This new outdoor feature has been ongoing for the last couple months and every week provides (hopefully) a certain amount of new information that you might not have thought of when it comes to your outdoor entertainment.

So far, we have covered hiking, camping, boating, outdoor concerts and a whole lot more in an effort to show you that there is a lot more going on out there than you could think of alone.

In that melee of information, however, there has been a bevy of activities that have been woefully ignored. Sure, getting outside and enjoying the summer heat (or beating it) by camping or biking or kayaking is great, but what about doing things that don’t require such a commitment.

What about the outdoor sports?

Anderson and the Upstate have a number of facilities all over the area that can cater to your outdoor needs. There are parks, sports and entertainment centers and all kinds of sporting courts that provide hours of fun with minimal commitment.

This week, we give you a glimpse of a few spots you can go to enjoy some outdoor sports like tennis, soccer or even a game of softball or kickball. After that, for the next few weeks, we are going to showcase one of those games by playing them ourselves. Michael Staton and myself, Jake Grove, will be playing a new game every week in an effort to provide the rules of these games and find out who possesses the most “athletic” prowess.

But before that, here are a few spots to go for your own sporting pleasure.

Anderson Sports and Entertainment Center

1999 BalloonFest Blvd., off Civic Center Blvd., Anderson; 864.260.4800

The Anderson Sports and Entertainment Center rests on 64 acres and houses four softball fields, one baseball field, eight tennis courts, three soccer fields, a nature trail, miles of paved walking paths and picnic areas. It is also home to Chris Taylor Park with a walking track, exercise stations, a duck pond and playground.

The athletic facilities at the Anderson Sports Center are primarily reserved for organized leagues and tournaments. For complete rental information, please contact Athletic Coordinator Todd McCormick at 864.260.5121.

McCants Middle School and Shepard Swim Center recreation area

E. Greenville Street, Anderson

This area includes two tennis courts, a baseball/softball/kickball field, a football field and upper and lower walking tracks. It is used from time to time for organized team practices, but it typically open to the public on a first come/first served basis. The area is ideal for families looking to do a whole lot of different activities in one, centrally located place.

Linley Park

North Street, Anderson

In the center of North Street, just down the road from the junction of Boulevard and Main Street is Linley Park. It has a handful of baseball diamonds available as well as a full playground and picnic area. The shade trees surrounding this park are plentiful to keep the whole family cool and it’s a great place to play catch or just hang out for a few hours.

These are just a few of the areas to enjoy around Anderson. If you have your own in other communities, send them to us at grovejb@independentmail.com or go online to www.independentmail.com/entertainment, log on and comment on this story.