McGrath Freedom Park at Burnham Navy Pier

The USS Midway Museum and Port of San Diego proudly introduce McGrath Freedom Park at Burnham Navy Pier — a premier destination dedicated to celebrating, honoring, and preserving our nation’s rich military heritage. Opening in 2028, McGrath 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

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McGrath Freedom Park Legacy Brick

McGrath 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.

Buy Your Legacy Brick Today!

How to Support & Naming Opportunities

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

Support Freedom Park today!Download the McGrath Freedom Park Brochure

Matching for Malin

McGrath 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 McGrath 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.

Match for Malin today!Click here to view gift benefits!

McGrath Freedom Park Donors

Thank you to our incredible network of McGrath Freedom Park supporters! To date, we have received $24 million in gifts and pledges, with approximately $25 million left to go in our fundraising goal.

Click here to see our leading donors

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 ($24 million), approximately $25+ million will need to be raised through fundraising led by the USS Midway Foundation.