• Vote For NBP – 6th Annual Festival of Trees at UTC

    UTC - 257 North Cattlemen Road, Sarasota, FL, USA 257 North Cattlemen Road, Sarasota, FL

    The 6th Annual Festival of Trees at UTC has begun!  The staff at Nathan Benderson Park have meticulously and thoughtfully decorated our tree with elements of nature and colorful blue and brown accents that will be sure to warm your heart this holiday season! Votes and silent auction bids will be collected through an online platform, called GiveSmart. One of the biggest advantages is that you can vote and bid anytime, from anywhere. You will also receive text messages with reminders and updates on your bid item(s). To access the event site, go to https://utctrees.givesmart.com or text UTCTREES to 76278. Make sure to vote for tree #127. Love this tree so much and want to take it home? In addition to voting our tree as your favorite, you can bid on purchasing the tree. To place your bid, choose our tree at #126. Bids start at $150 and money raised will go to support Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy. Thank you for your participation and support!  Wishing you a very Happy Holiday!

  • NBP Vacation Camp – November

      ALL AROUND NBP CAMP – AGES 6-13 Dive into a world of water sports including kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, and fishing. This camp focuses on water safety, wildlife education, and hands-on learning. Campers will receive on-land instruction and personal flotation devices for all water activities. Camp runs 8:00am-4:00pm. Early drop-off at 7am is available for an additional fee. Pick up is 4:00-5:30pm. Space is limited. Register for your sessions now!

  • Florida Turkey Trot Presented By Publix

    Join nearly 4,000 of your closest friends Thanksgiving morning for the fifth annual Florida Turkey Trot Presented By Publix! The 5K run/walk begins at 8 a.m., with the Kids Dash at 7:15 a.m. This event brings runners, joggers and walkers from across the Suncoast and beyond for what's become a new Thanksgiving tradition. All participants receive a finisher medal and race shirt, as well as food and drink at the after-race party. This event is a partnership of Fit2Run, The Runners Superstore, and the Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy, and benefits the Conservancy and the Big Bill Foundation. The Big Bill Foundation is named for former NBP Conservancy board chairman and legendary area businessman Bill Robinson, who began Fit2Run with his son, Parks.

  • Last Paddler Standing

    Last Paddler Standing is an endurance SUP race. Unlike any other paddle race in the world, Last Paddler Standing is a race of stamina and strategy. Racers will paddle a 3.33-mile loop course, starting and finishing the loop within a one-hour period. The next loop will begin on the hour and the race goes until only one paddler is left standing. At the 48-hour mark, the length of the loop will be increased. Do you have what it takes to be the Last Paddler Standing? This is a SUP-only race. Paddlers must use a single blade, no double blades allowed. Boards cannot be hybrid sit on top. Prone is allowed but you must have a paddle on the board with you at all times. This race is designed to challenge your endurance, stamina, and strategic thinking. It's not solely about speed, so don't select your SUP based on that. The race will start on Saturday, Nov 30 at 9:00 AM. The race will go until there's one finisher. The race is timed with each loop starting on the hour, every hour. Racers must be at the starting line within 10 seconds of the top of the hour. Racers must complete […]

  • Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

    Regatta Island 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota, FL, United States

    This annual fundraiser for the American Cancer Society returns to NBP, bringing thousands of supporters for a 5K walk around the park and related ceremonies and activities. Learn more and sign up today!

  • NBP Volunteer Appreciation Party

    Nathan Benderson Park's annual recognition for exceptional volunteer service and commitment to the park. Invitation only. Gold Coast Eagle If you have any questions or to RSVP, please email our Volunteer Coordinator, Renee Chacon. RSVP BY Dec. 5

  • Sarasota Crew Intrasquad Regatta

    This is a VERY FUN race that pits all of the Sarasota Crew squads against each other using a unique handicapping system. Everyone has a great time with it. Boat costumes often happen. Team pictures for all squads for the year will happen this day! Races should be done by lunch and a fund spread for everyone will be provided. Parents are welcome to join in the celebration of the day and the entire fall!

  • Sarasota Christmas Glow Run 5K

    This fun, family-friendly festive event features dozens of Christmas decorations at the start and finish line and music that creates an atmosphere that will get your Christmas season started off right! This professionally chip-timed night glow run will be a memorable experience like no other. Athletes run or walk the lakeside Christmas themed course at night. Athletes add to the atmosphere with their complimentary glow products that are included with registration. Spectators will enjoy free live runner tracking with the ​Elite Events Tracker App. ...and YES, there is 100% chance of pretty snowfall at the finish!​ National anthem and pre-race instructions are at 5:50 p.m., and the race begins at 6 p.m. Parking is $10 per car.  

  • Sarasota West Coast Half Marathon

    The ninth stop on the South Florida Half Marathon Tour is the Sarasota West Coast Half Marathon and 5k at Nathan Benderson Park. The scenic course takes runners through and around the University Town Center area with nearly constant water views. National Anthem and Pre-Race Instructions start at 6:50 a.m.  Both races start at 7 a.m. 

  • NBP December Holiday Camp

    ALL AROUND NBP CAMP – AGES 6-13 Dive into a world of water sports including kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, and fishing. This camp focuses on water safety, wildlife education, and hands-on learning. Campers will receive on-land instruction and personal flotation devices for all water activities. Camp runs 8:00am-4:00pm. Early drop-off at 7am is available for an additional fee. Pick up is 4:00-5:30pm. Space is limited. Register now!  

  • NBP Winter Recess Camp

      ALL AROUND NBP CAMP – AGES 6-13   Dive into a world of water sports including kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, and fishing. This camp focuses on water safety, wildlife education, and hands-on learning. Campers will receive on-land instruction and personal flotation devices for all water activities. Camp runs 8:00am-4:00pm. Early drop-off at 7am is available for an additional fee. Pick up is 4:00-5:30pm. Space is limited. Register now!