Earl Thompson Park
170 Bynum Hill Rd, Pittsboro, NC 27312

Amenities:

• Multi-Purpose Field: Lighted (Reservations available by request, contact 919-545-8551)
• Restrooms
• Playground

Rules:

• No aircraft of any size. This includes drones, quadcopters or any type of remote controlled aircraft.
• All dogs must be on a leash.
• No golfing.
• For a full list of rules, please reference the Chatham County Parks & Recreation Facility Use Policy

 

 

Northwest District Park
2413 Woody Store Rd, Siler City, NC 27344

Northwest District Park features a dining hall, activity center, picnic shelter, outdoor pool (by Reservation only Sat/Sun June-August), basketball court, walking trails, pond (catch/release only), multipurpose field, playground and restrooms.

Amenities:

• Dining Hall: Accommodates up to 121 ($35/hr + $75 refundable security deposit)
• Activity Center: Accommodates up to 114 ($25/hr + $50 refundable security deposit)
• Picnic Shelter: Accommodates up to 70 ($25/hr)
• Pool: Available by reservation on Saturdays & Sundays, June-August
• Open Space
• Compact Gravel Trail: 1.1 miles
• Basketball Court
• Restrooms
• Playground
• Pond: Catch & Release only

 *NOTE:  Reservations require 5 day notice & approval.  Once approved, rental fees are due within 1 business day of approval notice. 

Rules:

• Fishing is allowed, however, it is catch and release with a NC State Fishing License.  
• No swimming or personal watercraft allowed.
• No aircraft of any size. This includes drones, quadcopters or any type of remote controlled aircraft.
• All dogs must be on a leash.
• No golfing.
• Northwest Pool: Maximum of 40 swimmers in pool at a time. Failure to follow pool rules may result in loss of the deposit refund. 
• For a full list of rules, please reference the Chatham County Parks & Recreation Facility Use Policy
  
  

    

    

   

Southwest District Park
15124 Hwy 902, Bear Creek, NC 27207

Amenities:

• Picnic Shelter: Accommodates up to 84 (Available for Rental at $25.00 per hour)
• Softball/Multi-Purpose Field: Lighted (Availably by request at $20.00 per hour w/o lights, $35.00 per  hour w/ lights by contacting 919-545-8551)
• Compact Gravel Trails: Inner Loop is 0.5 miles, Outer Loop is 0.75 miles
• Kitchen (Available for Rental at $25.00 per hour + $50.00 refundable deposit)
• Restrooms
• Playground
• Sand Volleyball Court

Rules:

• No aircraft of any size. This includes drones, quadcopters or any type of remote controlled aircraft.
• All dogs must be on a leash.
• No golfing.
• For a full list of rules, please reference the Chatham County Parks & Recreation Facility Use Policy

 

 

  

 

The Park at Briar Chapel
1015 Andrews Store Rd, Pittsboro, NC 27312

Amenities:

• 2 Softball Fields: Lighted
• 2 Multi-Purpose Fields: Lighted
• Picnic Shelter: Accommodates up to 80
• Dog Park
• Restrooms
• Playground
• Paved Walking Trail: 0.25 miles

Rules:

• No aircraft of any size. This includes drones, quadcopters or any type of remote controlled aircraft.
• No golfing.
• All dogs must be on a leash.
• For a full list of rules, please reference the Chatham County Parks & Recreation Facility Use Policy
• Visit our Dog Park Webpage for a full list of Dog Park Rules.

   

 

 The updated 2019-2029 Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan was created to develop and redevelop the parks, satisfy the citizen’s recreation needs, preserve the rural character, protect natural resources, and plan for future growth. The plan was approved and adopted at the Board of Commissioners meeting on February 18, 2019. 

