Freedom Park at Burnham Navy Pier
The USS Midway Museum and Port of San Diego made a commitment in 2004 that one day they would develop a park on Navy Pier. After many years of negotiations and planning, the Coastal Commission’s approval in February 2023 paved the way to begin building the park, YOUR park – Freedom Park at Burnham Navy Pier.
*Freedom Park Legacy video
Matching for Malin
Freedom Park at Burnham Navy Pier: Where vision meets valor.
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.
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.
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.
Freedom Park Donors
Thank you to our incredible network of Freedom Park supporters! To date, we have received nearly $10 million in gifts and pledges, with $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 Midway, 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 ($13 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
Honorary Committee
Philanthropist
USN (Ret.)
Philanthropist
MajGen, USMC (Ret.)
Capital Campaign Co-Chairs
CEO, La Jolla MJ Management
USN (Ret.)
Committee Members
As of March 15, 2024
USS Midway Foundation Chair
USS Midway Museum Chair Former Senior VP of Finance General Atomics
Chief Executive Officer Metropolitan Health Networks, Inc.
Principal & Creative Director Before Breakfast
Associate General Counsel for Aalyria Technologies
USS Midway Museum Trustee
CEO, USS Midway Museum
Emergency Medicine
Founder, Sudberry Properties
Your Adventure Starts Now
Your email is the key to information that will open up all your possibilities for exploring the mighty Midway!