Freedom Park Transforms Navy Pier
Building Freedom Park
In 2004 the USS Midway Museum and Port of San Diego made a commitment to develop a park on Navy Pier. Approval was granted in February 2023, after years of negotiations and planning, the groundbreaking ceremony was held on April 25, 2024.
About The Midway
The USS Midway is San Diego’s #1 tourist destination and hosts 1 million visitors annually. It was the longest-serving aircraft carrier in the 20th century, named after the climactic Battle of Midway of June 1942. It was the first in a three-ship class of large carriers that featured an armored flight deck and a powerful air group of 120 planes. Read more. It was was built in only 17 months but missed World War II by one week when commissioned on Sept. 10, 1945.
transforming Navy Pier
The 10-acre park will extend from the west end of Navy Pier, around Midway, to the Bob Hope memorial. It will further enhance the city with public amenities, including public parks and plazas, concessions, public art, digital activations, and more.
Freedom Park Elements
There will be many ways for the public to enjoy Freedom Park as well as the entire Port of San Diego. Primary areas of the Park include:
Footsteps of Freedom where visitors can walk the path of hundreds of soldiers, saliros and thier families, and learn of their service, duty, and sacrifice
Freedom Sculpture and Flag which will be visible from across the bay, Embarcadero, and planes passing overhead
Family and Sacrifice Monument which will tell stories of men, women, and children who said goodbye at the end of Navy Pier
Parade Ground where our nation’s heros are celebrated and honored, featuring a momument of John William Finn. This San Diego native, who died recently at the age of 100, was the last surviving Medal of Honor recipeint fro the Pearl Harbor attack
Bay View West Gardens where sculptural seating and native plants offer space for reflecton
Freedom Park Microsite where visitors can access myriad of information about the park
“How can you be an everyday hero in your own community ?”
Funding the Project
A variety of organizations are working to fund the Park’s estimated cost of $65 million. The Port of San Diego via Port Economic Recovery Program will fund structural pile improvements. The Midway will contribute funds for the headhouse demo, pier reinforcement, and full park buildout. When the park opens, the Port and Midway will split ongoing maintenance costs.
Additionally, private organizations and individuals can contribute through naming opportunities and legacy bricks. Read more.
Grand Opening
Stay tuned for the ceremonies in the Fall of 2027. Note that The Midway will stay open during construction.
About Our Speaker
Laura White, President of the USS Miday Foundation
Laura is a Carlsbad native and Chico State graduate who has working for underserved populations since 2001. She’s experienced in managing major projects with multiple stakeholders - donors, customers, clients, employees, investors, city officials, and more - and committed to improving the lives and communities of vulnerable populations in San Diego.
Daughter of a Vietnam Veteran and humble supporter of our US Armed Forces and Veterans, and most importantly, Laura is mother to Delaney and wife of Matt Ludvik.
The mission of the USS Midway Foundation is to help fund education programs, organizations, and initiatives that support America’s core values of service and sacrifice in the name of freedom.