There is a new friendly park bench movement taking place that encourages people to meet and chat
Park Benches have many purposes.
One might be to relax and take in the greenery, fresh air and sunshine.
Another is to socialize with friends or relatives.
The challenge today is that many people don't have someone to talk to. This is especially true for the elderly, handicapped, people with learning disabilities or mental illness.
While we live in an electronic society where people from different parts of their county can meet and converse on a computer, there is a giant void out there in the real world for people to meet in person.
Some people want to change that. There is a new movement popping up to provide "chat" or "friendly" park benches in local towns.
The concept is modeled after the "Buddy Bench" which has soared in popularity at schools over the past few years. That concept basically tells students if they feel lonely or bullied, to walk over and sit on the "Buddy Bench."
The other students in the schoolyard are then encouraged to go over and strike up a conversation with that person and include them in their play.
These "Buddy Benches" have been installed in thousands of schools across the country. The Park and Facilities Catalog, which sells a durable metal "Buddy Bench" with an easy to maintain thermoplastic coating, has supplied hundreds of these benches to schools.
Now, a version for adults is gaining in popularity.
Buddy park benches for grownups
In the town of Burnham-on-Sea, England, the police noticed there were dealing with a large number of lonely or isolated people, many of whom are vulnerable and had troubles because they simply had no one to talk to.
To help alleviate this situation, the police installed a few benches with a sign attached.
The sign reads: "The Happy To Chat Bench: Sit Here If You Don't Mind Someone Stopping To Say Hello."
The idea behind the sign is to get people to start a conversation with one another and perhaps discuss their needs and difficulties. Sometimes one person might have a suggestion for an easy solution for another person's dilemma.
The benches were installed to coincide with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The purpose of this special day is to encourage every community to express an appreciation for senior citizens in their community. And to become aware of the difficulties they face in terms of their health, finances and emotional well-being.
In another town in central England, Leicestershire, a citizen decided to create a park bench-like structure where people were also encouraged to congregate.
The structure is basically a few park benches facing each other with some pretty planters located on the outside.
These park benches are certainly very inviting and facilitate conversation between all who visit.
The "friendly" park benches are a big hit. Groups gather to discuss topics they have in common. Or just to say hello.
One group that meets there consists of young women in the community who meet with older women. Think of the comraderies and life lessons those gathering will create!
Two friends on a Buddy Bench
Easy program to initiate
The "Buddy Bench" program for schools in incredibly simple. Just provide a bench with the words "Buddy Bench" so everybody knows this is a special bench and encourage youngsters to use it.
It wouldn't be difficult to create a "chat" or "friendly" area with a few park benches.
Rather than just facing out overlooking a meadow or pond, place the park benches across from each other or at right angles to facilitate a conversation.
Perhaps add a few plants to make the area more inviting (although this is certainly not necessary, a park is appealing on its own).
Maybe add a plaque to the bench or a sign, indicating this is a "friendly" place and encouraging people to talk to one another.
That's all it would take.
Spread the word around the park. Announce the location of these new special park benches on a park and recreation website or in a newsletter.
Contact the local media. Print and television. Reporters are always looking for a positive story to cover.
The "Buddy Bench" has proven to be effective in schoolyards.
Why not apply to other situations?
There are plenty of adults out there who would love to find a welcome place where they could meet with other people. Perhaps some friendships will get started.
Doesn't take much to make this happen. Cost is minimal. A few park benches. But the rewards for many residents will be great.
Simply designate an area in a park or in a section of town, arrange some comfortable park benches and let the magic begin.
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Note: The Park and Facilities Catalog is a national supplier of park benches for sale in several styles including thermoplastic or powder-coated metal, recycled plastic, wood, concrete and aluminum. We can help you add a "friendship" park bench with lettering in your town or city.