Tips on the placement of park benches - great scenery demands great seatin

Park benches can turn any spot into a gathering place for relaxation and play. Whether you are people-watching, reading a book, relaxing outdoors, or enjoying your lunch, the placement of a bench in the right spot is critical to optimize the use of outdoor site furnishings.

Most people aren't aware of the planning and strategy that goes into placing a park bench, but bench placement can certainly cause controversy. For example, in one town, the city placed new benches away from the road and facing downtown businesses instead. The reason for this placement was to improve safety and encourage interaction with businesses.

Many local residents were unhappy with the park bench placement, arguing that it wasn't conducive to parade-watching. Since parts of the downtown were still developing, some of the commercial park benches faced empty lots or fences, which isn't exactly the most luxurious view.

How many times have you seen park benches unused in a crowded park? Perhaps they are out in the open sun or positioned away from any interesting features of the landscape, say a pond, open meadow or wooded area. Or maybe they are so hidden people don't feel safe sitting there. Or there are too many passers-by and people prefer somewhere quieter.

Clearly, placing a park bench is one of those things that most people don't notice until they don't like how it was done. To make sure you're not randomly scattering commercial park benches throughout your park, follow these steps for a comfortable environment.

Tips for placement of park benches

1. Find the shade.

Shade is essential when it comes to park bench placement. Young babies and elderly residents really shouldn't sit in the sun for too long. If people feel like they are sitting and sweating, they will pack up and head indoors to the air conditioning.

Not exactly great bench placemen

Map out the largest trees in your park and keep track of which direction the sun shines on the trees. Place the park bench in front of the tree on the side that gets the most shade during the hot summer months. If the park is newer, you can plant trees when you install the commercial park benches; just make sure there is enough distance between the tree and the park bench for the tree roots to grow.

2. Location, location, location!

There are countless settings for commercial park benches. No matter what purpose your park bench will serve, it's crucial to select a comfortable location. Otherwise, your bench will be very lonely without many guests.

• Scenic view: A park bench at a scenic lookout can be the ideal spot for a family photo or romantic moment. Just make sure the bench is a safe distance away from any cliffs and the area has a safety fence around it.
• Playground: It's hard for any parent to keep up with their child's endless energy. Benches at playgrounds need to be facing the playground equipment so that parents can easily keep an eye on their little ones.
• Running path: A 2014 publication by the Outdoor Federation found that the most popular reason for being outdoors was to get exercise. Running and biking paths are a great place for a park bench since most people need a short break from their workout. Place the commercial park benches a safe distance away from the path in case of hazards like bicycle crashes.
• Dog park: A park bench is a great solution at the dog park, where dogs will jump on picnic tables if they are installed instead. According to Marilynn Glasser's book Dog Park Design, Development, and Operation, commercial park benches in dog parks should be placed around the perimeter of the park and facing in. This will maximize the dog owner's viewing area.
• Downtown area: Keep the park bench a safe distance from the road. Additionally, find an area where the park bench can be supervised by cameras or foot traffic to reduce vandalism.

3. Keep it clean.

U.S. taxpayers paid nearly $11 billion cleaning up litter in 2014. That's ten times more than the cost of trash disposal! Since some people might eat a meal on your commercial park benches, it's important to help them feel comfortable while also protecting the environment. When placing your park bench, consider a location close to the following amenities:

• Recycling and trash cans
• Water fountain
• Restrooms
• Smoking urns

After carefully selecting the prime spot for your park bench, residents will feel comfortable returning to your park and enjoying the outdoors.

Consider the types of benches as well

Not only is the location of your park benches important, so is the type of park bench you choose.

There is actually quite a variety of park benches for sale. They include:

Wooden benches - this is you traditional park bench and perfectly blends into any park or wooded landscape.

Recycled plastic benc

Recycled plastic park benches - these benches actually resemble traditional wooden park benches but the planks are manufactured out of recycled plastic scrap - all those plastic milk jugs and water bottles that American purchase. Because of advances in recycling manufacturing, these recycled plastic park benches are now very reliable and have a major advantage in that they don't splinter, rot or warp. They are easy to clean and maintain. Sanding or repainting is not necessary.

Steel benches - another hardy site furnishing of choice for many parks are steel benches treated with a powder coated or themoplastic finish. These park benches are made with high-grade steel and then coated with a durable finish so they don't rust or corrode. The pieces are welded together for extra-strength and longevity. Again, the designs come in many styles and several of them have the classic, elegant appearance that graced parks from years past. Because they are metal, they can withstand constant use by the public without replacement or repair.

Concrete benches - concrete is an incredible material that can withstand the elements for years and certainly deters theft. These benches generally have to be moved with a forklift and once they are placed on the grounds, they are there to stay. Even though the benches are made with concrete, there are actually several stylish finishes that can be created using ground glass particles that make these park benches sparkle. Once they are positioned, little maintenance is required.

Aluminum benches - if you are looking for a lightweight option, another consideration are aluminum benches. Aluminum is an amazing metal that resists all types of weather and will not rot or fade. That's why there are so many aluminum bleachers at stadiums. These benches are easy to move around any landscape. Some aluminum benches can be painted so they resemble traditional wooden benches.

Memorial benches - Central Park in NYC has some 9,000 benches. When it comes to adding a bunch of park benches to your town, consider a memorial bench program. These programs are very popular across the country and give families an opportunity to honor their loved ones with a park bench. Their name is prominently displayed on a plaque and the public will appreciate this donation which allows them to enjoy the scenery from a comfortable resting place.

People love the outdoors. But they can't be expected to stand or walk the whole time. Providing an abundant number of park benches in the right locations is the mark of a truly successful landscape.

For a variety of outdoor park benches made of everything from recycled plastic, wood, metal, aluminum or concrete, visit The Park Catalog.

Note: The Park and Facilities can now get park benches to you quickly with our ParkExpress program that ships in just 1-3 days.