Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/157038
Sarasota News Leader August 23, 2013 Page 84 wave-attenuation system and the creation of an island with hospitality services, Merry continued. Those features are just the beginning of a project that, by the end of 2014, is slated to boast 2,200-meter racing lanes, coaching lanes, a multifunction boathouse and athlete training facility and grandstands, the program pointed out. Benderson Park hosted its first two regattas in 2009, followed by four in 2010, seven in 2011 and another seven in 2012. As the park prepared for its latest event, Staff Photographer Norman Schimmel captured the prep work. He was back at the park on Aug. 16, shooting scenes of a party hosted for volunteers and sponsors. A bridge from North Cattlemen Road allows direct entry into the park. The unloading of shells gets under way two days before the event begins.