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 land along Lake Rhodhiss, FVR set out to create a destination where residents and visitors alike could enjoy nature through a greenway, trails, a kayak launch, picnic areas, and more. That dream became Valdese Lakeside Park—now a cornerstone of outdoor recreation in Burke County.
Over the past decade, FVR has continued to expand the park’s amenities, brought in millions through donations and grants, enhanced existing parks, offered free programming for all ages, and contributed thousands of volunteer hours—all without any paid staff.
To thank the community for its continued support, FVR partnered with the Valdese Parks and Recreation Department to host a free afternoon of music and food while dedicating the $400,000 pavilion and open green—FVR’s most recent project.
FVR President and Founder Beth Heile thanked the crowd of 250 attendees—supporters, volunteers, and donors—”for understanding what outdoor recreation spaces mean—for our economy, our health, our sense of belonging. That kind of belief builds a stronger, smarter, more vibrant community.”
As it looks to the future, Friends of the Valdese Rec remains committed to enhancing and preserving Valdese’s outdoor assets for generations to come.
The below was published on April 9.
On Sunday, April 27, the public is invited to Valdese Lakeside Park for an afternoon of music, food, fellowship and cake!! Friends of the Valdese Rec is celebrating its 10 year anniversary of serving Valdese with accomplishments that have included a new park, park upgrades, programming and workdays. In addition, the event will serve as the dedication of the new pavilion and open green for which the organization designed, funded and managed.
Sponsored by Friends of the Valdese Rec and Valdese Rec Department to thank the community for their support, the schedule is as follows:
2:00-3:30 – Strung Up (Sherrill Keever and Jon Dana)
3:00-4:00 – BBQ & Fixins Served (by Highlands Butchery)
4:00-4:10 – Welcome and Comments (Valdese Mayor Watts and FVR President & Founder Beth Heile)
4:10-6:00 – Shelby Rae Moore Band
Folks are invited to come for some of the program or stay the entire afternoon. There is plenty to explore at Valdese Lakeside Park, located at 1149 Lake Rhodhiss Dr.
Picnic tables and amphitheater seating available, lawn chairs and blankets welcome. Food is first come, first serve – while it lasts.
