"The Bench That Brought Us Together: How Public Spaces Can Reduce Loneliness in a Community"

In the heart of every town is a story quietly unfolding—not in the headlines or social media feeds, but in the parks, sidewalks, and plazas where people pause, linger, and, sometimes, connect. This is the story of how one community discovered the quiet magic of public spaces in battling one of the loudest silent epidemics of our time: loneliness.

It started with a bench…

A simple wooden bench, freshly painted and tucked beneath the sprawling limbs of an old oak in the town square. It wasn’t special at first glance, but someone—no one remembers exactly who—left a handwritten sign taped to it: “This is a friendship bench. Sit here if you want to talk.”

Friendship Bench

The idea was disarmingly simple. People sat. Others noticed. Conversations began.

Marjorie, 74, who had lost her husband two years prior, found herself returning to that bench every Tuesday. She’d bring her knitting and sit quietly until someone stopped by. Sometimes it was just a polite smile, other times a full conversation with a stranger-turned-friend.

Then there was Malik, a college student new to the town, struggling to find a sense of belonging. One day, on a whim, he sat on the friendship bench with a book in his hand but little hope in his heart. Marjorie sat down beside him. They talked for over an hour. They now have coffee every other week.

Public spaces have always held the potential to be more than just in-between places. They can be extensions of our living rooms, places of spontaneous connection, and fertile ground for community spirit to grow.

When thoughtfully designed and purposefully activated, public spaces can become antidotes to isolation. Here’s are a few examples of how it can work:

Design That Encourages Pause

Wide walkways are efficient—but small pockets with benches, shade, or interactive art invite people to linger. The longer people stay in a space, the higher the chance they’ll connect with someone else.

Community Programming

Outdoor yoga, book swaps, live music, or simple community picnics can breathe life into a space. These aren’t just events—they’re excuses to show up, be present, and interact.

Inclusive, Accessible Environments

When public spaces are built with accessibility in mind, they welcome people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. That mix is vital to reducing social isolation and fostering a sense of belonging.

Safe, Clean, and Welcoming Atmospheres

People don’t gather where they don’t feel safe or valued. Public spaces need maintenance, lighting, and thoughtful upkeep to remain magnets for community.

Welcoming Design

Back in the town with the friendship bench, things began to ripple. A local café set up an outdoor chess table. A retired teacher started a free weekly storytelling circle in the park. A group of teens painted colorful murals on the community center’s walls. None of it was formally orchestrated—it was organic, like conversation itself.

People began to look up from their phones. To wave. To sit down next to someone just because the sun was shining and the bench was there.

Loneliness thrives in silence and solitude—but public spaces? They’re loud with life. When we build them with intention, care, and room for serendipity, they do something extraordinary.

They remind us that community is not just a collection of people in proximity—it's people willing to see and be seen.

And sometimes, all it takes is a bench.

If YOU have an idea on how to create more inviting spaces for downtown Kendallville, please reach out and let us know.  Or better yet—let’s brainstorm to create it together.