Jackie Branch at Rend Lake

Nestled along Rend Lake in Sesser, Illinois a popular reservoir managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jackie Branch serves as a vital recreational hub for boaters, anglers, and paddlers across the region. Known for its welcoming campsites, picnic shelters, and family-friendly amenities, Rend Lake has continuously prioritized infrastructure upgrades to ensure every visitor can safely experience the water.

For years, the existing waterfront at Jackie Branch presented a significant hurdle for visitors with mobility challenges. Anglers and paddlers with limited mobility struggled with unsafe shoreline access, making it nearly impossible to launch a kayak or cast a line without assistance. To eliminate these barriers, local leadership sought a modern, fully accessible waterfront solution. The goal was clear, transform Rend Lake’s popular access point into an inclusive, ADA compliant gateway for visitors of all physical abilities.

To meet the site’s rigorous accessibility and durability demands, Rend Lake turned to AccuDock to manufacture a custom floating dock system engineered specifically for stability, ease of access, and heavy public use. The centerpiece of the new waterfront is a 10′ x 20′ floating dock, paired with durable non-skid PVC decking to create a sturdy, low-maintenance platform close to the water.

Paddlers benefit from an integrated 12′ x 16′ double ADA compliant kayak slip dock complete with an ADA transfer platform and an overhead grab rail, allowing visitors with limited mobility to transition into their kayaks safely and independently. Safety is further reinforced throughout the AccuDock system with integrated side railings, intermediate handrails, and AccuDock’s signature Edge Roll Off Guards, while a 40′ ADA compliant gangway smoothly extends from the shore deep into Jackie Branch Cove, delivering a completely barrier-free experience from land to lake.

By partnering with AccuDock, Jackie Branch achieved its ultimate vision a safe, high-performing waterfront that opens the lake to the entire community. What was once a challenging shoreline is now an inviting, accessible sanctuary where anglers and paddlers of all abilities can connect with nature confidently and independently.