 2019 - 2029 Parks and Recreation Master Plan

 

Visit the pages below to learn more about the Master Plans for each park:

• Earl Thompson Park

• Parkers Ridge Park, Moncure

Chatham County Park Schedule PDF 

Southwest District Park and Northwest District Park:

• Gates are open 8:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. (February through November)
• Gates are open 8:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. (January and December)

The Park at Briar Chapel and Northeast District Park:

• Gates stay open 24/7
• Restrooms close at 9:00 p.m. (February through November)
• Restrooms close at 7:00 p.m. (January and December)

*On Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day, all gates will be open but all restrooms will be locked.*

Northwest Activity Center
2413 Woody Store Rd, Siler City. NC

Northwest Activity Center is available for rental at $25/hr + $50 refundable security deposit. Facility can accommodate up to 114 standing and up to 54 with tables & chairs. Tables and chairs available upon request.  **No food or drink is allowed inside the building.

    

 

**For rentals at the Chatham Grove Community Center, please reach out to andrew.harrison@chathamcountync.gov or 919-642-7086 x2**

Chatham Grove Community Center
1301 Andrews Store Rd, Pittsboro. NC

Phone: 919-642-7086

Amenities:

• Gymnasium
• Small Multi-Purpose Room (accommodates up to 27)

  Rental fee is $25.00 per hour, tables and chairs available by request

• Large Multi-Purpose Room (accommodates up to 70)

  Rental fee is $35.00 per hour, tables and chairs available by request

• Restrooms

Northwest Dining Hall
2413 Woody Store Rd, Siler City. NC

Northwest Dining Hall is available for rental (Jan - May and Sep - Dec).

Facility can accommodate the following: 121 Standing, 80 with tables & chairs. Cost to rent is $35/hr and requires a $75 refundable security deposit. Tables and chairs provided by request.

To reserve an indoor room at the Chatham Grove Community Center, please reach out to andrew.harrison@chathamcountync.gov or call 919-642-7086 x2.

 

Chatham Grove Community Center - Room 1 (Large)
1301 Andrews Store Rd, Pittsboro. NC

Chatham Grove Community Center - Multi-Purpose Room 1 (Large) is available for rental at $35/hr and can accommodate up to 80. Tables and Chairs provided by request.

Chatham Grove Community Center - Room 2 (Small)
1301 Andrews Store Rd, Pittsboro. NC

Chatham Grove Community Center - Multi-Purpose Room 2 (Small) is available for rental at $25/hr and can accommodate 27 standing and up to 16 with tables & chairs.

Southwest Kitchen
15124 Hwy 902, Bear Creek. NC 

Southwest Kitchen is available for rental year-round. The Kitchen is connected to the Picnic Shelter and features a full kitchen including stove, oven, sink, plenty of counter space and refrigerator. Bring your own cooking utensils, pot holders, etc.

The Kitchen is available for rentals year-round at $25.00 per hour and requires a $50.00 refundable deposit. Reservations must be made 5 days in advance and payment is due at the time of booking.

To reserve one of our multi-purpose fields, please reach out to andrew.harrison@chathamcountync.gov or call 919-642-7086 x2. 

 
Briar Chapel Multi-Purpose Field 3
1015 Andrews Store Rd, Pittsboro. NC

Briar Chapel Multi-Purpose Field 4 is available for rental at $20/hour without lights & $35/hr with lights.  Rental fees must be paid at the time of booking.

 

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Briar Chapel  Multi-Purpose Field 4
1015 Andrews Store Rd, Pittsboro. NC

Briar Chapel Multi-Purpose Field 4 is located on Parker Herndon side of the park and is available for rental at $20/hour without lights & $35/hr with lights.  Rental fees must be paid at the time of booking.

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Earl Thompson Multi-Purpose Field
170 Bynum Hill Rd, Pittsboro. NC

Earl Thompson Multi-Purpose Field is available for rental at $20/hour without lights & $35/hr with lights.  Rental fees must be paid at the time of booking.

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Northeast Multi-Purpose Field
5408 Big Woods Rd, Chapel Hill. NC

Northeast Multi-Purpose Field is available for rental at $20/hour without lights & $35/hr with lights.  Rental fees must be paid at the time of booking.

