The USS Midway Museum and Port of San Diego made a promise in 2004 that one day they would together develop a public park on Navy Pier.
Uncork the Champagne bottle ladies and gentlemen, as that day has arrived. In early February, the California Coastal Commission unanimously approved Freedom Park at Navy Pier. It was an exciting day for all of us at the Port and on Midway. After many years of negotiations and planning, the Coastal Commission’s approval gives us the development permit required to start the process of building the park.
Designs are currently being developed to create a park that will extend from the west end of Navy Pier, around Midway, to the Bob Hope kissing statue. Spanning 10-acres, it will be the largest veterans park on the West Coast and will tell the story of everyday heroes who served our country and preserved our freedoms.
A Footsteps of Freedom promenade, that will run along the entire north side of Navy Pier, will be dedicated to the service and sacrifice of those who have worn the uniform of our nation. Additional monuments, play elements, benches and swings, walking trails and gardens, and other exciting features will be incorporated throughout the scope of the park.
Engineering efforts are already underway, as the nearly 100-year-old pier requires significant analysis and upgrades. That work, along with the demolition of the last building on the pier, will take place over the next two years. We anticipate actual construction on the park commencing in 2025.
You’ll continue to hear more about Freedom Park at Navy Pier as the planning and fundraising elements evolve. The success of the USS Midway Museum has made this project possible. That success is because of you – our donors, members, volunteers and guests. I want to extend my sincerest thank you for helping bring this park, which will honor our veterans, to life.
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