by Literally, Burnham Navy Pier’s future Freedom Park received a lot of support this week.
Prior to the park’s 2028 debut, the Port of San Diego board agreed to a $2.6 million contract to structurally fortify the pier.
The port and the USS Midway Museum are working together on a multi-year project that is being marketed as the biggest veterans park on the West Coast.
Condon-Johnson Associates was awarded the board-approved contract to fortify the east end of the pier where the headhouse was dismantled.
According to Danielle Moore, chair of the port board, Freedom Park at Burnham Navy Pier symbolizes our unwavering dedication to remembering the memory of those who have served and given their lives for our country. In addition to renewing our commitment to honoring and celebrating the accomplishments of military veterans and their families, we are creating a lively environment for introspection and connection.
Beginning at Navy Pier’s west end, the almost 10-acre park will circle the USS Midway and lead to the Bob Hope Memorial. A garden, monuments and memorials, benches, and educational signage are also planned.
Terry Kraft, president and CEO of the Midway Museum, expressed excitement about the ongoing development of Freedom Park at Burnham Navy Pier. More significantly, the actual park building will begin early next year thanks to this pier reinforcement project.
In February 2024, the port board authorized a $7.4 million contract with AMG Demolition to demolish the huge headhouse building at the pier’s entrance, following unanimous clearance from the California Coastal Commission in 2023.
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It is projected that the structural reinforcing project will start in October and be finished by February.
The park is expected to cost approximately $77 million, which is $12 million more than the spring 2024 estimate. For modifications to structural piles, the port has provided $11.7 million. Funds for the destruction of the headhouse and further construction were raised by the Midway museum.
Additionally, the initiative received $2 million from the federal government thanks to the efforts of Representative Scott Peters.
The port and museum will share the cost of continuing park care after it opens.
