Prince Jackson's 29-Year Plan to Reopen Neverland as a Kid Sanctuary

# **Prince Jackson, 29, Hopes Neverland Becomes Sanctuary for Sick Children** In the quiet hills of Los Olivos, California, a sprawling 2,700‑acre estate once buzzed with the laughter of children and the clatter of carnival rides.

That property, famously dubbed Neverland, was the private playground of the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Now, his eldest son, Prince Jackson, 29, and his younger brother, Bigi Jackson, envision a future where the ranch once again becomes a refuge for sick and disadvantaged kids.

Their dream, rooted in family memories and a shared commitment to philanthropy, could transform a once‑private paradise into a hope. The brothers’ vision goes beyond nostalgia.

Prince, who co‑founded the Heal Los Angeles Foundation in 2016, has spent years championing educational and wellness initiatives for underserved communities. Bigi, more reserved, shares his father’s desire to preserve the ranch’s legacy while keeping it out of the limelight.

Together, they urge the current owners to honor Michael’s original intent: a place where children could escape their hardships and simply be kids again.

Their appeal arrives at a time when the estate’s future hangs in balance under the stewardship of businessman Ron Burkle, who bought the property for roughly $22 million in 2020. What makes their plea resonate is the tangible history of Neverland’s charitable use.

From hosting Make‑A‑Wish families in the early 1990s to serving as a venue for fundraising events, the ranch has long been a symbol of generosity.

As the brothers look forward, they seek to rekindle that spirit, ensuring that the memories of wonder and kindness continue to ripple through generations. ## Background & Context Michael Jackson purchased the 2,700‑acre property in 1988, transforming it into a fantastical retreat inspired by the fictional Neverland of Peter Pan.

The estate boasted a train station, a movie theater, a zoo, and a collection of amusement‑park rides that made it feel like a living fairy tale. It was not merely a private getaway; it became a sanctuary for children in need.

In 1993, Michael hosted nine Make‑A‑Wish families, personally guiding them through the ranch’s attractions, from arcade games to a screening of *Aladdin* and a barbecue. A decade later, a holiday celebration welcomed approximately 200 children, offering rides, candy canes, popcorn, and even a visit from Santa Claus.

These events underscored Michael’s belief that joy could be a powerful medicine. Beyond the joy he provided, the ranch also served as a platform for philanthropic outreach.

In September 2003, the King of Pop hosted a benefit event for several charities, including Make‑A‑Wish and a Brazilian organization that distributed food, clothing, and medical aid to impoverished children.

The estate’s role as a charitable hub continued long after Michael’s passing in 2009, when the property’s value surged to a $100 million listing in 2015 before multiple price reductions. Today, the ranch’s stewardship rests with Ron Burkle, a businessman who acquired the property for about $22 million.

Burkle has expressed deep respect for Neverland’s legacy and has welcomed the Jackson family to visit at their leisure.

While the estate remains a private residence, Burkle’s past initiatives—such as hosting charitable events at his other properties—suggest an openness to similar uses of Neverland. ## What People Are Saying An insider close to the Jackson family has revealed that Prince, 29, is driven by a personal connection to the ranch and a desire to see it return to its charitable roots.

The source explains that Prince, who has been active in philanthropy through the Heal Los Angeles Foundation, sees the ranch as a natural extension of his father’s humanitarian legacy.

The foundation, founded while he attended Loyola Marymount University, partners with local schools and runs food and toy drives for families in need.

By reopening Neverland for charitable purposes, Prince hopes to provide a tangible way for children—especially those battling illness—to experience the joy that once defined his family’s gatherings. Bigi, who was previously known as Blanket, shares a more private approach.

The source notes that Bigi would prefer the ranch not become a major tourist attraction, but he supports the idea of reviving its magic for children who could truly benefit.

The brothers’ core message, is preservation of legacy and respect for what Michael meant when he created a space where kids could simply be themselves, free from pain and difficulty.

They emphasize that any use of the property should honor the king’s original vision, ensuring that it remains a sanctuary rather than a commercial venture. Reps for Prince and Bigi have not responded to inquiries.

However, statements from Burkle’s spokesperson affirm that the current owner “has tremendous respect for the history of Neverland and the special meaning it holds for Michael Jackson’s family.” Burkle has welcomed the family to the ranch and continues to be open to hosting charitable events, reflecting his own track record of using his properties for philanthropic purposes. ## What Happens Next The next steps for realizing the brothers’ vision hinge on negotiations between the Jackson family, Burkle, and potentially charitable organizations.

While the brothers do not hold ownership or control of Neverland, their influence stems from their status as heirs to Michael’s legacy and their active roles in community outreach.

Prince’s Heal Los Angeles Foundation could serve as a logistical partner, coordinating events and ensuring that the ranch’s use aligns with the intended charitable mission.

The foundation’s experience with school partnerships and drive programs positions it well to manage the day‑to‑day needs of a child‑focused sanctuary.

For Burkle, the decision to allow the ranch to function as a charitable venue may involve structuring events that fit within his private residence policies while respecting the families’ wish for privacy.

Given his history of hosting similar events at other estates, it seems plausible that he could create a framework that balances the brothers’ goals with his ownership rights. The process will likely include legal agreements outlining usage rights, scheduling, and oversight to maintain the ranch’s integrity and safety.

Meanwhile, Prince and Bigi may continue to advocate for Neverland’s transformation through public statements, private outreach, and collaboration with nonprofit partners. Their story could also inspire broader discussions about how iconic private spaces associated with cultural figures can be leveraged for social good.

As the estate’s future remains uncertain, the brothers’ heartfelt desire to bring a piece of their father’s wonder back to the children who need it most could shape the next chapter of Neverland’s legacy.

The possibility of restoring a beloved playground into a haven for sick and underprivileged children is both a touching tribute to a musical legend and a bold step toward redefining how legacy estates can serve society.

Whether the dream becomes reality will depend on the alignment of family aspirations, private ownership, and philanthropic purpose—an alignment that, if achieved, could offer a renewed source of hope for countless children and a lasting homage to the King of Pop’s enduring generosity.