It’s hard to believe that summer is arriving in Chatham Park again! With so many outdoor activities available, this Pittsboro community beckons residents to get out, get adventurous, and explore the area they call home. From hiking to biking, from picnics to paddles, from splashing to soaring, there is truly something for everyone and for all comfort levels. The hardest part about summer in Pittsboro may be deciding which option to try first!

Paddles Swim & Pickleball is scheduled to open soon for the 2022 Summer season. Located adjacent to Knight Farm Community Park, Paddles is a welcome addition to Chatham Park’s growing list of leisure living amenities. Enjoy a book on a courtesy lounge chair or inside several spacious cabanas, take a trip down the swimming pool’s slide, or grab a snack from the concession stand. Once rested, why not try out pickleball? As pickleball continues to explode as the fastest growing recreational sport in the country, Paddles is thrilled to have included eight pickleball courts in its design plans. Not sure how to play? Check out the format at What is Pickleball?

Knight Farm Community Park, our first community park that was dedicated to the town of Pittsboro, celebrated its anniversary in May and what an inaugural year it was! Residents and visitors alike enjoyed the playground and splash pad while getting to know their neighbors. If you haven’t been to Knight Farm Community Park yet, now is the perfect time to take a walk to Vineyards at Chatham Park and visit the dragon shaped climbing gym or live edge tree trunk balance beams. There is also a dog park, covered pavilion, public restroom, and picnic tables. Knight Farm Community Park is the perfect place to get out and enjoy the fresh summer air during a picnic or game of frisbee.

While the daytime hours in MOSAIC at Chatham Park highlight retail, office, and residential activities, the evening brings theatres, restaurants, and music to life. On Fridays nights, from June thru October, MOSAIC will offer the best of both theatre worlds! Beginning June 10th, with a concert from Liquid Pleasure, the MOSAIC lawn will host concerts and movies on alternating weeks. No need to worry about pre-show dinner since food and beverages will be available as well. The event lawn will open at 7pm, with the shows starting at sundown through October 21st (no shows scheduled for the month of July). For a little self-care, there will be Sunset Yoga hosted by Yoga Garden on select Wednesdays in June, August, September, and October. Make sure you check the full MOSAIC calendar so you don’t miss out on these fun events!

Chatham County Parks and Recreation offers approximately 300 acres of outdoor space, including five district parks and three Haw River access sites. In addition, the Parks and Recreation program ramps up its sports programs during the summer months for both youth and adults, including several league play options, such as basketball and softball. There are also six weeks of summer camps available for children during which participants will enjoy swimming, boating, crafts, archery and more. The Chatham County Parks Summer 2022 Program Guide is packed with activities, both physical and instructional – now is the time to sign up for something you have always wanted to explore.

Chatham Park is an amazing place to live because it is located right next door to two breathtaking outdoor recreational areas. With both Jordan Lake and the Lower Haw River at our residents’ doorsteps, there are nearly 46,000 acres of options for getting active, whether it is a nature walk, bird watching, swimming, biking, fishing, boating, or camping.

The Pittsboro community has several opportunities to give back to the Lower Haw River this summer. First, why not join the Lower Haw River State Natural Area – Whack Attack! Invasive Species Removal Workday. This event is hosted by State Park biologists to identify and remove non-native plants. In July and August, the Saturdays on the Haw group will lead hikes to two different wetland areas, offering a chance to check out separate areas of our watershed. The wetland hikes are pet friendly and will also involve cleaning up the park trails, but you will need to register.

Did you know that Jordan Lake was actually created by damming the Haw River? The dam, located off Pittsboro-Moncure Road, is a great place to spot Osprey and Herons. Or, for a bigger bird of prey, try a hike to the Bald Eagle Overlook to catch a glimpse of our country’s national emblem. You may even catch sight of an eagle or two! Jordan Lake is also home to a variety of fish which is why it is a great place to spend the day on a boat. With two ramps open 24 hours and five others open from dawn to dusk, it is always just the right time to catch dinner.

Jordan Lake is home to more than 1,000 campsites that range from primitive (no water or electric) to RV ready, making its campgrounds the perfect place for group gatherings. Each campground has its own beach and bathroom facilities – and the campgrounds intertwine via the many trails throughout the parks. Whether you are a seasoned camper or a first-timer, having access to such a stunning weekend (or longer!) retreat is such a gift!

You’ll also find a variety of outdoor clubs in full swing for the summer season. House of Hops, located in Penguin Place at Chatham Park, serves as the starting line for the PBO Run Club which meets every Tuesday starting at 5pm. They have 3-5 mile road/trail options and walkers are welcome. Triangle Off-Road Cyclists hit the trails surrounding our area regularly and encourage riders of all levels to give off-roading a try. The group offer helps with bike maintenance at no charge and uses membership fees to fund trail repairs.

As summer quickly rounds the corner, make sure to include plenty of outdoor activities on the calendar. Getting outside is a perfect way to feel refreshed and create lasting memories. Adventures don’t always require big ticket experiences, especially when you are fortunate enough to live in a community with so many opportunities right outside your front door.

From hiking to biking, from picnics to paddles, from splashing to soaring, there is truly something for everyone at Chatham Park. Which adventure will you choose first?