Oswego County Reveals ‘Happy to Chat’ Bench Project

May 29, 2026 Contributor
HAVE A SEAT, HAVE A CHAT – The Oswego County Office for the Aging (OFA) recently partnered with the Oswego County Division of Mental Hygiene and CiTi BOCES for a new “Happy to Chat” bench project. These marked benches provide a space for people who sit there to enjoy casual conversation with others and build social connections. The benches were built and delivered by CiTi BOCES construction technology students. Pictured on a bench outside of the Oswego County Office for the Aging are students Landon Richmond and Hunter Hutchings. Standing from left are CiTi BOCES Math Instructor Ryan Wood; Ethan Potter; Nikolas Grant; Kegan Merkley; CiTi BOCES Construction Technology Instructor Craig Mahon; Jackson O’Hara; and OFA Director Sara Sunday.

OSWEGO COUNTY – The Oswego County Office for the Aging (OFA) has partnered with the Oswego County Division of Mental Hygiene and CiTi BOCES to bring “Happy to Chat” benches to communities in the county. The benches are designated spaces where people can engage in conversation with others and make social connections.

NEW BENCHES FOSTER COMMUNITY CONNECTION – “Happy to Chat” benches are now present in Oswego, Fulton, Pulaski, Mexico and Phoenix. The benches give people the opportunity to socialize with others and engage in meaningful, positive conversation. Pictured on the bench at Shapiro Park in Oswego are students Ethan Potter, Kegan Merkley and Hunter Hutchings. Standing from left are CiTi BOCES Math Instructor Ryan Wood; Landon Richmond; CiTi BOCES Construction Technology Instructor Craig Mahon; Jackson O’Hara; Nikolas Grant; City of Oswego DPW Deputy Commissioner Ron Cahill; and OFA Director Sara Sunday.

“We’re excited to announce our new ‘Happy to Chat’ benches to help combat social isolation in Oswego County,” said OFA Director Sara Sunday. “These benches give people more than just a place to sit. They create an opportunity for conversation, companionship and connection. By encouraging simple daily interactions, the benches help reduce loneliness, support mental well-being, and create a more caring, inclusive community for all generations.”

The benches have clear markers identifying them, indicating that anyone who occupies them is open to friendly conversation.

“While people are encouraged to connect and make meaningful conversations, participants are reminded to avoid sharing personal information such as their full name, address, phone number or any financial information,” Sunday emphasized.

Suggested topics of discussion include the weather, community events, favorite hobbies or local recommendations.

The project was funded by the Oswego County Division of Mental Hygiene, and construction technology students from the CiTi BOCES Career and Technical Education Program built and installed the benches.

“We’re incredibly thankful to our partners for helping bring this initiative to life,” added Sunday. “The students did an amazing job creating the benches, and the project would not have been possible without the support of our Division of Mental Hygiene. We’re also grateful to the mayors of each municipality for their collaboration in identifying locations for the benches and permitting their placement in public spaces in their communities.”

Two benches were recently delivered and installed at the Oswego County Office for the Aging (74 Bunner St., Oswego) and Shapiro Park (16 Paloma St., Oswego.)

Other “Happy to Chat” bench locations in Oswego County are located at:

  • Veterans’ Park, 100-152 S. First St., Fulton
  • Village of Mexico Gazebo, 3321 Main St., Mexico
  • Village of Phoenix Community Garden, 53 Culvert St., Phoenix
  • Haldane Center Community Park, 16 Maple Ave., Pulaski

For more information about the “Happy to Chat” benches or the Office for the Aging’s services, call the OFA at 315-349-3484 or visit https://www.oswegocountyny.gov/departments/human_services/office_for_the_aging.

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