Park chairs and benches seem like simple urban fixtures, but they hide surprising controversies. The most hotly disputed fact? Whether the iconic "armrests" found on many public benches were originally designed to prevent homeless people from sleeping on them.

Proponents argue these mid-bench dividers emerged during urban redesigns in the 1980s specifically as "hostile architecture." Critics counter that armrests serve accessibility purposes, helping elderly visitors stand up safely. Historical records show bench dividers existed in Victorian parks long before modern homelessness crises.

Other disputed chair facts include: whether wood or metal lasts longer (depends on climate), if curved seats are more comfortable (subjective), and why some parks space benches exactly 30 feet apart (mix of social engineering and maintenance logistics).

The truth likely combines multiple factors - accessibility needs, durability concerns, and yes, occasional anti-loitering intent. This ongoing debate reveals how even mundane objects reflect societal tensions about public space usage.