With Wickcraft Boardwalks, as in nature, strength is not visible at first glance. Just like the roots of a sturdy oak, the granite veins of a prairie hillside, or the solid stem of a coneflower, the structures supporting the beauty make all the difference.

Unlike common post and timber “stick built” boardwalks, Wickcraft Boardwalks are constructed from tubular structural steel (HSS) that is hot-dip galvanized in the post-fabrication phase. Our boardwalks are so strong, we guarantee them for 100 years and warranty our workmanship for life.

Just like in nature, with a Wickcraft Boardwalk, it’s what’s underneath that matters.

Arcadia Dunes : ACCESSIBLE TRAIL THROUGH STEEP BLUFFS

Challenge

The challenge was to create an ADA-accessible trail that made its way up a steep, wooded bluff. This trail had to wind through the trees and up the hill until it ended at a beautiful bluff overlooking Lake Michigan.

Solution

While the setting for this boardwalk proved to be slightly challenging, the highly flexible combination of adjustable pan-feet and pile foundations is the perfect solution. It supports and enables the trail to wind through the wooded area and up to the tree-lined bluff. Multiple turns and platforms are included to maintain ADA compliance and make it more visitor-friendly.

Carver Lake : SHORELINE RESTORATION

Challenge

Shoreline restoration was a key element to this project. The project needed to address the damage caused by an asphalt path previously installed on the shoreline. The solution needed to find a way to move the path away from the sensitive shoreline, thus protecting it from damage and allowing it to return to its natural state.

Solution 

The new and improved elevated trail is located six feet from the shoreline and supported by pan-feet that hold firm in the lake environment. The project footprint is minimal, and shoreline restoration continues in this natural treasure.

East River Trail : FLOODPLAIN BOARDWALK

Challenge

Located in the midst of a floodplain, this replacement boardwalk presented a unique challenge. Its installation could not interrupt the current path usage. Additionally, the boardwalk was required to support park utility equipment. The goal was to create a new, regional trail / bike path along the East River that rested in the floodplain and maximized visitor enjoyment.

 Solution

Our prefabricated design allows for installation in small sections which helped to minimize path disruption for local users. To combat floodplain issues, adjustable pan-foot legs are paired with duckbill anchors in order.

Needham Accessible Reservoir Trail : RESERVOIR CROSSING

 Challenge

The goal was to create an accessible loop trail that linked to an existing foot path and added an unobtrusive free-span bridge crossing a reservoir outlet. It was essential that the trail be ADA accessible while maintaining its shape, circling a city reservoir.

Solution

Throughout the circular trail, a series of short boardwalks proved to be a fitting solution. Features included ADA sensory guide ropes and signs as well as wheelchair cutouts and fishing locations on platforms, making it enjoyable for all visitors.

LinkedIn Headquarters: EARTHQUAKE-PROOF CAMPUS BOARDWALK

Challenge

The corporate complex needed removable panels to provide the city access to stormwater management systems. The company wanted a seamless appearance to their boardwalk network, making a continuously constructed finger-jointed system necessary. It was essential that the boardwalk be able to withstand the State of California’s strict seismic regulations.

Solution 

An anchored, heavy-duty pan-foot system is bolted to a concrete footing, creating a boardwalk consistent with the seismic regulations. A field-installed deck system allows for a staggered bond pattern and access panels for future stormwater management. The result is a seamless boardwalk, creating a continuous path to all corners of the corporate complex for employee gatherings and enjoyment.

Lakeshore Park : TENNESSEE RIVER OVERLOOK

Challenge

Creating a community gathering place was of utmost importance with this project. However, this boardwalk spur trail could not interrupt the flow of the bike and pedestrian path while still getting visitors to an overlook of the Tennessee River. The platform had to be designed in a way that it could extend over a sea wall, regulated by the Army Corps of Engineers, allowing visitors to experience the immaculate views.

Solution 

The spur trail boardwalk off the bike and pedestrian trail proved to be the perfect solution. It rests on a combination of pan-feet and helical piles and has an ADA-compliant ramp up to its peak. Thus, it exits walkers from the main trail traffic into a wooded, environmentally secure area.

Blackstone Valley Gateway Park : PEDESTRIAN AND WILDLIFE CORRIDOR

Challenge 

Utilizing an undeveloped waterway area, the challenge of this project was to craft a community connector trail from Holy Cross College to College Corner Commercial Center. A previous path had existed as a shortcut; however it was unsafe. The goal was to reclaim the space by creating a safe trail for visitors to get from one point to the next while allowing them to enjoy nature.

Solution

The boardwalk uses an abandoned piece of city property and creates a natural corridor for both pedestrians and wildlife. It rests on helical piles and has vertical cable handrails which are representative of the community’s rich history of industrial cable production.