Attend an event! Being involved helps support our mission and contributes to our success.
Rotary Workday at VLP – Public Welcome
Saturday, April 16, 9:00 am
Main activity will be clearing the natural areas at the main entrance. Bring clippers, saws, etc.
Paint Children’s Park
Saturday, April 23, 9:00 am
Volunteers are needed to paint the back two walls of the shelter. FB Event
Potential for a 3-mile hike, but you can turn back at any time. Stay with the group or go at your own pace. Hear about plans for the park. Dogs on a leash welcome. FB Event
Sunday Music in the Park – with Shelby Rae Moore Band
Sunday, May 1, 4:00-7:00 pm
Bring a picnic basket, blanket or chairs to the open green and enjoy a free concert by Shelby Rae Moore on the Open Green at Valdese Lakeside Park. FB Event
Past Events
Stop by the Valdese Rec Tennis Courts to try your hand at tennis. We will have racquets and balls for kids to use.
Hike & Work at Valdese Lakeside Park Saturday, April 2, 9:00 am
Meet at the main parking lot and we will hike Outer Loop and work on trail as we come to spots that need attention.
Thursday, March 3, 5:15 FVR Board Meeting
Sunday, March 6, 2:00 Group Hike at Valdese Lakeside Park. Meet at the new parking lot for a 3 mile walk on the new greenway.
Tuesday, March 15, 10:30 Muffins with the Mayor – Splash Park Building
Sunday, March 20, 1:30 pm Free Carnival and Mural Dedication at Children’s Park
Saturday, March 26, 2:00 Free Bowling for Kids at the Rec.
Sunday, Feb 6, 2:00 Group Hike at Valdese Lakeside Park. Meet at the new parking lot for a 3 mile walk on the new greenway.
Sunday, January 23, 2:00 Group Hike at Valdese Lakeside Park. Meet at the new parking lot for a 2.5-mile moderate hike on a new section of trail.
Saturday, January 1, 2021, 10:00 am – New Year’s Resolution Runs
Dec 24, 10:00 am Trail Blazers at Valdese Lakeside Park – Work Day for trail building
Monday, December 20, 4:00 – 6:00 pm Doug’s Retirement Celebration at Splash Park Building
Dec 12 at 1:30pm Nature Christmas Crafts for Kids at VLP
Dec 12 at 2:00pm Group Walk on the New Greenway at VLP
Dec 10 at 9:30pm Landscaping at VLP with Bimbo Bakeries
Dec 4, 1:00 pm Trail Blazers at Valdese Lakeside Park – Work Day for trail building – park at red gate
Nov 26 and 27, 9:00 am Trail Blazers at Valdese Lakeside Park – Work Day for trail building – park at red gate
Nov 23, 8:00 am Get chairs from splash pad to take to VLP
Nov 23, 1:15 pm Ribbon Cutting at VLP
Nov 21, 3:00 pm Lovelady Road Cleanup – Lovelady Parking Lot
Nov 20, 9:00 am Trail Blazers at Valdese Lakeside Park – Work Day for trail building – park at red gate
November 13, 9:00 am Trail Blazers at Valdese Lakeside Park – Work Day for trail building – park at red gate
November 7, 2:00 pm Group Hike at Valdese Lakeside Park
October 17, 1:30 pm Conservation Craft for Kids at Valdese Lakeside Park –
October 17, 2:00 pm Group Hike at Valdese Lakeside Park
Sept 25, 8:00 am Trail Blazers at Valdese Lakeside Park – Work Day for trail building – park at Lovelady Road
Sept 23, 9:00 am Trail Blazers at Valdese Lakeside Park – Work Day for trail building – park at Lovelady Road
Sept 18, 9:00 am Clean up the River – By Boat – must have your own kayak or canoe
**Cancelled Due to COVID** Saturday, September 11, 10:00 am Free Family Fun at the Falls, McGalliard Falls Park- Hot Dog lunch, crafts, nature activities
Sept 11, 9:00 am Trail Blazers at Valdese Lakeside Park – Work Day for trail building – park at Lovelady Road
August 28, 9:00 am Trail Blazers at Valdese Lakeside Park – Work Day for trail building – park at Lovelady Road
August 21, 8:30 am Trail Blazers at Valdese Lakeside Park – Work Day for trail building – park at Lovelady Road
August 8, 2:00 pm Trail Blazers at Valdese Lakeside Park – Work Day for trail building – park at Lovelady Road
August 7, 9:00 am Trail Blazers at Valdese Lakeside Park – Work Day for trail building – park at Lovelady Road
August 6, 10:00 am Trail Blazers at Valdese Lakeside Park – Work Day for trail building – park at Lovelady Road
July 17, 8:30 am Trail Blazers at Valdese Lakeside Park – Work Day for trail building – park at red gate – 0.7 miles in on Lake Rhodhiss Dr
