Have you ever wondered what is wandering around Valdese Lakeside Park? Thanks to our Media Specialist Zakk Heile we know!

In March 2020, Beth Heile commented that she had not been able to get a picture of the otters at the park. Ruth Fletcher Gage suggested a wildlife camera and that she would fund it. As they say, the rest is history.

2020 Highlights Video

Zakk Heile researched cameras and started with a Campark T80. After seeing Zakk’s results posted on social media, John Setzler donated a Moultrie MCG-13270. This allowed setting up in more locations for longer periods of time. The Moultrie provides dates, time and temperature on the video for better tracking of habits. Trail cameras have long been known by hunters, but we are seeing the educational benefits. Continue reading Wildlife Camera →

In December, FVR set up a temporary Story Trail at Valdese Lakeside Park. Starting at the main entrance, children can read a book as the walk the greenway to the picnic area. To create the story trail, each page of a book is placed in a protective sleeve and tied with string to a tree branch so it hangs low enough for a child to hold and read. Pages are spaced over the 0.2 mile walk to the picnic tables where they can eat with their family and discuss the book. The project was such a huge hit with the community, the story trail will continue with a new book each week.

We did not plan a Trail Race this year because we thought construction would be underway. However, the trails are still clear and we set up routes for you to do virtually. Run a 5K or 10K at a time that best suits you. Run at your own risk!! Post your time on facebook – just a number or your running app screen shot. Run it several days to try to improve your time. Routes

It has been hard to plan an outside story time and craft in advance for Conservation Kids. But, it is easy to host a pop up craft station with a few days notice when great weather is on tap. This event was on Sunday afternoon, December 13 at Valdese Lakeside Park. This child is creating an ornament from a log slice and paints to hand on a tree or anywhere. Ranger Rick magazines are also given out.  In November, we made pine cone bird feeders. Participants could have learned about the events on facebook or just been at the park on a perfectly beautiful day!

FVR is starting a Sculling Group. Helen Tueffel, an experienced sculler and new resident of the area, brought the idea to FVR.  At the first interest meeting, Helen discussed the terms used in sculling and how we could proceed as a group. Four of the nine interested people rowed in college. The group will start with rowing machine exercises and watching videos such as How to Set Up Your Scull to prepare for a one day class at Belmont Rowing Center. It is not too late to be a part of this group. Let us know if you are interested. We are also keeping the Valdese Recreation Department in the loop in case they would want to add it to their programming.

Notice these signs along the Valdese Lakeside Park property line?

In Fall 2017, the North Carolina Land and Water Fund (was known as Clean Water Management Trust) awarded Town of Valdese $673,247 to assist in the purchase of the 300 forested acres on Lake Rhodhiss that also includes many creeks. Accepting the grant put the property under a conservation easement and it can never be used for industry, housing, etc.

Shovels broke the ground making it official! Construction is ready to begin at Valdese Lakeside Park on Phase 1 Amenities. To follow covid gathering restrictions, the groundbreaking ceremony was small and brief with the only comments being from Town of Valdese Mayor John Black. Continue reading Groundbreaking – Valdese Lakeside Park →

A couple of months ago, we asked on facebook, “Would you like to have benches along the greenway at Valdese Lakeside Park? Share a story of how it would make the park better……”

We did not say why, but we were gathering information to use in our grant application to the Community Foundation of Burke County. We requested funds for eight benches to put along the greenway at the park. Your stories worked!! FVR was awarded the grant!! Continue reading Benches! Thanks to CFBC →

Thanks to First Citizens Bank for funding the FVR – Valdese Recreation Dept Scholarship Program. Because of their gift, kids who qualify will be able to participate in Valdese Recreation Sports and have their registration and uniform fee covered. We are so lucky to have a branch office open on Main Street!

The Valdese Lakeside Park app (by Friends of the Valdese Rec) has been updated – it still has the trails and “you are here” to use while exploring. But now it includes more details about trails, Main Street food/gas shown on the map and more. View on your computer and/or download to your phone!!