Sports & Recreation

We’re rating our best local public parks.  The places that we spend so much of our time playing, relaxing, learning and having a great time. Let us know what you think.

The panel of experts – some golf-playing members of The Times-Dispatch sports department and newsroom – selected Independence Golf Club in Midlothian as the best public golf course in the Richmond metropolitan area.

Do you see the glass half full or half empty? Your vantage point will dictate how you view the professional sports scene in Richmond after a tumultuous year.

The Richmond area is a treasure chest for children who want to learn a sport.

Newcomers and residents alike have many chances to participate in recreational sports like: ice skating, polo, roller derby, rugby, running, softball, tennis and volleyball.

Whether you are young or old, playing all your life or new to the “beautiful game,” there is no shortage of clubs and organizations for soccer.

All work and no play? Not with the following recreational facilities.

The Richmond Spiders’ efforts in football last year brought national attention to college sports in the Richmond area, where many local teams have won championships on both the conference and national levels.

A novel way to celebrate a birthday for the young – and the young at heart – is to pack up the entire family and head out to a family sports center. Everyone in the family can relax, romp and have fun.

Located just 30 minutes from downtown Richmond is Virginia’s only pari-mutuel horse track, Colonial Downs in New Kent County.

With the capacity to seat more than 100,000 fans, Richmond International Raceway is home to two huge weekends of NASCAR racing each year.

The popularity of kayaking has exploded, and the James is the right place to play.

Peak Experiences can put you on the path to scaling new heights in much less time.

The creation of what Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine calls the best urban trail system in the Southeast started with a bunch of guys piecing together places they could ride their mountain bikes.

Visit Cavalier Rifle and Pistol Club in western Hanover County to shoot sporting clays.

The James River in Richmond is a great place to get away—for people and wildlife.

The James’ natural wonders provide a place where folks can find beauty and serenity.

Walking along the James River is a “must” when it comes to seeing Richmond by foot.