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Northwest Multi-Purpose Field
2413 Woody Store Rd, Siler City. NC

Northwest Multi-Purpose Field is available for rental at $20/hour without lights & $35/hr with lights.  Rental fees must be paid at the time of booking.

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Southwest Softball/Multi-Purpose Field
15124 Hwy 902, Bear Creek. NC

Southwest Softball/Multi-Purpose Field is available for rental at $20/hour without lights & $35/hr with lights.  Rental fees must be paid at the time of booking.

Briar Chapel Picnic Shelter

1015 Andrews Store Rd, Pittsboro. NC

The Park at Briar Chapel - Picnic Shelter is available for rental at $25/hr and can accommodate up to 80 with 9 picnic tables.  Rental fees are due at the time of booking.

Northwest Picnic Shelter
2413 Woody Store Rd, Siler City. NC

Northwest Picnic Shelter is available for for rental at $25/hr and can accommodate up to 70 with 10 picnic tables.  Rental fees are due at the time of booking.  Electrical outlets are available at facility. Nearest restrooms are located at the Pool House.  

 

 

Southwest Picnic Shelter
15124 Hwy 902, Bear Creek. NC

Southwest Picnic Shelter is available for for rental at $25/hr and can accommodate up to 70 with 10 picnic tables.  Rental fees are due at the time of booking.  

 

Northwest Pool
2413 Woody Store Rd, Siler City. NC

Northwest Pool is available by reservation only June-August for the following days/time blocks:
Saturdays : 11:00am-2:00pm or 2:30pm -5:30pm
Sundays:  2:30pm-5:30pm
Cost is $175 per day/time block  + $100 refundable security deposit.

 *Maximum of 40 swimmers in pool at a time.*

Reservations can be made online at link above or call 919-545-8555.

**Online reservations for ballfields is not available.  To reserve a field, please reach out to andrew.harrison@chathamcountync.gov or call 919-642-7086 x2.

Briar Chapel Softball 1
1015 Andrews Store Rd, Pittsboro, NC

The Park at Briar Chapel Softball Field 1 (smaller field) is available for rental at:
$20/hour without lights
$35/hr with lights

Rental fees must be paid at the time of booking.

 

Briar Chapel Softball 2
1015 Andrews Store Rd, Pittsboro, NC

The Park at Briar Chapel Softball Field 2 is available for rental at:
$20/hour without lights
$35/hr with lights

Rental fees must be paid at the time of booking.

Northeast Softball Field
5408 Big Woods Rd, Chapel Hill. NC

Northeast Softball Field is available for rental at:
$20/hour without lights
$35/hr with lights

Rental fees must be paid at the time of booking

Southwest Softball/Multi-Purpose Field
15124 Hwy 902, Bear Creek, NC 27207

Southwest Softball/Multi-Purpose Field is available for rental at:
$20/hour without lights
$35/hr with lights

Rental fees must be paid at the time of booking.

     

Arts Center
964 East Street, Suite 105,  Pittsboro,  NC 27312

Phone: 919-545-8555

Amenities:

• Classroom Space
• Studio Space
• Glass Kiln
• Pottery Kilns
• Pottery Wheels
• Exhibition Space
• Large Screen for Digital Projection 

The Art Center has classroom & studio space featuring pottery kilns, glass kiln, pottery wheels, exhibition space and large screen for digital projection. Located behind the Performance Building at 964 East Street, Pittsboro in Suite 105. Outside of classes, the facility can be opened by appointment. Additional parking is available around back thru the open gate. Look for the sign "Arts Center".

