Fletcher Cove’s 100th Anniversary Celebration Party
Join the Solana Beach Civic and Historical Society in celebrating the 100th anniversary of Fletcher Cove! They are hosting a special event to commemorate this important landmark on Thursday, September 12th, starting at 5:00 PM at the Fletcher Cove Community Center.
Come enjoy cake, ice cream, and a chance to learn about the rich history behind Fletcher Cove! Don’t miss out on this historic celebration!
The History of Fletcher Cove
Origins of Fletcher Cove
Fletcher Cove is man-made, created when Colonel Ed Fletcher used hydraulic pressure to carve out a path through the bluffs. This allowed better access to the beach, a key step in opening the area for future development.
Col. Ed Fletcher’s Vision
In 1922, two years before the cove was created, Col. Fletcher purchased 140 acres of land from George Jones, an early resident of Solana Beach. Fletcher, originally from Massachusetts, arrived in California at age 15. He eventually became fascinated with land and water development, which led him to help establish Solana Beach along with his brother-in-law, Eugene Batchelder.
Fletcher's work in land development extended across the region, including managing the construction of several dams, such as Grossmont and El Capitan, which were critical for water supply in San Diego County.
Creation of Fletcher Cove
By 1924, Fletcher had the vision to use hydraulic pressure to carve out Fletcher Cove, making it easier to access the beach. The cove's grand opening on July 4th, 1924 attracted visitors from across the region, and Fletcher used the event to promote real estate in the area.
Fletcher Cove Today
The cove, affectionately known as "Pillbox" by locals, wasn’t officially named Fletcher Cove until 1987. Despite some controversy over Fletcher's segregationist policies from the 1920s, the City Council emphasized that these practices were common at the time and had long been outlawed.
In 2007, the City of Solana Beach completed a $2.3 million renovation, transforming Fletcher Cove into the park we enjoy today, featuring a grassy area, basketball court, and tot lot. Community members contributed to the park’s walls, decorating them with beautiful marine-themed mosaics.
The City continues to make improvements, including a 2024 beach widening project and upgrading the tot lot. The Public Arts Commission is also working on a new artist-designed storm drain outlet to further beautify Fletcher Cove.
Don’t Miss Out!
Join us on September 12th at the Fletcher Cove Community Center to celebrate 100 years of history and community at Fletcher Cove. It’s an event not to be missed!