That's an excellent question, and one that many planners and property managers consider. The short answer is: armrests are not a universal standard feature on all park benches, but they are a critical and common option, especially in commercial and public settings. Whether they come standard or can be added depends largely on the bench's design, intended use, and manufacturer.
Many classic, slatted wooden park benches designed for passive parks often do not include built-in armrests. However, in today's landscape, armrests are increasingly considered a best practice. For commercial-grade benches purchased for public spaces, transit areas, or healthcare facilities, center armrests are frequently a standard or highly recommended feature. These armrests serve multiple purposes: they provide accessibility for elderly or mobility-impaired users to sit down and stand up safely, they define individual seating spaces to respectfully discourage lying down, and they enhance overall comfort.
Can armrests be added? Yes, absolutely. If you have existing benches without armrests, you can often retrofit them. Many manufacturers offer add-on armrest kits made from matching materials like powder-coated steel or durable polymers. These are typically bolted onto the bench frame for a secure, permanent installation. When sourcing new benches, you will usually find models that offer armrests as a configurable option, allowing you to customize the bench to your site's specific needs regarding accessibility, safety, and intended use.
Ultimately, specifying benches with or adding armrests is a thoughtful decision that promotes inclusive, safe, and comfortable public seating for everyone in your community.