Seth Low Playground facts for kids

Seth Low Playground is a large park located in the Bensonhurst neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City. It covers about five acres, which is a lot of space for fun and games! This park is a popular spot for kids and families in the area.

Seth Low Playground: A Fun Park in Brooklyn

What's in a Name? Seth Low's Legacy

The park is named after a very important person named Seth Low. He was once the Mayor of New York City. He also served as the president of Columbia University, a famous school. The city bought the land for this park in 1924.

From Pond to Park: A Historical Spot

Before it became a park, this area was home to something called Indian Pond. This pond was a historical watering hole. People also used it for ice skating in the winter. It was located near the old towns of New Utrecht and Gravesend. In 1896, the pond was completely filled in. They used ash from a trash incinerator to cover it up. Today, the park is surrounded by Stillwell Avenue, Bay Parkway, West 12th Street, and Avenue P.

Honoring Heroes: The Story of Bealin Square

A smaller part of Seth Low Playground is called Bealin Square. This square is named after Sgt. James J. Bealin. He was the first person from Bensonhurst to be killed in World War I. A local group called the American Legion Post, which was also named after him, worked hard to get the square named in his honor. Bealin Square was officially named on July 5, 1927.

Remembering Brave Soldiers

Inside Bealin Square, the American Legion dedicated four trees. These trees honor local veterans who died fighting for their country. The brave soldiers remembered are Flight Officer Abraham Elhal (who died in 1944), Sgt. James J. Bealin, Flight Officer Arthur J. Vogel, and Lt. Walter V. Sigberman.

Fun Times: Ice Skating in the Park

In 1946, the city's Parks Department listed Seth Low Playground as a place for ice skating. They would flood an area to create a rink. It was one of ten such temporary skating rinks in Brooklyn at the time.

Making it Official: The Park's Name

Even though people in the neighborhood called it Seth Low Playground for many years, the city didn't make it official until 1987. At that same time, the nearby Bealin Square was also given the same official name.

Park Improvements: A Fresh Look

Seth Low Playground has been updated over the years. A big renovation project was announced in 2013. This was the first major update since 1995. The $4 million renovation was done in three parts. The final phase was completed in October of 2017. Now the park has a fresh, new look for everyone to enjoy!

The park is located just one block north of the end of Kings Highway. This is a very old road that goes across Brooklyn.