I agree, it will maybe make the weekend warriors pause but doubtful. I feel; however, it forces a stop sign there where there could have been a 'yield'.
Even moving the bench another 15-20 feet further from the intersection would be an improvement. I too predict there will be a dirt pathway/cut-through created behind the bench in short order as runners would also prefer a turn that isn't as sharp. Perhaps building a raised flower bed that is circular with seating that sits in the middle of the intersection...call it a traffic circle if you want
https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/379569074840588218/