See the beauty of the area surrounding the James River Bridge, a Richmond railroad landmark. SLIDESHOW

Tour the historic Richmond Boat Ramp and Ancarrow’s Landing, a fishing spot that is one of the area’s most valuable historic sites. SLIDESHOW

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

Tour Brown’s Island, home of festivals and many downtown Richmond events. SLIDESHOW

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.

Walk along the powerful and impressive Pipeline Rapids in downtown Richmond. SLIDESHOW

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.

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.

The area offers opportunities for many additional outdoor activities.

Put in a canoe and see beautiful calm river scenery from Huguenot Flatwater, western-most portion of of the James River Park System. SLIDESHOW

When it comes to the outdoors, the Richmond region is a microcosm of the entire state of Virginia. The multiplicity of options available here is almost too much to keep track of. The intrepid explorer will find it all starts with the James River – “our great, wet Central Park.”

Lower water levels allow for some unique hiking and site-seeing in the James River.

There are few August activities more relaxing than floating down the James River on an inner tube with a few friends and a frosty beverage or two. And few outdoor activities are as easy.

Riverside Meadows, 2-acre spot located between Huguenot Flatwater and Pony Pasture on Riverside Drive.

Pony Pasture Rapids is one of the most popular spots in the James River Park System. Most people swim and play in the shallow rapids or bask and picnic on the rocks, but there is so much more to do. SLIDESHOW

Take a kayak tour down the lower James River in Richmond from Reedy Creek to the 14th Street bridge.

The Buttermilk Trail, located at the Main Section of the James River Park System. The trail, which parallels the river and runs from 22nd Street to the Boulevard Bridge, is a challenge for experienced mountain bikers and hikers.

The Buttermilk Trails, combined with the North Trail, Belle Isle and Forest Hill Park are part of the James River Park trails loop that winds the banks of the James River from downtown Richmond to Boulevard Bridge.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

Bosher Dam is short paddle up river from Huguenot Flatwater and is a peaceful, pleasant place to enjoy the James River. SLIDESHOW

Have you ever gone white water rafting on the James River? It’s a fun, safe and inexpensive way to spend a day playing, having fun and maybe learning a little about the river and Richmond.

Take a kayak tour down the upper James River in Richmond from Huguenot Flatwater to Reedy Creek.

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.