Explore Cooleemee’s Outdoor Delights: A Growing Hub for Recreation and Community Fun

on June 13, 2025
Three playground scenes capture outdoor recreation in Cooleemee: empty blue swings and playhouses, climbing structures with a church steeple behind, and various playground equipment, including a green whale slide—perfect for community fun.

The Town of Cooleemee may be small in size, but it’s big on opportunities for outdoor recreation and healthy living. With a variety of well-maintained courts, play areas, and spaces for friendly competition, Cooleemee is proving that a strong sense of community starts with a good game and a little sunshine.

Active Living at the Zachary House Grounds

At the heart of Cooleemee’s recreational offerings lies the Zachary House grounds—home to a diverse collection of activity spaces perfect for individuals and families alike. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a casual afternoon with friends or get in a little friendly competition, you’ll find something for everyone.

  • Horseshoe Pits – Four classic horseshoe pits are always ready for some good-natured tossing and tournament-style play.
  • Updated Tennis & Pickleball Courts – The courts have been freshly striped to support both tennis and pickleball, inviting residents of all ages to enjoy two fast-growing sports.
  • Bocce Ball Joins the Lineup – This brand-new court is already a popular spot for laid-back matches and social fun.
  • Refreshed Shuffleboard Courts – Two courts have been newly painted and prepped for play—perfect for a relaxed afternoon activity.
  • Cornhole Court – Grab your bags or borrow a set from Town Hall and enjoy a round (or two!) of this backyard favorite.
  • Spacious Playground – A bright, welcoming area for kids to climb, slide, and play to their heart’s content.

Fresh Paint, Fresh Games: Basketball on Neely Drive

Just around the corner, the basketball courts on Neely Drive have recently received a facelift with a fresh coat of paint. Ideal for pick-up games, free throw practice, or just shooting hoops with friends, this is a great spot to stay active close to home.

Three outdoor game courts for Cooleemee outdoor recreation: left shows horseshoe pits, center has a shuffleboard court on green turf, and right features a painted tennis court with nets, all set in a park with trees and grass.

Need Equipment? Town Hall Can Help

If you don’t have your own gear, don’t worry. Equipment for all recreational areas can be checked out at Cooleemee’s Town Hall during regular business hours:

Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Stop in, borrow what you need, and get outside to enjoy the fun!

Senior Games Come to Cooleemee

Cooleemee’s recreation facilities have caught the attention of the Davie County Senior Center, which has used the grounds as a training site for the Senior Games. Participants have practiced everything from shuffleboard and horseshoes to bocce, cornhole, and pickleball right here in town.

And they’ll be back! The energy will return this fall, September 15–19, when the Senior Games Field Day and final prep sessions come to life on Cooleemee’s courts and fields.

Recreation for Everyone

Cooleemee’s dedication to outdoor spaces underscores the town’s broader objective of promoting wellness, fun, and community connections for all ages. Whether you’re a lifelong athlete or trying something new, there’s a place for you here.

So grab a friend, soak up some sunshine, and discover all that Cooleemee has to offer—right in your own backyard.

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About Jeanna Baxter White

Jeanna Baxter White is a writer and the editor of the Davie County Blog. Relentlessly curious, she loves hearing and retelling the stories of Davie County. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends or curling up with a good book.
Filed under  Cooleemee • Things To Do