“Who was James J. Bealin?” someone asks. This is a question that echoes through time here at Bealin Square. Bealin Square isn’t just another patch of green in Brooklyn. It is a place steeped in history and remembrance.
Let me introduce you to Bealin Square. It is a part of Seth Low Playground in Bensonhurst. It’s a space dedicated to honoring the fallen.
The story of Bealin Square begins with Sgt. James J. Bealin. He was a Bensonhurst resident who tragically lost his life in World War I. He was the first from the neighborhood to make the ultimate sacrifice. The local American Legion Post recognized his heroism. They also carried his name and passionately advocated for this space to be named in his honor.
Their efforts succeeded on July 5, 1927. Bealin Square became a lasting tribute to Sgt. Bealin’s bravery and sacrifice. Within Bealin Square, the American Legion dedicated four trees. These trees honored local veterans who died in combat. Besides Sgt. James J. Bealin, they commemorated Flight Officer Abraham Elhal. Elhal was killed in action in 1944. They also honored Flight Officer Arthur J. Vogel and Lt. Walter V. Sigberman. Each tree stands as a living memorial. Each tree reminds us of the high cost of freedom.
Interestingly, the larger park we’re standing in was once known as Indian Pond. It was a popular spot for ice skating. But in 1896, the pond was filled with ash from a trash incinerator. This act completely transformed the landscape.
The park was unofficially called Seth Low Playground for many years. The city officially designated it as such in 1987. At the same time, the adjacent Bealin Square received the same designation. This solidified the names we know today. Seth Low was a former mayor of New York City and president of Columbia University.
In 1946, the Parks Department even used a flooded area here for ice skating. It was one of ten improvised skating rinks in Brooklyn. This shows the park’s continued importance as a recreational space.
Seth Low Playground, including Bealin Square, underwent a major renovation. The renovation cost $4 million. It was completed in October 2017. The renovation included upgrades to the basketball courts. The old asphalt baseball field was replaced with a turf soccer and multipurpose field. These improvements ensure that the park remains a vibrant community hub.
So, as you wander through Bealin Square, take a moment to reflect. Remember Sgt. James J. Bealin and all the local veterans who gave their lives. Bealin Square is more than just a name. It’s a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and remembrance. It is a reminder of the importance of honoring those who served our nation.