TSW’s Landscape Architecture Studio was retained to develop a comprehensive master plan for Nathan Benderson Park & Rowing Venue, located just east of Sarasota-Bradenton, Florida. At the heart of the park is a stunning 400-acre lake surrounded by scenic shoreline, which is being transformed into a world-class, 2,000-meter FISA (Fédération Internationale des Sociétés d’Aviron) Class A regatta course and rowing center. This ambitious vision positions the park as a premier destination for international rowing competitions, while also making it a regional hub for a variety of other athletic and recreational events.

In addition to hosting competitive rowing, the master plan envisions the park as a multi-use venue that will accommodate a wide range of paddle sports, including dragon boat racing, canoe and kayak events, as well as land-based activities such as triathlons and cross-country running races. At the core of the competition layout is Regatta Island, a purpose-built launching and recovery area for boats during rowing events. Designed with flexibility in mind, the island features an Olympic Village-style layout and includes a modern boat maintenance facility. When not in use for regattas, Regatta Island can be reconfigured to host community events such as farmers markets, art fairs, or even large-scale concerts and festivals.

Beyond the competitive facilities, the master plan incorporates multiple recreational spaces throughout the park, including a race viewing area, a children’s playground, and a small event lawn for informal gatherings. A multi-use walking trail circles the lake, offering fitness stations and scenic views to promote year-round health and wellness.

The park’s strategic location—adjacent to a vibrant mixed-use entertainment district with shopping, restaurants, and lodging—makes it an ideal destination for both athletes and visitors. The result is a flexible, high-performance park that blends world-class competition with everyday recreation and community engagement.