Bending the numbers for Benderson Park

When Visit Sarasota reported at the end of 2019 the claim that the Nathan Benderson Park rowing center generated a $34 million dollar economic impact for the county in fiscal 2018, we thought that would be amazing — if true. But our economist instincts, honed by decades of analyzing exaggerated economic impact reports, spurred us to dig deeper.

The rowing facility is gorgeous and hosts many wonderful events. There is no doubt it is an asset to the Sarasota area. Whether it is primarily a public or private asset and how valuable it is to area residents compared to other crucial facilities and services is the question. Large sums of local tax revenue were spent building the park, and more flows to it each year.