all-volunteer 501c3 nonprofit supporting Valdese Parks & Recreation
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…
Back for its second year under the new name and date, Lake Rhodhiss Trailfest is the kickoff event for the Great State Trail Day the following weekend. The three distances use mostly technical, single-track trails, all within Valdese Lakeside Park.…
A Thank You from President and Founder Beth Heile Ten years ago, I believed we could do something big. Something bold.Over time, you believed too. We believed this community deserved more — more access to the outdoors, more ways to…
An exciting new mountain bike feature and section of trail along the Hollipop Trail at Valdese Lakeside Park is now open. The elevated skinny was the vision and hard work of Marshall Brinkley, who designed, fundraised, and built the trail…
Friends of the Valdese Rec (FVR) is proud to celebrate 10 years of nonprofit service, dedicated to improving recreational opportunities and quality of life in the Valdese community. Founded in 2015 with a bold vision to preserve 300 acres of…
In June 2024, Valdese Council unanimously approved a resolution to apply for grant and committed funds if awarded. In January 2025, Valdese Town Council made NO motion regarding acceptance of $1.14M in DOT Funds for the Lovelady Sidewalk. It is…
FVR has raised $360,000 for the cost of the project that includes design, engineering, permitting, grading, construction, power, picnic tables and amphitheater seating. The funds came from community donors, local grants and state grants. Donor List The Pavilion will serve…
FVR Volunteers worked nonstop to make sure Valdese Lakeside Park remained open in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. 178 hours over with 21 volunteers removing 85 trees over 7 days. Thanks to major workers Sam F and Eric H along…
October 19 is Great Trails State Day in North Carolina. To celebrate, there will be a 2000 Mile Challenge in Valdese for folks to collectively Hike, Bike and Paddle the trails in and around Valdese Lakeside Park! 1000 Miles was…
As quiet as the wildlife he is trying to capture, Bruce Buchanan wanders mostly along the shoreline of Lake Rhodhiss at Valdese Lakeside Park. You may not take time to notice him, but his large camera strapped across his body…