If you're looking at a typical urban bench in a public park and asking whether it's bolted down or free to move, the honest answer is: it depends on the bench, the park, and the intention behind its placement. I've come across both types plenty of times.
Most permanent benches are bolted down. You'll usually see metal flanges at the bottom of the legs with anchor bolts driven into a concrete pad or paving stones. Some use wedge anchors or through-bolts into buried concrete footings. In newer parks, benches may be fixed with tamper-resistant hardware to discourage theft and prevent people from rearranging them. Then there are heavy pre-cast concrete benches or stone benches that aren't technically bolted, but they're so heavy that moving them without machinery is impossible.
On the other hand, movable benches do exist. These tend to be lighter aluminum or steel-frame benches with wooden or recycled plastic slats. They may have small rubber feet or metal glides instead of bolt holes. You might find them in plazas, event lawns, pop-up seating areas, or university campuses where furniture is rearranged for markets or performances. If you see scuff marks on the pavement around the legs or multiple benches clustered in non-standard layouts, that's a clue they've been moved before.
How to check safely: First, squat down and look at the feet. If you see bolt heads, washers, brackets, or a thick caulk-like adhesive, leave it alone. If the legs disappear into concrete with no visible hardware, it may still be embedded. Gently lift one end an inch or two. If it feels rooted or makes a grinding sound, stop. If it lifts easily and has smooth feet, it's probably moveable.
That said, even if a bench is moveable, check local rules before dragging it across the grass. Many parks have policies against relocating furniture because it can damage irrigation lines, block accessible routes, or create liability issues. If you need a bench moved for a community event, picnic, or photo shoot, call the parks and recreation department. They can tell you if it's allowed, and sometimes they will relocate it for you.
So, my practical answer: don't assume. Inspect the base for bolts, test the weight gently, and when in doubt, ask park staff. Moveable benches can be convenient, but in most formal urban parks the benches are anchored for a reason—safety, durability, and keeping the space usable for everyone.