I get this question a lot from park planners, landscape contractors, and community volunteers. The short answer is no, there is not a single universal spacing code that applies to every park bench along every path. Spacing is usually guided by accessibility standards, local park regulations, expected user needs, and common landscape design practice.
A practical spacing range is 50 to 100 feet (15 to 30 meters) between benches along a typical walking path. If the route has slopes, long climbs, a senior population, or a hospital or rehab setting, I would tighten that to 40 to 60 feet so people can rest more often. In high-use urban areas or near playgrounds, transit stops, drinking fountains, and restrooms, you may add benches even more frequently.
The ADA does not specify bench-to-bench distance, but it does require each bench to be accessible. That means a stable surface, a seat height around 17 to 19 inches, and an adjacent clear space at least 30 by 48 inches for a wheelchair. Keep the accessible path clear, typically at least 36 inches wide, and do not let the bench or its clear space block the route. Also set benches back about 24 to 36 inches from the edge of a multi-use path so people do not step directly into bicycle or jogging traffic.
Other helpful rules of thumb include facing the bench toward a view, garden, or activity zone when possible, placing benches on firm and level pull-offs rather than narrowing the main path, and checking local city, county, or PROWAG requirements if federal funding or pedestrian access standards apply. On long trails, many agencies place benches every 200 to 300 feet at minimum, but 50 to 100 feet is more comfortable for continuous public use.
So if you are installing multiple park benches along a path, start with 50 to 100 feet spacing, adjust for terrain and users, keep the accessible route clear, and confirm any local code before you dig.