Benderson reopens, Myakka River State Park still closed after Hurricane Ian. What to expect

Update: Nathan Benderson Park reopened at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19. However, the playground remains closed.

Two of the Bradenton-Sarasota area’s most popular parks remain closed to the public due to damage from Hurricane Ian.

At Myakka River State Park, which was struck by tremendous flooding, many areas are still submerged in water.

And Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota is also still cleaning up after the storm.

Here’s what we know about when the parks may reopen.

Myakka River State Park

After major, historic flooding from the Myakka River covered roads and damaged buildings, Myakka River State Park is closed to the public until further notice.

“The situation in the park is still evolving. Though water levels in the park were receding quite rapidly at first, the process has now slowed down, with water levels taking more time to drop. There is no power in the park, nor water service,” the Friends of Myakka River posted on Facebook on Monday. The nonprofit supports the park with maintenance, resource management and volunteer power.

“There is currently too much water, as well as many trees and branches down, obstructing roads, for a full assessment of the damage and for complete recovery efforts to commence,” the post continues. “As a necessary first step, once water clears the road, park staff and Florida State Parks Hurricane Strike Teams will be able to move in to clear trees and debris. This process will hopefully start this week.”

There is no estimated date for the park’s reopening, Florida Department of Environmental Protection spokesperson Alexandra Kuchta said in an email Wednesday.

“However, DEP’s Florida Park Service is actively working to restore access to Myakka River State Park, as well as other parks in the area, and we look forward to welcoming guests again as soon as conditions allow,” Kuchta wrote.

Camping reservations at the park have been closed through at least Dec. 31, a Florida State Parks representative reached by phone on Wednesday said.

Friends of Myakka is asking the public to stay away from the park as cleanup continues.

“Please note that resident staff, as well as law enforcement, are onsite at the park. We know that it is tough to stay away. But, as the park is officially closed, trespassers WILL be prosecuted,” the group shared.

But the group said that there may be some opportunities to volunteer as cleanup efforts continue.

Visit floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/myakka-river-state-park for the latest on the park’s closure.

Visit friendsofmyakkariver.org to find out about volunteer and donation opportunities that support the park.

Nathan Benderson Park

Nathan Benderson Park in the University Town Center area of Sarasota County also remains closed due to damage from Ian.

“We know you are eager to get back to the park (and we are eager to have you back!). At this time, the park remains closed,” Nathan Benderson Park posted on Monday. “Our team is hard at work ensuring that the park is a safe and inviting environment for all.”

As of Wednesday, visitors are allowed to use the trails along North Cattlemen Road, but access to the rest of the park is blocked with gates and barricades.

Park staff warned visitors not to attempt to gain access to closed parts of the park, or they could risk a trespassing violation.

Park staff also confirmed that a “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk” planned for Oct. 22 is still scheduled, so the park should be open relatively soon.

Visit nathanbendersonpark.org for the latest on the park’s closure.

This story was originally published October 13, 2022 at 1:16 PM.