Collaboration Creates Connection: Upham Woods Island Boardwalk & Platform Project Success
Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center (www.uphamwoods.org), uniquely situated near the Wisconsin River in Wisconsin Dells, provides immersive environmental education for youth and adults. Enhancing accessibility on this special landscape is key to their mission. Custom Bridges and Boardwalks was honored to be part of a significant project aimed at improving navigation and the overall visitor experience on the island, working in close partnership with the Upham Woods team and the excellent field crews from WisCorps (www.wiscorps.org).
The Challenge: Island Access and Elevation
The beauty of the Upham Woods island setting also presented distinct challenges for this project. A primary goal was to create safe, durable, and manageable access from the boat dock landing up a considerable 10-foot elevation gain to other parts of the island. Compounding the terrain challenge was the logistics: every single piece of material, from foundation components to decking and hardware, had to be carefully ferried across the river to the island construction site.
Designing the Solution, Supplying the Materials
Custom Bridges and Boardwalks, based in Clinton, WI, collaborated closely with Upham Woods staff during the planning phase to design an integrated access solution tailored to the site's needs. Our team engineered:
- A welcoming 12' x 20' platform to serve as a stable landing and gathering area directly connected to the boat dock.
- A 150-foot long, 4-foot wide boardwalk seamlessly incorporating stairs to safely and comfortably traverse the 10 feet of vertical elevation change through the gulley.
Custom Bridges and Boardwalks precisely manufactured and supplied the high-quality, durable materials needed for the structure, utilizing components well-suited for transport by ferry and efficient assembly in a remote location.
Expert Installation by WisCorps
The crucial on-site installation phase was expertly executed by the skilled and hardworking crews from WisCorps. Their experience working in natural environments and overcoming logistical challenges was invaluable. Custom Bridges and Boardwalks provided detailed design plans, instructions, and consistent support to the WisCorps team throughout the build process, ensuring all components came together as engineered. Ferrying materials and constructing the system on the island's slope required precision and dedication, which the WisCorps crew delivered exceptionally.
A Successful Outcome: Enhanced Island Experience
Completed in November 2025, the new platform, boardwalk, and stair system stands as a proud example of successful partnership and planning. Visitors arriving by boat at Upham Woods are now greeted by a robust platform that flows naturally into the sturdy boardwalk, guiding them safely up the incline. This vital infrastructure significantly improves accessibility and circulation on the island, allowing learners and visitors to more easily engage with the educational opportunities and natural beauty Upham Woods offers.
This project underscores Custom's commitment to providing custom-designed access solutions for even the most unique locations. We thrive on collaboration and are equipped to support projects through design and material supply for partner installations, just as we did here with Upham Woods and WisCorps.
Considering an access challenge at your camp, park, nature center, or private property? Contact Custom Bridges and Boardwalks to discuss how our design expertise and quality materials can help create your connection.
