Park Projects
Below are select Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources' Capital Improvement Projects and other projects that are currently in progress.
Learn more about these and other Projects In Your Neighborhood.
Nathan Benderson Park Southern Shoreline Stablization
Post Date:06/03/2026 10:30 AM
Project Description
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Design by: Aptim Environmental and Infrastructure 725 US-301, Tampa, FL 33619 |
Contractors: Earth Tech Enterprises 6180 Federal Ct, Fort Myers, FL 33905 Dickerson Infrastructure Inc. 3122 N 25th Street, Fort Pierce, FL 34946 |
Discover a Park
History
From Pit to Park:
In the early 1990s, the site was an active shell excavation pit used for road construction. Sarasota County purchased the land and initially named it Cooper Creek Park.
A New Vision:
In 2007, the park was renamed after Nathan Benderson, the founder of Benderson Development, following a $1 million donation from the Benderson family to transform the area into a health and wellness destination.
World-Class Infrastructure:
The park features the only permanent FISA Class A 2,000-meter sprint rowing course in North America. Significant infrastructure upgrades include a five-story finish tower completed in 2017.
Economic & Community Impact:
NBP hosted the 2017 World Rowing Championships, which generated nearly $20 million in economic impact for the Sarasota-Manatee area.
Versatile Usage:
Beyond professional rowing, the park serves as a hub for dragon boat racing, triathlons, 5k/10k runs, and public recreation like kayaking, biking, and picnicking.
1967 2014
Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy. (n.d.). History - Nathan Benderson Park. Retrieved April 6, 2026, from
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Updates:
May 31, 2026
Shoreline stabilization work is progressing along the east side of the lake, where crews are installing geotextile fabric and riprap to protect against erosion. Construction is moving steadily from north to south toward the lake’s southeast corner. The new boat ramp is also beginning to take shape, with recently installed sheet piling outlining its future footprint.
April 30, 2026
Construction is currently underway along the east and southern shoreline of the lake. Crews are re‑establishing shoreline slopes and stabilizing them using geotextile fabric and riprap.
Along the east shoreline, repair work has begun approximately 1,500 feet north of the lake’s southeast corner, progressing from north to south.
Near the boat ramp, the shoreline slopes have already been rebuilt, and installation of geotextile fabric and riprap is ongoing. The damaged boat ramp has been removed, and a coffer dam is now in place to support construction of the new ramp.
March 31, 2026
The notice to proceed for construction activities along the southern and southeastern shoreline was issued on March 24, 2026. Contractors have mobilized onsite and will soon be installing protective measures at the project work areas. Work is anticipated to be completed in early fall 2026.
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