It's a valid concern, and a little knowledge can go a long way in easing your mind. The good news is that most public wooden park benches are specifically finished to prevent this very issue. The goal of the finish is to create a protective barrier that seals the wood fibers together.
Typically, park benches are treated with durable, exterior-grade sealants. Common finishes include:
* Spar Urethane: This is a champion for outdoor furniture. It's flexible to withstand wood expansion and contraction with temperature changes and contains UV blockers to prevent the sun from breaking down the wood surface, which is a primary cause of splintering.
* Marine Varnish: Similar to what's used on boats, this varnish is exceptionally tough and waterproof, providing a hard, smooth shell over the wood.
* Penetrating Oils: Some benches use oils that soak deep into the wood, hardening from within to stabilize the fibers and repel moisture.
The key is maintenance. A well-maintained bench will have a smooth, intact finish without visible cracks or peeling. If you see a bench that looks gray, faded, or has a flaky surface, the finish has likely worn off, and the risk of splinters increases. In such cases, it's best to choose a different seat. So, while no wood is entirely splinter-proof forever, a properly finished park bench is designed for safe and comfortable public use.