10 Year Summary

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…

Lake Rhodhiss Trailfest

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,…

10 Years of Impact

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…

Eagle Scout Bike Obstacle

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,…

Celebration and Dedication

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…

Lovelady Sidewalk

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…

Pavilion Funded by Donors

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…

Volunteers Keep VLP Open

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…

Great Trails State Day

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…