By Alysa Kleinman
Park benches - think of your memories. It's a spot we take for grantedâ€â€Âmany of us expect there to be park benches keeping us comfortable at our local parks.
But when you really think back on the times you've spent on a park bench, there are probably a few cherished moments that come back to you. Maybe you laughed with an old friend, shared an important conversation with a family member, opened up your heart to someone you cared about, or met a new acquaintance that impacted your life. Park benches offer a relaxing spot to get to know others while enjoying the beauty of the outdoors.
In movies, there are too many examples of this to even count. The iconic poster for Forrest Gump simply has Tom Hanks sitting on a park bench, the spot where he re-tells his life story to complete strangers. The filmmakers help viewers feel like they are sitting next to Tom Hanks throughout the entire movie, hearing his story first hand. It's no accident, they chose a park bench (by the way filmed on a bench in Chippewa Square, Savannah, GA).
While life isn't quite like Forrest Gump or any of the movies Hollywood creates, park benches are still an ideal spot for getting to know others. New moms who are looking for other mom friends are encouraged to head to their local parks and let their little ones play while they strike up a conversation with other moms at the park.
In a society where most people are looking down and too focused on their cell phones to notice other people, making new friends at a park is a refreshing thing. A park bench is a great place for:
- Business networking. Who says you need to meet over coffee to shake hands with other professionals?
- First dates. Keep your next first date casual with a simple outing to your local park bench where you can watch the sunrise or set. This is especially a good idea for those who participate in online dating since you can meet your date in a safe, public location.
- Playdates. Meet up with other parents at your local parks for some outdoor playtime, while you can relax and talk on the park bench.
- Lunch meet-ups. Instead of overspending for an expensive lunch out, pack a meal and meet up with family or friends at your local park. Picnic tables and park benches make for the perfect picnic spot that doesn't break the bank.
Of course park benches are also excellent for reading a book, meditating, or enjoying some time to yourself. But if you want to make new friends, sitting on a park bench and starting a simple conversation can go a long way.
It's why many elementary schools are installing a buddy bench. These are specially painted or marked benches that are a safe place for students who need a friend. Anyone feeling lonely can sit on the buddy bench, which invites other students to reach out to them. It reduces bullying and encourages healthy socialization for all kids.
While adults may not have a specific buddy bench where they can meet others, standard park benches are known as excellent locations to strike up a conversation. It's why Patch.com runs a series called 3 Minutes on a Bench. The articles feature local business executives, highlighting them in a question-and-answer format. The idea is that just a few minutes on a park bench can lead to greater understanding and deeper relationships between people. Since Patch.com is building community-specific news at the local level, spending a few minutes getting to know someone on a park bench feels familiar.
Similarly, AOL launched an online series "Park Bench" featuring the actor Steve Buscemi. It's a surprisingly personal and entertaining show where Buscemi interviews celebrities, politicians, and everyday people to find out their stories. The interviews take place on park benches around New York City. The show's success is clearâ€â€Âit was given a second season and Emmy nominations in 2014 and 2016.
In other words, it's no secret that a park bench is a great place to get to know others. Steve Buscemi even designed an entire show around the concept. However, there are a few roadblocks that stop people from gathering at their local parks and shaking hands with strangers.
First, some parks don't have enough high-quality benches. With lowering budgets and more people headed outdoors to their local parks, there are fewer options for nice outdoor seating. Wooden benches need upkeep to withstand weather, rowdy children, skateboarders, and basic wear-and-tear. If all of the park benches are worn down or taken, uncomfortable guests will just give up and head home. Park managers need to keep their park benches sturdy, high quality, and plentiful to make sure there is enough secure seating for everyone.
Weather is also a factor. Even the biggest park lovers don't want to huddle outdoors when it's below freezing. Sweating in extreme heat is also uncomfortable. Park benches need to be installed under shady trees and wherever guests will experience the best weather. Some shopping malls have outdoor heaters or cooling misters to provide relief from extreme weather all year. Guests can help by bundling up in the winter or wearing a hat to guard from the sun in the summertime.
For areas where weather, especially rain is a factor, consider metal benches with perforated or expanded steel seats. Fluids just fall right through them.
Finally, many people just feel awkward talking to strangers. Maybe it's the fear that our society is less safe than it used to be; or perhaps people don't want to venture out of their comfort zones. In our day, it's natural to assume that those we don't know are just trying to sell us something when they start a conversation with us out of the blue. It doesn't have to be that way. The person next to you on a bench doesn't have to remain a stranger. They could just become your new friend.
Whether you decide to strike up a conversation with a stranger or just meet up with an old friend, don't forget about your local parks. They are filled with park benches carefully placed at scenic spots for laughing, people watching, and making memories.