For additional information on the Arts Center, Art classes or programs, please reach out to leigh.babcock@chathamcountync.gov or call 919-858-8555

Join us for Open Play Pickleball & Tennis (All Ages)

Program Dates:  January-May 2026
Location:  Northeast District Park Tennis Courts
Days/Times:  View Full Schedule 

Northeast Tennis/Pickleball Court 1

5408 Big Woods Rd, Chapel Hill. NC

  **Tennis/Pickleball  courts are not available for reservations.  First-Come, First Serve ONLY**

Northeast Tennis/Pickleball Court 2
5408 Big Woods Rd, Chapel Hill. NC

**Tennis/Pickleball courts are not available for reservations.  First-Come, First Serve ONLY**

American Tobacco Trail (ATT):

The trail was originally proposed in the late 1980's to convert a former line of the Norfolk Southern Railroad to a recreational trail. From 1910-1974, the railroad line carried tobacco and other products from towns in Durham, Wake, and Chatham counties to the American Tobacco Company's plant in downtown Durham.

Although the trail only runs for 4.6 miles in Chatham County, it is a major recreational opportunity for the fastest growing part of the county. It also is an important link with recreational land use plans for Durham County, Wake County, and the Town of Cary. Runners, bikers, and equestrians enjoy it's trails which can transport them for miles.

Development of the Chatham County portion of the trail is listed in the county's Recreation Master Plan, adopted in 1999, and is a collaboration between Chatham County, the North Carolina Department of Transportation and the Town of Cary.

ATT PARKING AREAS: Information on parking locations in and near the Chatham County section of the ATT. Information about the American Tobacco Trail.

TRAIL HEAD PARKING (Trailers Included):

• 1309 New Hill Olive Chapel Rd, Apex, NC 27502

• 1305 White Oak Church Rd, Apex, NC 27523

Haw River Canoe Access:

• 15/501 North Canoe Access: Located on US 15/501 on the North side of the bridge over the Haw River. This canoe access has a MUCH larger parking lot and better access to the water for those looking to put in at either this or the Bynum Beach Access.  (Parks and Recreation manages the parking lot not the access area)

• 64 East Canoe Access: Located on US 64 East this access parking lot is right off of Foxfire Trace. To get directions in Google Maps search "Haw River Canoe Launch (Lower Haw put-in, Middle Haw Take-out)".

South Bynum River Access:

Parking is NOT PERMITTED on Bynum Beach Rd or in front of residential houses.  Please park in designated areas ONLY.  Designated parking is available at State Park property.

Directions: Head southwest on Bynum Rd towards Hearne Rd, turn right onto US-15 N/US-501 N, turn right at the 1st cross street onto Durham Eubanks Rd, turn right onto Bynum Rd.

ncparks.gov

 

In 2023 Chatham County hired Alta Planning and Design to conduct a feasibility Study for the Haw River Trail in Chatham County. The report covers the current conditions of the Haw River land and paddle trail in Chatham County, makes numerous recommendations for improving and further developing the trails, identifies key partnerships and strategies for carrying out these recommendations, and provides resources to ensure the project is a success. 

View the Haw River Trail Feasibility Study Report below:

 

Link to Print a High Resolution Version of the Report in 11" x 17" Format: Haw River Trail Study Report

With the study complete, we are now working on the plans to implement the recommendations laid out in the report. The Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department is interested in hearing from landowners along the river who may be open to discussion regarding locating the trail on their property. Please reach out to our Trails and Open Space Planner, Ben Rippe at ben.rippe@chathamcountync.gov to discuss this possibility, or with any questions you may have regarding the Haw River Trail in Chatham County.

Additional Resources - For more information about the Haw River Trail, including existing sections of hiking and paddle trails, and trails in North Carolina:

     • Haw River Trail in Alamance County https://thehaw.org/
     • Friends of Lower Haw River State Natural Area https://www.lowerhaw.org/
     • Haw River Assembly https://hawriver.org/about-the-river/recreation/
     • 2023: North Carolina’s “Year of the Trail” https://greattrailsnc.com/

Links to Other Parks & Recreation Facilities and Trails:

• Jordan Lake State Park

• North Carolina State Parks

• Town of Siler City Parks & Recreation

• Town of Pittsboro Parks & Recreation

• Town of Cary Park and Recreation

• Town of Goldston Parks and Recreation

• Triangle Rails to Trails

• The Haw River Trail

• Triangle Land Conservancy