park benches

One of the best scenes in the critically-acclaimed movie "La La Land" includes a park bench. Photo Credit: Dale Robinette / Lionsgate

When watching awards shows, it's clear that there are so many factors that go into film-making: editing, cinematography, production design, directing, sound, makeup, music, park benches and many other factors are all necessary for the successful, tear-jerking films that we all love.

Park benches? Sure. They are in plenty of hit movies. As writers and directors set the scene, many choose a local park for portraying everyday life in films. No matter the genre—action, mystery, love, comedy, or otherwise—there is one prop that remains constant: the park bench.

A park bench is some

Metal benches provide a durable, low maintenance, customized option for landscape architects

People have become familiar with wooden park benches since the first bench was built, but with the advent of contemporary metal benches there are many more options that any landscape designer will appreciate.

Advancements in manufacturing have now transformed metal benches from ugly, rusting sheets of steel to vibrant, super-durable, easy-to-clean benches that are low maintenance and can withstand any type of weather thrown at it.

One of the main reasons why metal benches are a smart choice is due to advances with coated benches. There are coatings out there now, like SealGuard offered by The Park and Facilities Catalog with a 5-year warranty, that are just about bulletproof.

These thick, thermoplastic

UpLift Bike Docks

https://www.theparkcatalog.com/bike-dock

https://youtu.be/3GWzydFmJb8

Innovative new bicycle rack that maximizes space and provides three secure points of locking contact. Perfect for universities, schools and cities.

DoubleUp Vertical Bike Racks

https://www.theparkcatalog.com/vertical-bike-rack

https://youtu.be/11wXVQ1rwOw

Space-saving vertical bike racks designed for bike rooms. Available as wall mount bike racks or freestanding bicycle racks.

Aluminum Bleachers Installation

https://www.theparkcatalog.com/bleachers

Park benches attract friend

By Alysa Kleinman

Park benches - think of your memories. It's a spot we take for granted—many 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

A rare Florida Panther caught on a remote control camera in Everglades National Park. At one time it was estimated there were only 20 in existence. Now the number is 160. (Sources: National Park Service

This year  marks the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service in the US. In this electronic age of Instagram, mega-theme parks and blockbuster movies, the natural beauty of our national parks might get overlooked. Here is a collection of free national park photos you can download (along with hundreds of others) that will show you why our parks can compete with any man-made creation.

To go on a tour from the comfort of your couch, see this collection of images from parks around the country. Better yet, get off the couch and experience these wonderful environments in person. On