Nathan Benderson Park

Category: Park in Sarasota, Florida

Address: 5851 Nathan Benderson Cir, Sarasota, FL 34235, USA

Phone: +19413587275

Opening hours

Sunday: 6AM–6PM

Monday: 6AM–6PM

Tuesday: 6AM–6PM

Wednesday: 6AM–6PM

Thursday: 6AM–6PM

Friday: 6AM–6PM

Saturday: 6AM–6PM

Reviews

Kenneth Adams

Jun 13, 2022

Great facility! It was great for USRowing to host Youth Nationals for the last two years. Clean bathrooms and good food. Other than it being ridiculously humid with sudden rain, and an alligator, it's a great venue.

Susan Coombs

Apr 11, 2022

Great venue for rowing competitions! Parking can be tricky during events but once you’re here it’s lovely. Bringing a bike looks like a lot of fun. There’s a large, covered jungle-gym for young children, a few food trucks, vendors for events & ample restroom facilities. Bring sunscreen & a hat! 👍

Travis Curry

Oct 13, 2021

Best park around for every kind of workout! I love the beauty and I really love the distance around the park! It's an athlete's playground, for sure❗

alex k

Aug 1, 2021

The trail ride (3.4miles) are the park is great if you are looking to take in some sun, nature and not be to exhausted. It’s a rather short ride with two small hills, but it’s perfect for bird watching!

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Questions & Answers

are there public restrooms when walking 3.5 miles?

Ann Lee | Aug 31, 2018
Nathan Benderson Park | Aug 30, 2021

Yes. We have restroom facilities adjacent to the playground, at the 500-meter position on the west side of the competition lake, and at the base of the finish tower on Regatta Island. There are also portable facilities near the south boat ramp. (The paved and shell trails around the competition lake are 3.4 miles long, so that extra 0.1 could take you to the finish tower restrooms!)

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Is bike riding allowed there?

B flo | Aug 31, 2019
E Agosto | Aug 31, 2019

Yes

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Are there always sand arts in park

Connie Scott | Aug 31, 2018
John Edelman | Aug 31, 2018

No

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Are remote controled electric toy boats allowed?

Jason Coulter | Aug 30, 2021
Nathan Benderson Park | Aug 30, 2021

They are permitted. Your best bet is to use our west lakes, along Athletes Drive off Honore Avenue.

Are there showers at the park?

christie c | Aug 30, 2021
Nathan Benderson Park | Aug 30, 2021

We don't currently have showers at the park.

Can you fly a drone in the park?

Allwonkyvids | Aug 30, 2021
Larry Oneill | Aug 30, 2021

Not sure sir..a great place to walk

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How deep is the lake at Nathan Benderson park?

Deb Lafont | Aug 31, 2019
Nathan Benderson Park | Aug 31, 2019

It's a consistent 20 feet along the 2000m competition course. On the east side of the floating wave attenuator, there are spots that get shallower and deeper.

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If I choose to play my guitar, say when there are no events there at all, is that possible? If so are there hour restrictions for 'sound' at the park?

Bryan Shapiro | Aug 31, 2019
Nathan Benderson Park | Aug 31, 2019

Bryan, thanks for asking. If you're not plugging in and no one complains, you should be fine! You might even draw a crowd. (There's a couple of players on our staff, though they haven't tried out playing at the park, at least that we know of. Who knows but that they might!)

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Are boats with electric trolling motors for fishing allowed on lake?

pressure KELLEY | Aug 31, 2018
Nathan Benderson Park | Aug 30, 2020

Yes! The only restriction is on gas motors, which are illegal not just here, but in all county park waters. (If you have a gas motor on your boat, it must be tipped up out of the water at all times.) Be mindful of any athletic or safety traffic on the water, and you're golden! See you here!

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Is there a vendor who will rent single or double sculls?

Vanessa Tinsley | Jul 1, 2022
Antonina McCabe | Jul 1, 2022

Yes, go to the main building and they rent sculls, kayaks and dragon boats. They also supply lessons. It is where the Olympic team practices!!!! You maybe getting a lesson from a former Olympian!!!

What is all the construction on north side of the park.draining the lake ? is it not part of Nathan Bennett anymore

Rosa Simmons | Apr 2, 2022
Lawrence Catchpole | Apr 2, 2022

New construction is the building of new site of Mote Marine.

Lost my eye glasses while walking around Benderson lake what is loss and found number to call.?

