Nathan Benderson Park

Specialties

Proud Home of the 2017 World Rowing Championships

23 September — 1 October 2017

World Class Rowing & Aquatic Sports Center

Situated just west of Interstate 75 in tropically beautiful Sarasota, Florida, Nathan Benderson Park (NBP) is a unique 600-​acre community park that provides the public access to a picturesque 500-​acre lake and an exciting world of recreational pursuits.

History

Established in 2014.

Nathan Benderson Park is home to a range of international championships as well as a host of recreational activities for anyone who enjoys the outdoors.

From dragon boat, canoe and kayak races — to triathlon and cross-​country events, 5 and 10k runs, wakeboarding, corporate training events and more.

The community park is also conveniently located immediately adjacent to University Town Center — Southwest Florida’s newest shopping, dining and entertainment destination.

Meet the Manager

Paul B.

Manager

Paul A. Blackketter

President, SANCA

«Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center Associates, Inc»

A fifth-​generation Manatee County resident, Paul oversees the development of Nathan Benderson Park, where he is currently responsible for creating one of the finest rowing and sporting destinations in the world!

In 1984, Paul joined the United States Army as an enlisted soldier and as an infantry mortar man 11C. In 1991, he attended Officer Candidate School and received his commission as Second Lieutenant. He quickly graduated with honors and received the second-​highest award as the leadership graduate of his class. Since then, Paul has been deployed to 15 major natural disaster locations to assist others in need, including hurricanes Andrew and Katrina — with focus on operational, logistical planning and execution. After ⁹⁄₁₁ he was deployed and assigned as the company commander for the unit that secured Orlando International Airport, where he ran security operations.