July 15, 8:30 am Trail Blazers at Valdese Lakeside Park – Work Day for trail building – park at red gate – 0.7 miles in on Lake Rhodhiss Dr
July 14, Noon Young at Heart – Covered Dish Lunch at Valdese Lakeside Park
July 11 2pm Group Hike at Valdese Lakeside Park – Lovelady Parking Lot
July 11 3:30 pm Lovelady Road Cleanup – Lovelady Parking Lot
July 3, 9:00 am Trail Blazers at Valdese Lakeside Park – Work Day for trail building
June 13, 4:00 pm Trail Blazers at Valdese Lakeside Park – Work Day for trail building
May 25, 1:30 pm FVR Board Meeting
May 23, 3pm Group Walk at Valdese Lakeside Park – Lovelady Parking Lot
May 2, 4pm Workday at Valdese Lakeside Park – Lovelady Parking Lot
April 25, 2pm Group Walk at Valdese Lakeside Park – Lovelady Parking Lot
April 4, 9am WNC Orienteering Club Event – Valdese Lakeside Park
March 31, Noon FVR Annual Meeting – online
March 23, 3pm FVR Board Meeting
March 20, 9am Cleanup with Girl Scouts at VLP
March 13, 9am Remove tree stands, appliances, trash from VLP
February 27, 3pm Roadside Cleanup – meet at Lovelady Rd/Lake Rhodhiss Dr Parking area
January 14, Noon Mural Discussion
January 6, 5:30 pm Mural Discussion at Children’s Park
Dec 24-Jan 1 Virtual Trail Runs – 5K and 10K Routes
December 23, 3:00 pm Conservation Kids Craft at VLP
December 22 & 26, 1:00 pm Trail Blazers HS Club at McFalls
December 8, 4:45 pm Cove Cleanup at VLP
December 8, 4:00 pm Sculling Interest Meeting at VLP
December 7, 4:00 pm FVR Board Meeting at McGalliard Falls
November 11, 1:00 pm Trail Blazers Club at VLP – Trail Club for HS Students – learn trail planning, building, maintenance, career options, hike together.
November 8, 2:00 pm Group Walk on the Greenway at Valdese Lakeside Park
November 8, 1:30 pm Conservation Kids at VLP – Free Pine Cone Bird Feeder Craft and Ranger Rick Magazines
November 5, 1:15 pm Groundbreaking at Valdese Lakeside Park
November 4, 1:00 pm Parks & Rec Winter Holiday Decoration Planning
Wednesday, Oct 21, 2:00 pm FVR Trail Blazers Club – for high school students – At VLP to work on trail
Thursday, September 24, 5:30 pm Conservation Kids – Reading and Crafts – McGalliard Falls Park
Wednesday, September 23, 9:00 am FVR Trail Blazers Club – for high school students – At Rock Creek to work on trail (3 hours)
Wednesday, September 16, 6:00 pm Valdese Lakeside Park – Grass Cutting
Saturday, Sept 12, 11:00 am Free Family Fun at the Falls – McGalliard Falls (cancelled due to virus and outdoor gathering numbers)
Tuesday, September 8, 10:00 am FVR Board Meeting
Sunday, September 6, 8:30 am Group Walk at Valdese Lakeside Park
Saturday, September 5, 9:00 am VLP Hoyle Creek Trail Work -meet at Lovelady Parking Lot
Wednesday, September 2, 9:00 am FVR Trail Blazers Club – for high school students – At VLP to work on trail
Thursday, August 27, 5:30 pm Conservation Kids – Reading together and Crafts to-go – McGalliard Falls Park
Saturday, August 22, 9:00 am Workday at Valdese Lakeside Park – Trails, Trash and Grass
Wednesday, August 19, 9:00 am FVR Trail Blazers Club – for high school students – Zoom for BRT
Thursday, August 13, 11:00 am FVR Trail Blazers Club – for high school students – At VLP to work on trail
Thursday, August 13, 5:30 pm Conservation Kids – Reading together and Crafts to-go – Valdese Lakeside Park
Saturday, August 8, 9:00 am River Cleanup by Boat
Friday, August 7, 6:00-11:00 pm Wal Fest Concerts – FVR will work the Snack Shack as a Fundraiser – (canceled due to virus)
Wednesday, August 5, 11:00 am FVR Trail Blazers Club – for high school students – At VLP to work on trail
Sunday, August 2, 8:30 am Group Walk on the Greenway at Valdese Lakeside Park
Saturday, August 1, 9:00 am Workday at Valdese Lakeside Park – Trails, Trash and Grass
Thursday, July 30, 1:00 pm FVR Trail Blazers Club – for high school students – At Rock Creek Trail with Brittany Watkins (FCNC) – work on trail and hike
Thursday, July 14, 10:00 am FVR Trail Blazers Club – for high school students – At WPCC with Trail Expert Tim Johnson – review mountain bike trails, etc
Saturday, July 11, 9:00 am Workday at Valdese Lakeside Park – Trails, Trash and Grass
Thursday, July 9, 10:00 am FVR Trail Blazers Club – for high school students – At VLP to mark trail for the Burke River Trail.
