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Grand Marshal of DHS Homecoming Parade

Friends of the Valdese Rec was selected as the Grand Marshal of the Draughn High School Homecoming parade.  The school is excited about what the Valdese Lakeside Park will bring to them for educational, athletic and service opportunities. We were thrilled…

Destination By Design Chosen for Master Park Plan

At the October Council Meeting, Eric Woolridge of Destination by Design presented their service options and what they could offer the Town of Valdese in a Master Park Plan. Beth Heile, President of Friends of the Valdese Rec, spoke in support…

Tennis Courts Demolished

After more than a year of discussion, at the October Council meeting, the vote passed to tear down the courts. The tennis courts at McGalliard Falls have now been demolished (pic Oct 20) and grass will be planted. The courts could…

Valdese Lakeside Park Update – Sept

Where are we now? We have the money to purchase the 300 acres on Lake Rhodhiss. The closing on the land will be by January 31, 2018. The Town of Valdese was awarded 2 grants from the state – PARTF ($300K)…

Valdese Parks are Gems in More Ways Than One

Valdese parks (our hidden gems) are used everyday for recreation and relaxing – nothing new. The recent crowds at our parks are new. This is thanks to the phone app Pokémon Go. In the game, several of our parks serve…

Summer Raffle Winners

      The drawing for the winners of our Summer Raffle took place on Saturday, August 13 at 2pm. $1250 was raised for the Valdese Lakeside Park Project. Thanks to Appalachian Mountain Sports for donating the mountain bike (value $350),…

Splash Park – You Made it Happen!!

Are you excited about the new splash park that will open on Tuesday, July 18? If so, thank your neighbor! Input from the community made this park happen. Here are a few examples: 1) The Parks and Rec Comprehensive Plan,…

Valdese Lakeside Park Update

Where are we now? Applications have been submitted to the state for 2 grants to help purchase the 300 acres ($1M). Pledges have been made by the Rostan Family Foundation ($300K) and Kellex Seating ($100K) to complete the purchase of…

Good Neighbor Volunteers

On Monday, June 12, Bimbo Bakeries, as a part of their Good Neighbor Volunteer Program, purchased and installed plants at the new Downtown Splash Park. They had 17 employees volunteering that day from 8am-3pm. Settlemyre Nursery was also a huge help with plant…

Almost to $100k in Pledges for Amenities

Almost $100K in pledges for Amenities (park plan, walking trails, bike trails, kayak launch, dock, parking lot, signage, etc) !! Thanks to a generous pledge of $7500 from Valdese Rotary Club we are at $96,481. Help us reach $100k in…