Port sets aside $2.6M to shore up Navy Pier for Freedom Park

The future Freedom Park at Burnham Navy Pier got major support this week – literally.

The Port of San Diego’s board agreed to a $2.6 million contract to structurally reinforce the pier ahead of the opening of the park in 2028.

The multi-year joint project between the USS Midway Museum and port is being touted as the largest veterans park on the West Coast.

The contract approved by the board with Condon-Johnson Associates is to reinforce the portion of the pier on the east end where the headhouse was demolished.

“Freedom Park at Burnham Navy Pier represents our steadfast commitment to honoring the legacy of those who have served and sacrificed for our nation,” said Danielle Moore, chair of the port board. “We are building a vibrant space for reflection, connection and reaffirming our promise to military veterans and their families to recognize and celebrate their contributions.”

The nearly 10-acre park will start at the west end of Navy Pier and go around the USS Midway to the Bob Hope Memorial. It is set to include a garden, memorials and monuments, seating and interpretive signage.

“We’re excited with the continual progress being made on the creation of Freedom Park at Burnham Navy Pier,” said Terry Kraft, the Midway Museum’s president and CEO. “More importantly, this pier reinforcement project will pave the way for the start of the actual park construction early next year.”

Following unanimous approval from the California Coastal Commission in 2023, the port board in February 2024 approved a $7.4 million contract with AMG Demolition to remove the large headhouse building at the entrance of the pier.

The structural reinforcement work is anticipated to begin in October and be completed by February.

The park is estimated to cost around $77 million, a $12 million increase from the estimate in spring 2024. The port has contributed $11.7 million for structural pile improvements. The Midway museum raised funds for the headhouse demolition and additional construction.

In addition, Rep. Scott Peters secured $2 million from the federal government for the project.

When the park opens, the port and museum will split ongoing maintenance costs.