Tuesday, July 7, 10:00 am FVR Trail Blazers Club – for high school students – At Fonta Flora Trail with Burke County Trail Guru Shane Prisby.
Sunday, July 5, 2:00 pm Group Walk on the Greenway at Valdese Lakeside Park
Saturday, July 4, 3:00 pm at The Levee – BBQ Fundraiser for VLP.
Tuesday, June 30, 10:00 am FVR Trail Blazers Club – for high school students – learn trail planning, building, maintenance, career options and hike together. At VLP.
Thursday, July 16, 5:30 pm Conservation Kids – Reading and Crafts – Valdese Public Library (canceled due to virus)
Saturday, June 20, 9:00 am Workday at Valdese Lakeside Park – Trails, Trash and Grass
Thursday, June 18, 5:30 pm Conservation Kids – Reading and Crafts – Valdese Public Library (canceled due to virus)
Sunday, June 7, 2:00 pm Group Walk on the Greenway at Valdese Lakeside Park
Wednesday, June 3, 5:00-6:30 pm Drop In FVR’s 5 Year Anniversary at 100 Main (canceled due to virus – had already moved from April 1 – actual anniversary date)
Monday, Jun 1, 3:30 pm Smart Phone, Tablet, Laptop Help – Splash Park Bldg (canceled due to virus – original date March 16, was rescheduled several times)
Sunday, May 31, 2:00 pm Adventure Hike, 4-5 moderate miles on the trails at Valdese Lakeside Park. You can turn back at various points.
Saturday, May 30, 9:00 am Workday at Valdese Lakeside Park – Trails, Trash and Grass
Friday, July 31, 7:00-10:00 pm Valdese Family Friday Nights Summer Concert Series – FVR will work the Snack Shack as a Fundraiser – stop by for soda, water, snacks, t-shirts, magnets, etc. (canceled due to virus)
Saturday, May 23, 10:00 am Adventure Hike, 3-4 moderate miles on the trails at Valdese Lakeside Park. You can turn back at various points.
