That's an excellent and practical question. The short answer is: technically, they often can be removed, but you almost certainly should not do it yourself without proper authorization and understanding the consequences.
Let's break it down. Many park benches, especially modern ones, have armrests that are bolted or welded onto the main frame. While bolts can be unfastened and welds can be cut, removing them is rarely a simple DIY project. More importantly, there are critical reasons why those armrests are there.
First, armrests serve a vital accessibility function. They provide necessary support for elderly individuals or people with mobility issues to sit down and stand up safely. Their presence is often a key part of complying with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) or similar accessibility guidelines in public spaces.
Second, they are a design feature for harm reduction. Armrests, particularly those placed at intervals on longer benches, help prevent people from lying down flat. This is a common strategy in urban design to manage overnight sleeping while still providing ample seating for the general public.
If you are a property manager, municipality official, or part of a community group with a legitimate need to modify benches—for instance, to create a wheelchair-accessible space—the correct approach is to contact the bench manufacturer or a professional fabricator. They can advise if a specific model is designed for safe armrest removal or can be modified without compromising structural integrity. They might also offer alternative bench designs better suited to your needs, such as those with open ends or removable center sections.
For the average park visitor, the answer is clear: please do not attempt to remove the armrests. It could damage public property, create a safety hazard with sharp edges or a weakened bench, and likely violates local ordinances. If you encounter a bench where an armrest is already damaged or missing, it's best to report it to your local parks and recreation department so they can perform a safe and proper repair or replacement.