Benderson Park wins state planning award

Despite recent questions about its longterm financial solvency, Nathan Benderson Park continues to win state planning honors.

Sarasota County officials will accept the Outstanding Development Award at the Florida Planning and Zoning Association’s 62nd annual state conference Friday, June 13. The FPZA will present 11 awards, including kudos for the best redevelopment project, most outstanding public official and most innovative development, among others.

The Florida Chapter of the American recognized Nathan Benderson Park in its Awards of Excellence category for planning projects last year.

“The park continues to be recognized at all levels,” said Sarasota County Planning Director Tom Polk in an email to the administration.

The county will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the park beginning at 9 a.m. Sunday.

A contract between the county and Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center Association (SANCA) drew some negative public comments after the non-profit organization lost its charitable status in April. SANCA has since regained its status, but some neighborhood activists continue to critique the contract for the organization to run the park.