Figuring out the right space between two park benches facing each other is about balancing comfort, conversation, and accessibility. A distance of 5 to 8 feet (approximately 1.5 to 2.5 meters) is generally considered the sweet spot. This range allows for easy, natural conversation without shouting, while also providing enough personal space so that occupants don't feel cramped or have their knees touching.
This spacing is crucial for inclusive design. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) recommends a clear floor space of at least 30 by 48 inches for wheelchair access. Placing benches 5-8 feet apart typically ensures this crucial clearance path between them, allowing wheelchairs and strollers to pass through comfortably.
Consider the park's purpose. For a quiet, contemplative garden, you might lean toward the wider end of the range (8 feet) to create a more serene, less intimate atmosphere. For a lively social plaza or a bus stop where interaction is encouraged, the closer spacing (5-6 feet) fosters easier chat. Always ensure the path between the benches is level, stable, and made of a firm material like concrete or packed decomposed granite for safe and easy passage for everyone.