Programs
Nathan Benderson Park offers a variety of programs from community rowing and paddling, to group and individual fitness to outdoor activities for the entire family. Learn more below.
By Land
By Water
By Water
NBP REC DAYS
These family-friendly days are on pause at the moment and will return again soon!
Bird Watching
Information
NATHAN BENDERSON PARK, located near the mall at University Town Center, is a Sarasota County-owned park, managed by a not-for-profit organization primarily as a multi-use sports venue. A 400-acre lake, which attracts world-class rowing competition, is contained within the 600-acre community park. Handicapped-accessible paths include the 3.5-mile loop around the lake perimeter. The park can be a productive place to view birds, with about 155 species reported to eBird in the past, but changes in habitat, such as a decrease in plantings around the lake, large mowed areas, and alterations in the shoreline to enhance sporting activities, have adversely affected birding opportunities. Check the calendar on the Park Website for scheduled events. Visitors may want to combine their visit to the park with a visit to Lake Osprey, only a few minutes’ drive to the east (across I-75). There is adequate parking and no admission fee to enter the park grounds.
Featured Birds
The park lake has been a good place to find wintering Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup, American White Pelican, and American Coot. Other possibilities include Caspian, Royal, Forster’s and Gull-billed Tern, and Bonaparte’s Gull in the winter. Other birds that have been recorded include Limpkin, Glossy Ibis, Least Bittern, King Rail, Anhinga, Double-crested Cormorant, Carolina Wren, Pine Warbler, Common Yellowthroat and Killdeer. Sandhill Crane and waders roost at the north end of the lake in the evening. Helmeted Guinea Fowl, Monk Parakeet and American Kestrel often nest here and rarities, such as Snow Goose, have been found occasionally.
Insider's Tip
he park is roughly rectangular in shape, stretching north and south, with the lake in the center. A quiet place to bird is along a partially tree-shaded, crushed shell, walking trail that runs parallel to World Championship Drive (with small parking lots spaced at intervals), at the park’s western border. Look for Common Yellowthroat, herons and other waders in the wetlands under the power lines, and songbirds in the trees. Monk Parakeet and American Kestrel may be seen year-round in this area. To see an aerial view of major trails/roads, click on the Map & Directions link below, change the “view” to “Satellite” and enlarge the map.
Sarasota Audubon Society
Visit the Audubon Society website for more information about bird watching activities at Nathan Benderson Park and surrounding areas
The park is a great place to view birdsVisitors may want to combine their visit to the park with a visit to Lake Osprey, only a few minutes’ drive to the east (across I-75). There is adequate parking and no admission fee to enter the park grounds.
Featured Birds: The park lake has been a good place to find wintering Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup, American White Pelican, and American Coot. Other possibilities include Caspian, Royal, Forster’s and Gull-billed Tern, and Bonaparte’s Gull in the winter. Other birds that have been recorded include Limpkin, Glossy Ibis, Least Bittern, King Rail, Anhinga, Double-crested Cormorant, Carolina Wren, Pine Warbler, Common Yellowthroat and Killdeer. Sandhill Crane and waders roost at the north end of the lake in the evening. Helmeted Guinea Fowl, Monk Parakeet and American Kestrel often nest here and rarities, such as Snow Goose, have been found occasionally.
Insider’s Tip: The park is roughly rectangular in shape, stretching north and south, with the lake in the center. A quiet place to bird is along a partially tree-shaded, crushed shell, walking trail that runs parallel to World Championship Drive (with small parking lots spaced at intervals), at the park’s western border. Look for Common Yellowthroat, herons and other waders in the wetlands under the power lines, and songbirds in the trees. Monk Parakeet and American Kestrel may be seen year-round in this area. To see an aerial view of major trails/roads, click on the Map & Directions link below, change the “view” to “Satellite” and enlarge the map.
Zumba®
Zumba® is here! Join certified Zumba instructor Yael Campbell on Saturdays for a great morning workout! Yael is a certified Zumba instructor also certified in Zumba Toning, Strong Nation®, Zumba Kids & Kids Jr. She has been teaching Zumba since 2015. She loves dancing, moving, and losing herself to the music. Those are the moments she lives for and wants to share with everyone with whom she dances. When you are a part of her class, she won’t stop until she teaches you how to move to the music, and feel free!
