I'm Not In Charge Of Benches
I was out for my daily walk today, dressed in workout pants, a tank top and sneakers wearing sunglasses, large headphones and a visor, briskly walking through a local beach park. This beach has 5 benches set up looking towards the water. All were empty.
As I walked past the second bench (briskly! I was exercising!), a woman standing near the bench motioned in a way that looked like she was trying to get someone's attention. I didn't think she was trying to get my attention because Why? But there was nobody else around so I thought maybe. Then she motioned for me to take off my headphones. So I did, slowing down slightly.
"Is this bench taken?"
I said "I don't know!" put my headphones back on and kept walking briskly down the path!
First of all, I did not look like a park employee! I was clearly a random person out for a walk.
Second, there were 4 other benches that were empty and no other people nearby. Even if someone had been using that bench, they could have easily moved to one of the other benches.
And third and most importantly, THAT'S NOT HOW BENCHES WORK! If the bench is empty, it's available! You don't need to ask anyone, particularly not a random woman walking by in workout gear with giant headphones on!