There's a reason why construction requires permits and it's not just because governments are being dicks about it. Amateurs have a habit of building structures that are dangerous in subtle ways. If they don't tear that bench down now, the first time a child gets caught between the back supports with the large space between them, they will.

A child could hurt themselves on any piece of furniture simply by falling off of it. 'Think of the children' is not a compelling reason to not build a simple bench.

It’s not “think of the children,” it’s “think of the lawsuits.”

> If they don't tear that bench down now, the first time a child gets caught between the back supports with the large space between them, they will.

If the large space is the issue, a better solution is probably just to hammer in a bit more wood.