Nathan Benderson Park, in Sarasota, Florida, has partnered with USRowing to host a series of rowing events in the spring of 2025 starting with the Youth National Championships June 12-15. Amidst the excitement, however, Nathan Benderson Park’s hard-working staff is focused on making necessary repairs to the site after Hurricane Milton.
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“The entire area was hit by a category three storm,” said the park’s marketing director, Marnie Buchsbaum. “We had some damage to bleachers and some of the shells were broken. We’re in the process of getting all our docks reset, doing some debris pick up, getting signage back up and getting ready for the season. We’re actually in pretty good shape—just putting everything back. It’s not to the level of the devastation that we thought we might encounter.”
The Benderson staff is currently working to reset everything and help the rowing community by taking over events that cannot be hosted at their original location due to more extensive damage.
“Our goal is to get more people out to see what an amazing sport rowing is and how passionate and excited people are,” said Buchsbaum. “Hearing teammates cheer each other on by the shoreline is such an incredible thing to be part of. We’re trying to do our best to support clubs and facilities that need it.”
While Benderson aims to give back to the rowing community and support others through this difficult time of recovery from Hurricane Milton, the park also has its efforts set on preparing for spring racing.
“Working with USRowing has been such an amazing partnership,” stated Buchsbaum. “Last year hosting the Olympic Trials and Youth Nationals was great for the park. We’re so delighted to be part of these large events that bring in spectators from all over. It helps to support youth rowing and hopefully many of these youth go on to continue their rowing careers. It’s nice to be the first place that they come to that they know is their place for rowing and they can go on to grow and develop in their skill level and go on to achieve great things.”
Following the Youth National Championships, the park will be the site of the U19 National Team Trials for the single sculls, pair, and double sculls from June 16-17.
