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 section for his Eagle Scout Project.
Supporting him throughout the process were his Draughn High School Construction teacher, Billy Abee, along with troop members and fellow DHS baseball players, who collectively contributed 72 volunteer hours to complete the $500 project. Friends of the Valdese Rec and Beth Heile were proud to serve as project sponsors.
“Marshall approached this project with focus, creativity, and follow-through,” said Heile. “He not only had a solid plan — he made it happen. It was a joy to support his leadership and see his vision come to life.”
Marshall has passed his Board of Review, where a panel determined he met all the requirements to achieve the highest rank in scouting. His final milestone will be the formal ceremony on May 25. Marshall is a member of Valdese Boy Scout Troop 192, where Jonas Johnson serves as scoutmaster.
During the ribbon-cutting presentation, Brinkley said, “I am proud to have been able to contribute to the Valdese Lakeside Park and direct the construction of the new obstacle and trail. I hope it will be enjoyed by many mountain bikers in the coming years.”
Attendees hiked in for the ribbon cutting and gave the new mountain bike obstacle a strength test. Family, friends, and supporters present included parents Benton and Carol Brinkley, sister and brother-in-law Haley and Andrew Cook, Uncle Curt Brinkley, Grandmother Renee Brinkley, fellow scouts, Rep. Hugh Blackwell, and sponsor Beth Heile.
