The Port of San Diego and USS Midway Museum are working together to convert Navy Pier into a new public park on San Diego Bay's North Embarcadero.
While most people typically only associate ports with goods movement, they actually do more than that. For example, the Port of San Diego has its own parks and recreation department and operates 22 beautiful waterfront parks around San Diego Bay. And it just entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the USS Midway Museum to create a major new park called Freedom Park.
The MOU includes the Port's commitment of $11.7 million in federal stimulus funding received through the American Rescue Plan Act and the Midway Museum's contribution of at least $30 million to the project. Plans call for the demolition of the headhouse, an old Navy warehouse, on the pier, completion of pile improvements and pier reinforcements, as well as construction of the park with amenities that reflect San Diego's military history, pedestrian walkways around and through the park, landscaping, benches, signage, restrooms, and parking. The park is expected to open in 2029.
FULL STORY: Port of San Diego, USS Midway Museum reveal plans for `Freedom Park' on pier
Parks: Essential Community Infrastructure — and a Smart Investment
Even during times of budget constraint, continued investment in parks is critical, as they provide proven benefits to public health, safety, climate resilience, and community well-being — particularly for under-resourced communities.
Palmdale’s Beloved Water Park Gets $2 Million Upgrade
To mark its 20th anniversary, DryTown Water Park has undergone major renovations, ensuring that families across the Antelope Valley continue to enjoy safe, affordable, and much-needed water-based recreation in the high desert.
Irvine Ranked Second in Nation for Outstanding Park System
Irvine’s parks earned national recognition for their exceptional access, investment, and amenities, ranking second in the U.S. and first in California in the Trust for Public Land’s 2025 ParkScore Index.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
San Diego Votes to Rein in “Towering” ADUs
City council voted to limit the number of units in accessory buildings to six — after confronting backyard developments of up to 100 units behind a single family home.
Texas Legislature’s Surprising Pro-Housing Swing
Smaller homes on smaller lots, office to apartment conversions, and 40% less say for NIMBYs, vote state lawmakers.
Even Edmonton Wants Single Staircase Buildings
Canada's second most affordable major city joins those angling to nix the requirement for two staircases in multi-family buildings.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)