More Info
Running
With more than 7 miles of paved and shell trails — that’s 3.4 miles of parallel trails! — there’s plenty of distance to go inside the park. Our trails are used for running, cycling, rollerblading/skating, walking and more, but they’re certainly known for running. They’re used for world and national triathlon competition as well as for local cross-country team meets and for community running events. But when you want to get out there with a small group or by yourself, there’s few better places to lace up and catch your stride than at NBP.
Walking
With more than 7 miles of paved and shell trails — that’s 3.4 miles of parallel trails! —around the competition lake, plus paved land bridges, NBP is a great place to get a walk in! You’ll share the trails with pedestrians, bicyclists and others who also enjoy the fresh air, the breezes and ample spaces of NBP. Who knows but that you’ll make new friends along the way! Bring friends and family and make an outing of it.
Fishing
On Shore
There’s No Better Place to relax with a fishing pole than on the shores of Cooper Creek Lake and its adjacent ponds. Freshwater fishing is fun at NBP, with various kinds of fish including crappie, bass and blue gill. Of course, as a public park, you’ll require a Florida fishing license if you’re of that age. It’s fun for the entire family. Drop a line and see what’s bitin’ at NBP! (NOTE: There’s no fishing off of our docks or bridges. Thanks for your cooperation!)
On Water
There’s No Better Place to relax with a fishing pole than on Cooper Creek Lake and its adjacent ponds. Freshwater fishing is fun at NBP, with various kinds of fish including crappie, bass and blue gill. Of course, as a public park, you’ll require a Florida fishing license if you’re of that age. There are boat ramps on the south end of Cooper Creek Lake, near the south entrance to the park along North Cattlemen Road, and on our west lake, off Athletes Drive near Honore Avenue. Drop a line and see what’s bitin’ at NBP! (NOTE: No gas motors are allowed — ensure you tip the motor out of the water. You can use an electric trolling motor. And you’ll want to steer clear of the marked courses and athletic traffic.)
Roller blading . Skating . Cycling
There’s more than 3.4 miles of paved trail around the competition lake, plus paved land bridges, which make NBP a great place to rollerblade, rollerskate and more! You’ll share the trails with pedestrians, bicyclists and others who also enjoy the fresh air, the breezes and ample spaces of NBP. Bring your friends!
Remote-Control SailING
Club history: The Sarasota Model Yacht Club got its start in Sarasota in 1995.
What Kind of boats do we race? Soling One Meter(S1M). This is the largest class in the United States.
Where do we race? Nathan Benderson Park West Lake in the fall, winter and spring. In the summer, in The Meadows, next to their community center (2004 Longmeadow).
When do we race? Tuesday and Thursdays from 1–3 p.m., and 10 a.m.-noon Saturdays. Thursday is our “counting day” for our series races (fall, winter and summer).
Do we accept beginners? We encourage sailors of all skill levels to join us. A mentor program is available for beginners.
How can I get a S1M and how much do they cost? We have a member called “Boat Yard” who has used/refurbished S1Ms for sale. You can also purchase a kit from Victor Model Products and build it yourself. You can also buy a new ready-to-sail boat. Your cost can vary from $250 for a boat needing work to $1,100 for a new, ready-to-sail boat.
Camp Gladiator
WHAT IS CG?
CG is a four-week fitness program led by Certified Personal Trainers, where every workout is different. Each "Camp" is a 60 minute, full-body workout incorporating both cardio and strength exercises. CG was initially built around outdoor workouts and is now excited to offer virtual workouts as well!
BETTER TOGETHER
At CG, we believe in the accountability and camaraderie of group fitness. We encourage and push one another to be Better Together. Even virtually you'll workout LIVE with your Battle Buddies via Zoom.