Niki Kacan | Mar 3, 2022
Nathan Benderson Park | Mar 3, 2022

Call us at 941-358-7275. Our front office handles lost and found items.

Where is parking for public events?

Harriet Jordan | Mar 3, 2022
Paul Peays | Mar 3, 2022

Depends on the event. Some there is parking on the island and some there's not(circus-pay to park on the island / rowing-island is for competitors and you'll need to pull in northeast side, by the playground then walk).

Is there protection from the rain, at rain or shine concerts?

H Robert Cohen | Mar 3, 2022
Gregory Volkov | Mar 3, 2022

Not anything I would call real protection unless the concert organizers make a tent.

Do we pay any fees?

Meb Dilek Bale ve Müzik Okulları | Feb 1, 2022
Nathan Benderson Park | Feb 1, 2022

As a county-owned park, there are no fees for everyday passive users (walkers, cyclists, et al.). Our programs do have fees, and some of our events have admission fees. See more at nathanbendersonpark.org.

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Is barbecue allowed?

Mona AbuFardeh | Jan 2, 2022
Nathan Benderson Park | Feb 1, 2022

No open fires are allowed in the park, as per Sarasota County ordinances.

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is rollerskating allowed?

celeste abramowitz | Dec 3, 2021
Nathan Benderson Park | Dec 3, 2021

YES! You can skate our paved trails (which measure just more than 3.4 miles)! See you here.

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is there a hotel on site?

Gustavo Martinez Hidalgo | Aug 30, 2021
Antoinette Boston | Aug 30, 2021

No hotel, but several nearby with UTC Mall across the highway from the park

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Is there food at the July 3 event

Connie Mueeller | Aug 30, 2021
The Lioness | Aug 30, 2021

There is not.

Will be attending the NCAA rowing this weekend. Where would be the best parking to get to a good viewing site of races? Have handicaps tag and a folding chair. I purchased a three day ticket.Thank you in advance for answers.

Joseph Vashlishan | Aug 30, 2021
Nathan Benderson Park | Aug 30, 2021

Parking will be in the north lots, and tickets are for the grandstand seating.

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Is the public allowed to use the stairway for exercise?

Scott Groulx | Aug 30, 2021
Ricardo Sabroso | Aug 30, 2021

Paddling board private coil we use in the park

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Is beer allowed in park?

Patricia Kirby | Aug 30, 2021
Nathan Benderson Park | Aug 30, 2021

Sarasota County ordinances (section 90 is about parks) only says glass containers are prohibited. We only say that folks must be responsible. You can find the county ordinances at https://library.municode.com/fl/sarasota_county/codes/code_of_ordinances

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how many steps/flights is it to the top of the finish tower?

Laura P | Aug 30, 2021
Nathan Benderson Park | Aug 30, 2021

It's 171 from the ground level of the tower to the top landing (on the sixth floor).

Best place to park to meet another friend? New to the area.Are the parking lots numbered or letters?

Myra Rager | Aug 30, 2021
Nathan Benderson Park | Aug 30, 2021

The parking lots are only identifiable by location. The Green Lot is just south of the SCAT station. The North Lot is where the circus is usually situated. The playground lot is beside the playground. The south boat ramp lot is, well, by the south boat ramp, and the west lakes lot is along Athletes Drive close to Honore Avenue. There are a few parking spots along World Championship Drive on the park's west side. Parking is allowed in designated spots only.

What is the current lake temperature?

christie c | Aug 30, 2021
NASH PROJECT | Aug 30, 2021

https://windy.app/forecast2/spot/551106/Nathan+Benderson+Park

Is it catch and release? I seen multiple people with nets and coolers, filling up coolers with multiple species of all different sizes

Robert Dunphy | Aug 30, 2021
Nathan Benderson Park | Aug 30, 2021

First, net fishing is indeed legal in this part of Florida. The lakes are subject to all state laws and regulations regarding fishing, and is inside a county park. You can release, but you can catch and eat, as well. Fishing at the park is a popular activity, and we'll see you here!

Can you paddle board at the park

Leslie Green | Aug 30, 2021
Hillary Cianchette | Aug 30, 2021

Yes. They have a boat landing.

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What is the ticket worth?

Zoraida Galindex | Aug 30, 2020
Nathan Benderson Park | Aug 30, 2020

As a county park, we do not sell tickets for daily activities.

Are there water fountains near the trail?

