Fletcher Cove is what made Solana Beach possible. It gave the land between the two lagoons an access to the beach. Early photographs show the growth of the City centered around the area from the Cove through the Plaza to Cedros Avenue. It was the heart of the city.  Near the end of the Second World War the Town acquired an old army barracks and placed it in this heart on a knoll to the north of Fletcher Cove overlooking the Pacific.

This building became the Fletcher Cove Community Center and was the focus of town events and the meeting place for numerous groups. The shuffleboard courts and horseshoe pits were well used. Many residents still remember attending classes, parties and weddings in this humble building with the fabulous ocean view. Today, the Community Center is still used by many of our citizens for Solana Beach Civic & Historical Society meetings, adult education classes, junior lifeguard classes, children’s art lessons and our community sing-along. It remains a vital and loved facility. 

Over the years, the structure was rebuilt and maintained by the citizens of Solana Beach. Unfortunately, this gem is now in need of significant repair to fully meet ADA requirements, to become more energy efficient, and to address some structural problems. In the present economic climate, the City only has a portion of the funds needed for this effort.  As in the past, a group of us is undertaking a community-wide “barn-raising” venture to renovate the Community Center and its grounds. Solana Beach residents, businesses, and City staff are stepping up to design, fundraise and re-build the Fletcher Cove Community Center.   We believe it is important that this long-serving community icon be improved so Solana Beach residents can comfortably and safely enjoy this important community space long into the future. 

For this to be successful, help is needed from all of you. The Solana Beach Community Foundation has been organized to accept donations of money, materials and labor.  All donations are tax-deductible.

To donate contact the Solana Beach Foundation at P.O. Box 463, Solana Beach, CA 92075, by  email at friendsofsolana@cox.net, or call 301- 213- 8028. Please join our efforts to renovate this community treasure!