PORT OF LOS ANGELES INVESTS $4 MILLION IN BATTLESHIP IOWA FREEDOM OF THE SEAS PARK AND PAVILION

Aug. 31, 2026 - The Port of Los Angeles will invest $4 million toward development of the Pacific Battleship Center's Freedom of the Seas Park and Pavilion, a new waterfront destination adjacent to the Battleship USS IOWA that will provide space for events, education, veterans and community gatherings.

The Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners approved the funding through a recent amendment to Battleship IOWA's lease, supported through the Port's Public Access Investment Plan (PAIP), which is funded entirely through Port revenues, with no tax-payer contributions.

"Battleship IOWA has become an important part of the LA Waterfront and a destination that connects people with our maritime history, our veterans and the Harbor community," said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. "This $4 million investment will help the IOWA team build on its success and create another great place for people to gather, learn and experience the LA Waterfront."

The Freedom of the Seas Park and Pavilion will feature a 17,500-square-foot building that will serve as a multipurpose venue accommodating up to 550 people with meeting rooms and other resource spaces. The surrounding park will include gathering spaces, memorials, and public art.

The approximately $17 million project is being developed by Pacific Battleship Center, the non-profit organization that operates the Battleship USS IOWA. The initial phase will focus on completion of the pavilion building, followed by development of additional waterside features including Liberty Point and Freedom Plaza.

"This investment by the Port of Los Angeles is a tremendous vote of confidence in the Freedom of the Seas Park and Pavilion and what it can mean for our community," said Jonathan Williams, President and CEO of the Pacific Battleship Center. "IOWA has always been about more than the ship herself. She is a place where veterans, students, families and visitors come together. With the Port's partnership, we are expanding that mission to create an affordable waterfront gathering place for our community while welcoming visitors from around the world."

The pavilion will address a need for larger event and gathering space in San Pedro, providing new convening space for community organizations and expanded capacity for educational, veterans and community programming.

The project has received broad community support and was prioritized for PAIP funding following a community input process in 2025.

Established in 2015, the Port's PAIP provides a sustainable source of funding for public access projects throughout the LA Waterfront. The program dedicates 10% of the Port's annual operating income to projects that enhance public access and create recreational, community and visitor-serving opportunities in San Pedro and Wilmington.