Freedom Park at Burnham Navy Pier

The USS Midway Museum and Port of San Diego proudly introduce Freedom Park at Burnham Navy Pier — a premier destination dedicated to celebrating, honoring, and preserving our nation’s rich military heritage. Opening in 2028, Freedom Park will serve as a powerful tribute to the brave men and women who served and sacrificed for our country, securing the freedoms we enjoy today. Set against the stunning backdrop of the San Diego Bay, this iconic park will stand as a landmark of remembrance, pride, and patriotism — preserving our rich military heritage for future generations.

Join us in building the next iconic landmark on San Diego’s waterfront.

*Freedom Park Legacy video


Freedom Park Legacy Brick

Freedom Park will be complete in a few short years – secure your place in history today! By buying a Legacy Brick that will be built into the Park, you will leave your legacy for tomorrow and for future generations. Individual and group options available.


How to Support & Naming Opportunities

To learn how to leave your legacy at Freedom Park, download our brochure about this exciting next chapter for Navy Pier, San Diego Bayfront, and the USS Midway Museum.


Matching for Malin

Freedom Park at Burnham Navy Pier

Malin Burnham has been a cornerstone of San Diego’s growth and spirit for nearly a century. A revered civic leader, real estate developer and philanthropist whose guiding principle is “Community Before Self,” Malin has served on various boards and committees for decades, co-founding more than a dozen organizations that benefit our city, and his numerous community awards include Philanthropist of the Year, Civic Entrepreneur of the Year, and Mr. San Diego.

Malin’s visionary leadership helped bring the USS Midway Museum to San Diego, forever changing how we honor veterans in our city. Now, with Freedom Park at Burnham Navy Pier, we have the chance to create the West Coast’s largest tribute to those who served – all while celebrating Malin’s lifelong commitment to community and philanthropy.

Through a matching gift campaign, every dollar raised doubles our impact, building a space that embodies freedom, San Diego’s rich military heritage, and Malin Burnham’s extraordinary legacy. Together, let’s create a landmark worthy of heroes and a legend.


Freedom Park Donors

Thank you to our incredible network of Freedom Park supporters! To date, we have received $14 million in gifts and pledges, with approximately $35 million left to go in our fundraising goal.


Timeline & Design

Building a 10-Acre Park

Designs are in development to create a park that will extend from the west end of Navy Pier, around the USS Midway Museum, to the Bob Hope memorial. Spanning nearly 10 acres, it will be the largest veterans park on the West Coast and tell the story of everyday heroes who served our country and preserved our freedoms. Demolition of the last remaining building on the pier was completed in Spring of 2025.

Groundbreaking – April 25, 2024


Park Funding

Cost Projection

The project is projected to cost a minimum of $65 million for a complete overhaul and update of the pier itself, followed by the demolition of Building 11 and the construction of the park. With commitments to date from the Port of San Diego ($11.7 million), the USS Midway Museum ($20 million), Congressman Scott Peters ($2 million), and private donors ($14 million), approximately $30+ million will need to be raised through fundraising led by the USS Midway Foundation.

$11.7 Million Port of San Diego
$20 Million USS Midway Museum
$2 Million Congressman Scott Peters’ Office

Capital Campaign Committee

Capital Campaign Chair

Jack McGrory

CEO, La Jolla MJ Management

Committee Members

Buford Alexander

USS Midway Foundation Board Member

Terry Atkinson

USS Midway Foundation Board Member

Ben Clay

USS Midway Foundation Chair

Michael Earley

Chief Executive Officer Metropolitan Health Networks, Inc.

Marlee Ehrenfeld

Principal & Creative Director Before Breakfast

Brandi Gill

Associate General Counsel for Aalyria Technologies

John Hawkins

USS Midway Museum Trustee

RADM Terry Kraft, USN, (Ret.)

CEO, USS Midway Museum

Bob Lawrence

USS Midway Museum Chair

Pha Le, DO

Emergency Medicine

Tom Sudberry

Founder, Sudberry Properties

Scott Texeira

Head of Software and AI Practice of Egon Zehnder

Honorary Committee

Malin Burnham

Philanthropist

RADM Mac McLaughlin

USN (Ret.)

Debbie Turner

Philanthropist

Anthony “Tony” Jackson

MajGen, USMC (Ret.)

Staff

Christina Case

Capital Campaign Director

(619) 398-8282
ccase@midway.org

Liz Ramsey

Capital Campaign Manager

(619) 398-8250
lramsey@midway.org

Liza Aguirre-Oviedo

Your Adventure Starts Now

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