These facilities are clustered in the Chester and Great Falls areas. There are small town parks in Richburg and Lowrys, and an area park in west Chester County. A new YMCA opens in early 1999. An 18 hole golf course located east of Chester is operated by the Leroy Springs Company, and is open to the public. Republic Golf Course, a nine hole course in Great Falls is also open to the public.
Water based recreation is available in a number of areas.
In addition to private ponds and lakes, water sports such as swimming, boating and skiing are available at Fishing Creek Lake, an impoundment on the Catawba River above Great Falls. The lake has public landings as well as a number of private residences and cabins. Canoeing is increasing in popularity along the Catawba River above Fishing Creek Lake and on the Broad River all along the western boundary of the county. Landsford Canal State Park is located on the Catawba River in the northeastern part of the county. This park is located at an ancient crossing point of the river which has a rocky shoal.