ports Regatta Volunteers Needed at Rowing Facilities

SARASOTA -- Yesterday was a significant milestone for the Nathan Benderson Community Park and Aquatic Sport Center. The Sarasota County Commission 5-0 vote to approve 30% of the park plans will kick-start the construction of the "regatta island", giving us the necessary infrastructure to create unbelievable events.  

Several Commissioners were impressed with our success despite having very little park infrastructure. This is a testament to the enthusiasm, perseverance, spirit, and teamwork of those who have been volunteering at the park since the beginning of this incredible initiative. KUDOS TO ALL THOSE PEOPLE WHO HAVE VOLUNTEERED ALREADY!!!

For the past three years, we have relied on a core group of volunteers from the Meadows Communities, Regatta Organizing Committee, Sarasota Crew  & Sarasota Sculler's athletes & families, Fruitville 210 Community Alliance, Sarasota Master's Rowing Club, Sarasota County Parks and Recreation Department, Friends of Sarasota County Parks, Sarasota Convention and Visitors Bureau, Vision North Port, Benderson Development Company, and Kimley-Horn and Associates. We also have a solid group of repeat individual residents who volunteer from all parts of Sarasota and Manatee Counties.

This year, we have been working to build new volunteer partnerships with Sarasota County Neighborhood and Planning Services, Sarasota High School JR ROTC, The City of North Port, Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, Lake Sarasota neighborhoods, Sarasota County Sheriff's Department, Palmetto High School, The Harvest House, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Bradenton Downtown Development Authority, Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Manatee County Government.  As our volunteer family grows, we become truly reflective of the greater community and region. When we work together as a team, we create the fertile ground for even more success.

Please help spread the word about volunteer opportunities. Once completed, this community park and aquatic sport center will improve the quality-of-life for athletes, residents, coaches, and visitors. The economic impacts will be significant as well, helping the entire Sarasota-Manatee region and the State of Florida (click here to view the 2012 regatta schedule).

If possible please join us as a volunteer at the Nathan Benderson Community Park and Aquatic Sport Center and, with all respect to John Ringling, "The Greatest Row on Earth." For more information, visit www.WorldClassRowing.com or email row.volunteer@gmail.com.