Determining the right number of outdoor benches for your small park requires careful consideration of several key factors. Start by calculating your park's capacity - generally, allocate seating for 10-20% of your maximum visitor capacity at any given time. For example, if your park can comfortably accommodate 100 people, plan for 10-20 seats distributed across multiple benches.
Consider your park's primary usage patterns. High-traffic areas near entrances, scenic viewpoints, and activity zones typically require more seating. Space benches approximately 50-100 feet apart to create natural resting points while maintaining visual appeal and pedestrian flow.
The type of benches matters too. Standard 6-foot benches typically seat 3-4 adults comfortably. Calculate your total seating needs based on peak usage times, then divide by the seating capacity of your chosen bench style. Remember to include accessible seating options compliant with ADA guidelines, ensuring at least 5% of your benches accommodate wheelchair users.
Don't forget to analyze sun and shade patterns throughout the day. Position benches in both sunny and shaded areas to accommodate different preferences and weather conditions. Finally, consider maintenance needs and budget constraints - sometimes starting with fewer benches and monitoring usage before adding more is the most practical approach.