I have similar goals to yours, but also wanted swimming. I have a fixed dock joined to a floating dock by a gangway. It sits over 7 to 8 feet of water and provides a fishing and swimming platform. I also have a "natural" edge which consists of reeds and other emergent plants that we planted. We removed cattails as they came up to prevent a monoculture. We have a lot of deep water but also a shallow area where small fish can find protection. We also have lots of ornamental water lilies to enhance the habitat. Very low maintenance. Just mow a path to the dock and a walking path around the pond.