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

Studies show more ways that parks contribute to local economies and tax revenues

Many people think of parks as an expense - the costs associated with clearing the land, planting trees, installing park benches, mowing the grass, emptying trash receptacles, etc.

What if we reversed that mindset and thought of parks as economic engines instead?

To generate more revenue and taxes, build more parks. Big. Small. Doesn't matter. Just build more. Add more amenities such as artwork, sculptures, picnic tables, trees, grills, playgrounds, band stands, park benches, or even musical instruments. Because parks attract people. And revenue.

Here are 10 reasons why parks should be considered in terms of economic development and as a way to boost an economy.

Why parks have an economic impact

Park benches have a certain magnetic quality about the

There seems to be a certain charm about a park bench when it comes to bringing folks together. And when checking out park benches for sale, think about the type of bench, but also the people who will be sitting on those planks as well.

Park benches have a magnetic allure that is conducive to one person engaging with another - whether it's in a deep conversation with a friend or an first-time talk with a complete stranger.

This was very evident in a recent project conducted by Neighborhoods Inc., a non-profit organization in Northwest Indiana.

To help foster the interaction of people in their community, the organizers placed a park bench in front of 22 homes in a town of about 30,000 people. They included a sign that read, "Please have a seat."

Their efforts were effective. People now had a reason to stop and chat with the home owner or others in the area.

Neighbors, strollers, joggers, school