Nestled in the heart of Muskoka’s rugged landscape, Oviinbyrd Golf Club is one of Canada’s most exclusive private courses, known for its pristine fairways, dramatic rock outcrops, and tranquil natural features. With a layout designed by Thomas McBroom, the course is intentionally integrated with its surroundings, emphasizing minimalist design and environmental harmony. When Oviinbyrd needed a way to connect two sections of the course separated by a pond, they looked for a solution that would preserve the beauty of the landscape while delivering year-round reliability. NyDock was brought into design and install a floating golf cart path that would achieve both.
🎥 Watch the Floating Cart Path in Action
Watch the full installation process and see the floating cart path in use.
Project Goal
The objective was to construct a stable, visually discreet pathway that would allow golf carts to cross a pond without the need for permanent bridge structures or disruptive shoreline construction. Traditional solutions such as culverts or bridges would not only be more invasive but would also detract from the quiet, natural elegance of the course. Oviinbyrd needed a functional path that could handle regular cart traffic, respond to fluctuating water levels, and remain unobtrusive—both in terms of environmental impact and visual design.
Our Process
NyDock began by assessing the pond site and collaborating with the Oviinbyrd team to determine the ideal crossing point. From the beginning, it was clear that a floating path—anchored and built using our signature HDPE pontoons—would be the most effective solution. These pontoons are lightweight, durable, and naturally buoyant, making them ideal for applications where long-term exposure to water is expected.
The floating path was fabricated in modular sections off-site to ensure quick and precise assembly on the course. Once delivered, the modules were launched and positioned across the pond, anchored securely to allow for slight movement with water conditions while maintaining alignment for safe, smooth cart travel. A durable walking surface was installed atop the pontoons, providing a slip-resistant, low-maintenance finish suitable for all weather conditions. The modular design also allowed the path to subtly follow the pond’s shape, creating a visually seamless extension of the course.
Success Story
The completed floating cart path is now a standout feature of the Oviinbyrd experience—functional, elegant, and perfectly in tune with its surroundings. Golfers can now cross the pond effortlessly, even during high-water conditions or early in the season when terrain might otherwise be soft or inaccessible. The HDPE pontoon system provides reliable performance with minimal maintenance and resists degradation from moisture, sun, and seasonal freeze-thaw cycles.
Perhaps most importantly, the path blends into the course naturally. Its low-profile design and clean lines avoid visual clutter, maintaining the serene atmosphere Oviinbyrd is known for. By floating directly on the water’s surface, the path enhances course access without compromising the untouched aesthetic that members and visitors have come to expect.
This project is a prime example of how NyDock’s floating dock systems can solve complex access challenges in high-end recreational environments. At Oviinbyrd, innovation and design came together to create a solution that is as thoughtful as the course itself.