Friday, May 22, 10:00 am Swimming Pool Cleanup (canceled due to virus)
Thursday, May 21, 5:30 pm Conservation Kids – Reading and Crafts – Valdese Public Library (canceled due to virus)
Saturday, May 9, 2:00 pm Small Group Walk on Deer Trails (8 person limit)
Sunday, May 3, 2:00 pm Group Walk on the Greenway at Valdese Lakeside Park (canceled due to virus)
Saturday, May 2, 9:00 am Workday at Valdese Lakeside Park – Trails, Trash and Grass
Saturday, Apr 18, 9:00 am Workday at Valdese Lakeside Park – Trails, Trash and Grass
Saturday, May 9, 9:00 am McGalliard Falls Work Day (canceled due to virus)
Saturday, Apr 4, 9:00 am Workday at Valdese Lakeside Park – Trails, Trash and Grass
Saturday, Mar 21, 9:00 am Trail Blazers at Valdese Lakeside Park – Work Day for trail building
Thursday, Mar 19, 5:30 pm Conservation Kids – Reading and Crafts – Valdese Public Library – canceled due to virus
Tuesday, Mar 10, 6:00 pm FVR Annual Meeting with Speaker Doug Knight (Parks & Rec Director)
Saturday, Mar 7, 9:00 am Trail Blazers at Valdese Lakeside Park – Work Day for trail building
Wednesday, Mar 4, 3:15 pm Lovelady Roadside Cleanup
Sunday, Mar 1, 2:00 pm Group Walk on the Greenway at Valdese Lakeside Park
Sunday, Mar 1, 1:45 pm Churches on the Move – Meet just before group walk to share missions in your church
Saturday, Feb 15, 9:00 am Trail Blazers at Valdese Lakeside Park – Work Day for trail building
Wednesday, Feb 5, 6:00 pm Nature Program – Bog Turtles and More – Old Rock School
Sunday, Feb 2, 2:00 pm Group Walk on the Greenway at Valdese Lakeside Park
Saturday, Feb 1, 9:00 am Trail Blazers at Valdese Lakeside Park – Work Day for trail building
Thursday, Jan 23, 8:00 am FVR Board Meeting at Old World Baking Co
Saturday, Jan 18, 9:00 am Trail Blazers at Valdese Lakeside Park – Work Day for trail building
Wednesday, Jan 8, 1:00 pm McGalliard Falls Improvements Discussion at the Park – Summary
Saturday, Jan 4, 9:00 am Trail Blazers at Valdese Lakeside Park – Work Day for trail building
Wednesday, Jan 1, 2020 9:00 am 2020 New Year’s Resolution Run (5K & 10K). Tackle the Trails at Valdese Lakeside Park – $25 to Register
2019
Saturday, December 28, 2:00 pm Valdese Lakeside Park Work Day
Thursday, Dec 12, 19, 26, 4:30 pm 5K & 10K Runs/Walks at Valdese Lakeside Park
Thursday, November 14, 3:00 pm FVR Board Meeting
Friday, Nov 1, 5:30 Celebration Among Friends – Celebrate the Success of Valdese Lakeside Park (grants, donors, volunteers)
October 26, 9:00 am Valdese Lakeside Park Work Day
Monday, Oct 7, Noon Young at Heart – Covered Dish Lunch at Valdese Lakeside Park
Saturday, Sept 28, 9:00 am Clean up the River – By Boat
Saturday, Sept 24, 6:00 pm Valdese Lakeside Park Workday –
Saturday, September 14, 11:00 am Fun at the Falls, McGalliard Falls Park- Hot Dog lunch, crafts, nature activities
September 1, 2:00 pm Valdese Lakeside Park Group Walk
Aug 31, 9:00 am Valdese Lakeside Park Work Day
Friday, August 30, 7:00-10:00 pm Valdese Family Friday Nights Summer Concert Series Finale Celebration – FVR will work the Snack Shack as a Fundraiser – stop by for soda, water, beer and snacks.
Friday, August 16, 8:30 am Workday at McGalliard Falls Park – Hauling branches
Friday & Saturday, August 9-10, 9:00 am Waldensian Festival, FVR selling beer as fundraiser
Aug 3 & 4 Valdese Lakeside Park Work Day and Group Walk
Sunday, July 7, 2:00 pm Group Walk on the VLP Greenway, meet at the end of Lake Rhodhiss Dr
Saturday, July 6, 9:00 am Valdese Lakeside Park Work Day
Friday, June 28, 9:00 am Valdese Independence Day Celebration, FVR selling beer as fundraiser
Sunday, June 2, 2:00 pm Group Walk on the VLP Greenway, meet at the end of Lake Rhodhiss Dr
Saturday, June 1, 9:00 am Valdese Lakeside Park Work Day (that is what we are doing for Nat’l Trail Day this year)
Friday, May 24, 7:00-10:00 pm Valdese Family Friday Nights Summer Concert Series Kickoff Celebration – FVR will work the Snack Shack as a Fundraiser – stop by for soda, water, beer and snacks.