Coach
Willie Thomas
Schedule
5:15 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 6:15 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
Dragon Boat Paddling
Dragon Boat 101
Learn the fundamentals of paddling in our Dragon Boat 101 course. Participants will get the basics of the stroke as well as on-the-water experience in the boat!
Cost: $99 covers your first month of paddling.
Dates/Times:
Wednesday, 4:15 p.m. (Launch at 4:30 p.m.)
Saturday at 9:15 a.m. (Launch at 9 a.m.)
To register, please drop by our office or sign up here.
“Join one of our teams!”
NBP offers several options for adults (18 and older). Whether for fun, exercise or competitiveness, we invite you to join our team. Dragon Boat 101 graduates and experienced paddlers are all invited to join.
Dragon Boat 101
Learn the fundamentals of paddling in our Dragon Boat 101 course. Participants will get the basics of the stroke as well as on-the-water experience in the boat! The Dragon Boat 101 fee of $80 gets you 4 practices with the team at a beginning level, to allow you to learn the basics. Classes are offered every month. To register, please drop by our office or sign up here.
NBP offers several options for adults (18 and older). Whether for fun, for exercise or for competitiveness, we have what you want. Dragon Boat 101 graduates and experienced paddlers are all invited to join.
NBP paddling opportunities
NBP Survivors in Sync: NBP’s Breast Cancer Survivor Team. SIS is a team of breast-cancer survivors that competes in events worldwide. Learn more here.
NBP Dragons Competitive: The NBP Dragons (competitive) compete internationally year-round. If you like a challenge and you want to compete, this is for you! Learn more here.
NBP Dragons Recreational: The perfect option if you're interested in developing your technique, and improving your health and fitness. Learn more here.
NBP Veterans: Whether wounded, injured or able, brothers in arms become brothers on the water. It's a way for veterans to be with others who share their experiences. Learn more here.
NBP Paddling opportunities
NBP Survivors in Sync: NBP’s Breast Cancer Survivor Team. The "SISters" are a team of breast-cancer survivors that competes in events worldwide.
NBP Veterans: Whether wounded, injured or able, brothers in arms become brothers on the water. It's a way for veterans to be with others who share their experiences.
NBP Dragons: The NBP Dragons compete internationally year-round. If you like a challenge and you want to compete, this is for you!
NBP Warriors: This is a men and women's all cancer survivor team.
TRY IT FOR FREE!
There's no obligation — click on the button below to fill out a short form, so we can get to know your interest better and ensure we have a seat for you in the boat for your visit. We can't wait to meet you!
Learn To Row
Learn to Row is led by expert, USRowing-certified rowing instructors. The course is an introduction to sculling focusing on the fundamentals of sculling (rowing with two oars). Individuals will be taken step-by-step through nomenclature, safety maneuvers, and independent boat handling skills. This two-day, eight-hour course will provide you with the skill set to safely row a single scull.
Upon completion of the two-day course, a Certificate of Completion will be provided.
Provided by NBP:
- Rowing equipment
- Safety equipment
Information
Dates: March 25 and 26, 2023
Ages: 18 and older
Fee: $200
Location
Regatta Island at Nathan Benderson Park
5851 Nathan Benderson Circle
Sarasota, FL 34235
Teambuilding
Led by energetic and experienced team building coaches, Nathan Benderson Park’s team building program builds on the park’s reputation as a world-class center for sports training and competition. Utilizing these assets and 600-acre community park setting, we offer vetted activities designed to reinforce your culture, build positive relationships and enhance your team’s skills in communication, problem-solving, decision-making, adaptability, trust and conflict resolution.
We offer outdoor land and water-based activities, including a one-of-a-kind dragon boat paddling experience, for a range of abilities and ages.
Dragon Boat Paddling Experience
Successful dragon boaters have learned the secret to success is being in unison. Learn secrets and tips for building unity and synchroneity from NBP’s world-champion dragon boat team members in an on-water team building experience.
What’s included
Professional team building personnel, dedicated outdoor facilities with restrooms. Equipment and PDF’s are provided for on-water activities.
Book Today
Contact us at booking@nathanbendersonpark.org to book your team building experience today.