Plans for the largest veterans park on the West Coast took a major step forward Tuesday, receiving the approval of the San Diego Board of Port Commissioners.
The board approved a proclamation of intention to designate nearly 10 acres of the Embarcadero as Freedom Park upon the transformation of Navy Pier into a park.
The Freedom Park project, a collaborative effort between the Port of San Diego and USS Midway Museum, is anticipated to open in 2028. Beginning at the west end of Navy Pier and going around the Midway to the Bob Hope Memorial, it will “celebrate the region’s military history” and plans include a nature garden, memorials and monuments, play structures, seating and shading, and interpretive signage.
“This project has been an incredible undertaking and we’re proud to work with the USS Midway Museum to deliver on our promise to transform Navy Pier into a public park,” said Frank Urtasun, Chairman of the Board of Port Commissioners. “As the most visited military museum nationally and a San Diego favorite for locals and visitors, we’re excited that Freedom Park will connect the history of Navy Pier with the service of the Midway along with the other existing veteran and military memorials in Tuna Harbor to become a one-of-a-kind destination and a unique experience for all.”