Friends of the Valdese Rec (FVR) is proud to celebrate 10 years of serving the Valdese community! Since 2015, we’ve worked together to expand access to outdoor spaces, enhance community wellness, and create a stronger sense of belonging — all powered entirely by volunteers.
Our Vision Realized
- Created Valdese Lakeside Park, preserving 300 acres along Lake Rhodhiss
- Built a 2-mile greenway, 11 miles of other trails, a kayak launch & fishing pier, dog park, storybook trail, and a suspension bridge
- Added picnic tables, benches, signage & markers, and a beautiful new pavilion and open green
- Supported projects like Paint the Pipe, cove cleaning, Hoyle Creek Sidepath, and more
Park Improvements
Children’s Park
- New mural, painting projects, and sign updates
- General improvements including mulch, land acquisition support, and pressure washing
- Hosted a grand reopening and mural dedication celebration
McGalliard Falls Park & Fletcher Field
- Workdays to improve steps, railings, and plantings
- Supported Girl Scout and Boy Scout community projects
- Celebrated 40th Anniversary and hosted free family fun events
Other Parks & Facilities
- Landscaping and plantings around the splash pad and Rotary Park
- Funded gym renovations, pool lane lines, building survey for grant applications
- Ongoing workdays and tree plantings
Programming for All Ages
- 73 free events, both educational and social
- 410 group hikes led throughout the community
- Annual Trail Runs, 365 Challenge, Conservation Kids, Teen Trail Blazers Club
- Monthly Lunch and Learn series, Wildlife Camera project, Memory Café, Community lunches
- Free Bowling and Tennis Days, Geocaching events, Pickleball demonstrations
- Scholarships for recreation sports, advocacy support, and economic impact reporting
By the Numbers
- 10,458 volunteer hours
- 2,455 hours in programming
- 8,003 hours in workdays and improvements
- $2 million invested in park beautification, programming, and free community events — all from donor funds
- $1.63 million in grant funding secured, with matching funds from FVR
- 13 ribbon cuttings celebrating new trails and amenities
- 219 organized workdays improving local parks and trails
Looking Ahead
We are deeply grateful to everyone who has volunteered, donated, attended events, and shared our vision for a healthier, more vibrant Valdese. Together, we’ve created spaces that support community health, drive local tourism, and provide lasting connections for generations to come.
We can’t wait to see what the next 10 years will bring — and we invite you to be part of this exciting journey with us.