Brittney Sanicola | Aug 30, 2020
Nathan Benderson Park | Aug 30, 2020

There are filtered water fountains adjacent to the playground and at the base of the finish tower. For your convenience, and with 3.4 miles of trails around the big competition lake, you may want to bring a water bottle with you. See you here!

can you rent bicycles in the park

patty tichenor | Aug 30, 2020
Dave Yoder | Aug 30, 2020

No

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are there fireworks on saturday evenings at the park

Susan/Robert Goldberg | Aug 30, 2020
Nathan Benderson Park | Aug 30, 2020

We don't have fireworks on Saturday evenings, though we have fireworks on special occasions, and certainly for NBP Fireworks On The Lake, held every July 3.

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Are road legal golf carts allowed on roads

Sandra Mckean | Aug 30, 2020
Nathan Benderson Park | Aug 30, 2020

If it's road-legal, it may be driven according to applicable Florida law.

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Is the ice rink open

Nancy Skidmore | Aug 30, 2020
Nathan Benderson Park | Aug 30, 2020

Nancy, yes, the rink is open on our north lawn. The Mall at University Town Center is operating the rink, so you'll want to check with them on hours. See you here at the park!

Can you fish in the pond?

Tim Morgan | Aug 30, 2020
Nathan Benderson Park | Aug 30, 2020

Yes, you can fish in the lakes — from the shore or on a boat! Boats are allowed as long as they're not gas-powered (electric trolling motors or human power are OK). There's plenty of blue gill, crappie, perch and catfish, and we've seen some impressive sizes pulled out. Also in this part of Florida, cast net fishing is legal, and we have the occasional net fisher. See you here!

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Are there handball courts?

M D | Aug 30, 2020
Nathan Benderson Park | Aug 30, 2021

At this time, there are no courts for handball, pickleball or tennis.

What's the water temp on 9/27/19?

MoFlo Fishing | Aug 30, 2020
Nathan Benderson Park | Aug 30, 2020

We monitor the water on our lakes. To find out more, call us at 941-358-7275 and select the facilities staff from the phone options.

Does the lake have overflow? Raining for two weeks where does the water go?

Audrey Bilotti | Aug 31, 2019
Nathan Benderson Park | Aug 30, 2021

Audrey, the lake is fed by Cooper Creek from the east and drains back into Cooper Creek to the lake's northwest. The water goes downstream to the Braden River and is part of the local water supply (which is why we can't allow gas motors on boats outside of safety boats). We have a couple of retention ponds around the lake, but everything flows in and out along Cooper Creek.

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Are dogs allowed here?

Jesse Gaudio | Aug 31, 2019
Nathan Benderson Park | Aug 31, 2019

Dogs are allowed as long as they remain on a leash of no longer than 6 feet, and they are cleaned up after. Thanks for asking!

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Are there alligators in the rowing venue?

A Google User | Aug 31, 2019
Nathan Benderson Park | Aug 30, 2020

We have a mitigation program to ensure alligators (which are reclusive) are never an issue, and athlete safety is paramount. As a side note, swimming and wading are prohibited in Sarasota County parks, with the exception of events at NBP that require swimming (i.e., triathlons).

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Is there anything going on tomorrow would like to go fishing

Rosa Simmons | Aug 31, 2019
Nathan Benderson Park | Aug 31, 2019

We have two events in the park tomorrow (March 30). The Lakewood Ranch Rotary Walk For Water and the Family Living Magazine Summer Camp Fair will be at the park. Shouldn't affect any fishing, though. Just remember — if you have a boat, you must have an electric motor (no gas) and if you're fishing from land, park only in designated spots. See you here at the park!

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Are there any activity going on tomorrow would like to fish 😊

Rosa Simmons | Aug 31, 2019
Nathan Benderson Park | Aug 31, 2019

If tomorrow is Saturday, March 30, we have the Lakewood Ranch Rotary Walk For Water and the Family Living Magazine Summer Camp Fair. See our Facebook page for the events!

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Will my car be locked in if I am not out of the park right at close?

Stanton Barbas | Aug 31, 2019
Dom Bianco | Aug 31, 2019

There are not any gates on the west side and there is parking at the main area that is not gated.

Can qe keep anything we catch and if so were can I find the regulations?

Alfredo Ruiz | Aug 31, 2019
David Dixon | Aug 31, 2019

Yes you can keep what you catch in accordance with Florida fishing regulations. Google regs

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What is the water temp 3/9/2019?

RichardT910 | Aug 31, 2019
Nathan Benderson Park | Aug 31, 2019

Today's water temp, checked at noon, is 72 degrees F.