Wednesday, May 22, 10:30 pm Trail Building/Maintenance Class for FVR Board
Sunday, May 5, 2:00 pm Group Walk on the VLP Greenway, meet at the end of Lake Rhodhiss Dr
Saturday, May 4, 9:00 am Valdese Lakeside Park Work Day
Sunday, April 7, 2:00 pm Group Walk on the VLP Greenway, meet at the end of Lake Rhodhiss Dr
Saturday, April 6, 9:00 am Valdese Lakeside Park Work Day
Wednesday, March 13, 6:30 pm FVR Annual Meeting at Town Hall plus Public Input Meeting about PARTF grant led by Doug Knight
Sunday, March 3, 2:00 pm Group Walk on the VLP Greenway, meet at the end of Lake Rhodhiss Dr
Saturday, March 2, 9:00 am Clean up the Streets of Valdese, meet at McGalliard Falls Park
Sunday, February 3, 2:00 pm Group Walk on the VLP Greenway, meet at the end of Lake Rhodhiss Dr
Tuesday, Jan 1, 9:00 am New Year’s Resolution Run (5K & 10K). Tackle the Trails at Valdese Lakeside Park – Need to Register $25
2018
Saturday, December 22, 10:00 am Valdese Lakeside Park – Clean main cove and water’s edge near chain link fence. Cut small pines that fell onto the trails during ice and snow.
Thursdays through Christmas, 4:30 pm Group Training Runs and Walks at Valdese Lakeside Park
Saturday, November 17, 2:00 pm Tails & Trails – Take a group hike with your dog (or not) at Valdese Lakeside Park
Saturday, Sept 29, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm – Grand Re-Opening of Children’s Park by Bimbo Bakeries
Friday, Sept 28, 8:00 am – Spread Pine Straw at Splash Park
Thursday, August 23, 3-4 pm – Memory Cafe – Free for Caregivers and their Dementia/Alzheimer’s Patient.
Friday, August 10, 5:00-11:00 pm – Fundraiser – Beer Garden at Waldensian Festival – Wells Fargo Parking Lot
Saturday, August 11, 12:00-11:00 pm – Fundraiser – Beer Garden at Waldensian Festival – Wells Fargo Parking Lot
Thursday, June 26, 3-4 pm – Memory Cafe – Free for Caregivers and their Dementia/Alzheimer’s Patient.
June 15, 9:00-2:00 – Bimbo Bakeries Workday at Children’s Park
June 2, 8:30 – 11:00 am – National Trails Day Event at Valdese Lakeside Park – Join us for exploring the trails of Valdese Lakeside Park. We will have trash bags available if you want to cleanup the trails as you go! Bike, Hike, Run, Disc Golf.
Thursday, May 24, 3-4 pm – Memory Cafe – Free for Caregivers and their Dementia/Alzheimer’s Patient.
May 1, 6:00pm – Review of Master Park Plan at Special Council Workshop. At Town Hall. Public Welcome – but no public input.
Sunday, April 22, 2-4pm Clean up Valdese with Old World Baking Co
Saturday, April 21, 8-11am – Booth at WPC Earth Day 5K – make pine cone bird feeders with FVR
April 4, 8am – Lovelady Road Cleanup with WPC Young Adults
April 3, 6:30pm – Review of Master Park Plan for our members and donors, Waldensian Room at Old Rock School.
March 29, 1pm – Ribbon Cutting Ceremony – Valdese Lakeside Park Property – Bottled Water, Trail Mix and Trail Tours provided by FVR.
Thursday, Mar 22, 3-4 pm – Memory Cafe
March 26, 3pm – Valdese Lakeside Park Cleanup
Saturday, March 3 – 10 am – Plastic Cove Cleanup
Saturday, March 3 – 9:30 am – Annual Meeting of the Membership before cleanup
2017
Tues, Dec 5, 6pm – Public Input Meeting – Join us for a brainstorming session regarding amenities at Valdese Lakeside Park. We will have the maps, you bring the dreams. Ideas will be shared with the park planner. Do you want a paved or natural greenway? What amenity should be added first? Is fishing important to you? Meeting will be in the small room of the Splash Pad Building – accessible via Hill Street. Facebook RSVP
Wed, Nov 29, 1pm – Volunteers Needed to Paint Children’s Park – In advance of getting new gutters, the fascia boards need to be painted. Bring supplies (ladder, paint brush, etc) or bring nothing. When FVR painted the main building in 2016, we did not paint the boards. So, don’t think our hard work of before has gone to waste – it still looks great. Facebook RSVP
Tues, Nov 14, 6:00pm – Disc Golf Input – Members from BAD (Burke Area Disc Golfers) and U.F.O. of Hickory make up the Disc Golf Advisory Team for Valdese Lakeside Park.
Fri, Nov 3, 5:30pm – FVR Member and Pledger Celebration – We are excited about raising the money to purchase the 300 acres and what is yet to come.