The design for Freedom Park has developed over six years. Pat Caughey and Dennis Otsuji began collaborating with Mac McLaughlin (CEO - USS Midway, Retired) on developing a new park design for navy pier with reduced parking that would result in increased open space for a waterfront public park. The new bayside park was a condition of agreement between the USS Midway, San Diego Port District, and the California Coastal Commission in 2004, allowing the historic aircraft carrier to be birthed at the historic Navy Pier. Three years of design options and negotiations with coastal commission staff resulted in a reduction of 70% of existing parking spaces and the creation of a seven-acre public park. In 2023 the park design was completed and approved by a unanimous vote by the California Coastal Commission. The focus of the design provides for a variety of activities and perspectives on the San Diego region’s commitment in recognizing our honored veterans, their families and providing a unique welcome to the USS Midway Museum.

WYAC would like to thank the executive staff of the USS Midway including Mac McLaughlin, Terry Craft, Laura White and Len Santiago for their leadership and support in having our firm participate in the design of what will become a historic public destination for San Diego.