John Paul Jones Park

John Paul Jones Park is a 5.32-acre park at the intersection of Fourth Avenue and Fort Hamilton Parkway at 101st Street in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. The park is named for John Paul Jones, the Scottish-born naval commander who is widely considered the Father of the American Navy (alongside Commodore John Barry) for his heroic service during the Revolutionary War.

Jones is famous for his defiant refusal to surrender during the 1779 battle between his ship Bonhomme Richard and the British warship HMS Serapis. When asked if he was ready to strike his colors, Jones reportedly replied, 'I have not yet begun to fight,' a phrase that became one of the most celebrated declarations in American military history.

The park features a monument, plantings, lawns, and seating areas. Its location at the entrance to the Fort Hamilton neighborhood connects it to the military heritage of this corner of Brooklyn, where the active Fort Hamilton Army Base continues to serve as a military installation.

Bay Ridge is a residential neighborhood with strong ties to military service, law enforcement, and firefighting. Many residents are veterans, active duty personnel stationed at Fort Hamilton, or members of uniformed service families. The park's naval memorial resonates with this community identity.

John Paul Jones Park anchors the northern approach to Bay Ridge, welcoming visitors with a tribute to naval valor that reflects the neighborhood's deep connections to military service and its proud identity as one of Brooklyn's most patriotic communities.