Far as Lake Norman I know you can play Volleyball at
Blythe Landing (http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Park+and+Rec/Parks/Parks+By+Region/North+Park+Region/Blythe.htm - broken link),
Beach @
Jetton Park (http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Park+and+Rec/Parks/Parks+By+Region/North+Park+Region/Jetton.htm - broken link)
&
Mountain Island Lake they have Volleyball, horseback riding & I
like to kayak here. at
Latta Plantation (http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Park+and+Rec/Inside+the+Department/Divisions/Stewardship+Services/Nature+Preserves/Latta.htm#Amenities - broken link)
you cannot swim off the shore into the lake in Mecklenburg County
But there is a swimming hole in Troutman the north side of
Lake Norman. I havent seen Jetton but I would imagine it like
the soil in this area red clay.