For more than 50 years, Leroy Springs & Company (LSC) has provided affordable recreation opportunities to the Chester community. Rooted in the legacy of the historic Springs Cotton Mills, the former Chester Recreation Center, which was most recently located adjacent to Chester Golf Club, long served as a community gathering place and symbol of recreation, wellness and service.
LSC began developing and maintaining recreation programs throughout communities connected to Springs Mills in 1953. By 1961, full-time recreation programming was established in Chester, serving residents of all ages. One of the organization’s most significant investments followed in 1971 with the opening of Chester Golf Club, which remains a premier destination for public golf, tournaments, youth instruction and community recreation.
Over the years, recreation opportunities in Chester evolved to include athletic leagues, senior programs, community events and family activities. The original Chester Recreation Center was located at Dawson Drive and included a Par Three golf course, tennis courts and baseball fields that continue to serve Chester youth baseball and softball leagues. In 1986, the recreation center relocated to a building adjacent to Chester Golf Club. Operations continued there through 2011 and most recently this facility housed offices for the York County Council on Aging. In 2025, Leroy Springs & Company officially donated the Dawson Drive Baseball Complex to Chester County, ensuring that the long-standing recreational facility will remain dedicated to youth athletics and community use for generations to come.
As the building aged, it became increasingly underutilized and no longer met the operational needs of Leroy Springs & Company or the broader community. Following careful evaluation, LSC made the decision to remove the structure and repurpose the property to better serve current and future visitors. The site will be incorporated into an expanded parking area, improving access and enhancing the overall visitor experience at Chester Golf Club.
While the building has been removed, the legacy of recreation in Chester remains an important part of both the community’s history and Leroy Springs & Company’s mission. The organization remains committed to investing in Chester Golf Club and providing accessible, high-quality public golf opportunities to the region.
“This decision was not made lightly. We recognize the significance of the recreation center to generations of Chester residents, but responsible stewardship requires us to address facilities that have reached the end of their useful life,” said John Gordon, CEO of Leroy Springs & Company. “We remain deeply committed to Chester Golf Club and to serving the community for many years to come.”
About Chester Golf Club
Chester Golf Club, a part of the Leroy Springs & Company family of brands, was established in 1971 as part of a network of affordable recreation facilities serving communities connected to the historic Springs Cotton Mills. Springs Mills first established operations in Chester in 1933 and became a major employer in the region for decades.
Designed by renowned golf course architect Russell Breeden, Chester Golf Club is widely regarded as one of the region’s hidden gems. The course features TifEagle Bermuda greens, tree-lined 419 Bermuda fairways and a scenic setting surrounded by forestland and abundant wildlife. Offering a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels, the course hosts tournaments, club championships, instructional programs and daily play throughout the year. For more information or to book a tee time, visit PlayChester.com.
About Leroy Springs & Company
For more than 85 years, Leroy Springs & Company, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Tax ID: 57-0344121), has provided affordable, high-quality recreation, education and community programming throughout the region historically connected to Springs Cotton Mills.
Headquartered in Fort Mill, South Carolina, Leroy Springs & Company operates Chester Golf Club, Fort Mill Golf Club, Lancaster Golf Club, Springfield Golf Club, the Anne Springs Close Greenway, Springmaid Mountain in Spruce Pine, North Carolina, and FLYERS Afterschool. Through these programs and facilities, the organization continues its mission of enhancing quality of life through recreation, conservation and education.