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Does the park have public wifi so that I can save on data while listening to music through my phone?

Bryan Shapiro | Aug 31, 2019
Nathan Benderson Park | Aug 31, 2019

There's wifi available in the park, though mainly on Regatta Island. You'll see the networks identified with "NBP" in their names. See you here!

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When and which major league soccer team is coming to NBP next week

Nico Krawtschenko | Aug 31, 2019
Nathan Benderson Park | Aug 31, 2019

Teams, organizations and businesses use NBP for team training/teambuilding and for conditioning — it's not just rowers or paddlers! You'd be surprised to know that rowing only accounts for about 25% of NBP's events, and another 35-40% is running events. A lot happens here both on and off the water, and it runs the gamut from community events and programs (like youth soccer, yoga, picnics, training events and even weddings and receptions!) to high-profile national and international competition. See more at nathanbendersonpark.org.

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How many miles is it if you walk all the way around the lake?

John Gross | Aug 31, 2019
Nathan Benderson Park | Aug 30, 2021

It's 3.4 miles around the competition lake, using the paved or shell trails and the North Cattlemen Road sidewalk near Regatta Island and the playground.

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How long is it around the lake,? 1 mile 2 miles?

patricia Jones | Aug 31, 2019
Magdy Metwalli | Aug 31, 2019

About 3.5 mils

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where to park

Catherine Dente | Aug 31, 2019
18675064 | Aug 31, 2019

There's parking close to University right at the park

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Can l use uber from there to phoenix, Az and how much can it cost?

Robinah Ssekimuli | Aug 31, 2018
Robinah Ssekimuli | Aug 31, 2018

How does it cost from Sarasota airport to phoenix air port?

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Is this a dog friendly park?

Rachel Jagodzinski | Aug 31, 2018
LILIANA ANGARITA | Aug 31, 2018

:) yes

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Can you paddleboard anywhere on the water at Benderson Park?

Keith Lock | Aug 31, 2018
Colin Oconnor | Aug 31, 2018

I think so

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Did I notice a new tornado alert siren put up in the park?

Dave Gerding | Aug 31, 2018
Susan Nines | Aug 31, 2018

Didn't see it when we were there. Where did you see it?

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Is the circle still there

Rosa Simmons | Aug 31, 2018
Richard Findlay | Aug 31, 2018

Walking, jogging and bike path? Yes.

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How long is the walking trail around the lake?

Dee Charlton | Aug 31, 2018
David Stutzman | Aug 31, 2018

3 1/2 miles. A beautiful walking and/or biking place.

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During rowing events, can I bring a RV to park for a day?

Britt Dew | Aug 31, 2018
Richard Findlay | Aug 31, 2018

Depends on how big the event might. Call the county or Benderson

I want to take my grandson fishing ... is there a pier to fish from or do you need to fish from shore?

Jon & Connie Byrne | Aug 31, 2018
Rosa Simmons | Aug 31, 2018

I fish from lake to lake last week were a good day caught catfish and blue gills

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Can I kayak there?

Lake Barrett | Aug 31, 2018
Jessica S | Aug 31, 2018

Yes. You can use your own or they also have kayak rentals.

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Where do we park tomorrow for the breast cancer walk?

Sharon Hutchinson | Aug 31, 2018
David Leeman | Aug 31, 2018

There is plenty of room for parking. They will direct you in once you cross the bridge.

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Anyone know if benderson park has grills

Greg Buchanan | Aug 31, 2018
Michael Knight | Aug 31, 2018

Nope

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How is parking for Sat or Sunday for finals? Will it be difficult to find parking?

leo bonnes | Aug 31, 2018
leo bonnes | Aug 31, 2018

Thank you all.

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Can you tell me more about your Rowing Club? I like to join one.

Marina Solo | Aug 31, 2018
Robin Anderson | Aug 31, 2018

I don't know about rowing club. I was there to learn too.

Is there a restaurant in the park

Steve Upton | Aug 31, 2018
James Loncaric | Aug 31, 2018

No, there is no restaurant in the park. However, there are food vendors here during events and there are many restaurants within walking distance. For the current event (World Rowing Championship) there are shuttles to the UTC mall.

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I want to attend the park do i have to buy tickets just to use the park?

Marcella Church | Aug 31, 2018
Aubry Pellom | Aug 31, 2018

No ticket for the park.. they are. Having a rowing championship this weekend...need ticket for that..

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