American Muscle Docks & Fabrication, in collaboration with Magnolia-based Beavers Marine Store.
The core of the solution was the "Discovery Cove" system:
- Largest RPF Public Dock: The final structure is the largest all-composite, public access, patent-pending RPF floating dock system in the United States.
- Massive Footprint: It covers 7,820 square feet and includes three large 20' x 60' platforms interconnected by 520 feet of durable floating walkways and ADA switch-back gangways.
- No-Maintenance Materials: The system was built using rot-proof Owens Corning Structural Lumber and WearDeck, backed by a 25-year commercial warranty on the frames and decking, and an industry-leading 15-year warranty on the floats.
- Efficient, Eco-Friendly Installation: Beavers Marine Store used patented pile-driving scow barges, allowing the massive structure to be completed on-site in just 21 days with minimal environmental disruption. The dock is anchored by 39 driven steel piles.
THE RESULT
Discovery Cove has become an instant success and a benchmark for public waterfront development.
- Community Success: The cove has quickly become a beloved feature for Washington County residents, who highly praise its accessibility and new opportunities for on-water activities like fishing and wildlife observation.
- Budgetary Achievement: Parks Superintendent Kevin Garrison noted that the innovative floating system approach allowed the project to stay within budget while delivering a high level of quality and sustainability.
- Long-Term Value: By using USA-made, no-maintenance composite materials and heavy-duty warranties, the county secured a dependable, long-lasting piece of infrastructure that will serve the community efficiently for decades.
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