First Adaptive Fishing Dock in Henry County, VA

December 9, 2024

On December 5, officials from Henry County, Eco Ambassador Council (EAC), and the Dan River Basin Association (DRBA) cut the ribbon to officially open the first adaptive fishing dock in Henry County, VA. The dock is located at the river access at the Monogram Smith River Sports Complex in Axton, VA. Up until now, there wasn’t one river access among the fifteen that exist along the Smith River, that provided access for adaptive users.

An adaptive fishing dock offers a safe and accessible way for adaptive users (those with disabilities) to easily access waterways. The Dan River Basin Association (DRBA) designed the dock with the input of adaptive users and used best practices in dock engineering to have a minimal environmental impact.

“The EAC was thrilled to provide the financial support to construct our community’s first adaptive fishing dock,” said Tyler Carter, chairman of the EAC and employed by Carter Bank. “It is important to all of the businesses that participate in the EAC partnership to ensure all people have access to one of our most important local attractions, the Smith River.”

The Eco Ambassador Council (EAC) is a coalition of regional businesses that combine their investment to protect, promote, and preserve the environment in the Dan River Basin. Current EAC members include Blair Construction, Carter Bank, Clark Gas & Oil, Frith Construction, The Lester Group, Hooker Furnishings, Jones & DeShon Orthodontics, and Pickle & Ash. Each business pledges an annual donation and a commitment to encourage their employees to participate in EAC projects. The EAC started in 2020 and is open to all businesses in the Dan River Basin that want to make a visible impact in the region.

“Having accessibility to the outdoors for all people regardless of their physical abilities is positive for an entire community,” said Roger Adams, Director of Henry County Parks & Recreation. “This adaptive fishing dock will also benefit older citizens and those with other physical issues and allow access to the health benefits of outdoor recreation and improved quality of life.”

The adaptive fishing dock will allow more people to experience the outdoors and participate fully in fishing as a recreational activity. The Sports Complex was chosen as the site of the new adaptive fishing dock because of its high visibility so it would be used frequently.

"Most of us take for granted the ability to enjoy a day of fishing along the river,” said Brian Williams, DRBA’s Virginia Program Manager. "But for many people who live in our community, it can be a challenge just getting close enough to the river bank to cast a line. DRBA has worked with Henry County to develop multiple river access locations so we were excited to construct a dock that allows all people, regardless of age or ability, to have an opportunity to experience the sport of fishing on a river.