Friends of the Valdese Rec

The primary motivation for starting Friends of the Valdese Rec (FVR) in 2015 was to acquire 300 acres of land on Lake Rhodhiss between the Wastewater Plant and McGalliard Falls to construct a park with a greenway, trails, kayak launch, and picnic areas. Today, FVR continues to add amenities to Valdese Lakeside Park to create an incredible park for the community while at the same time fulfilling our mission of Facilitating recreational opportunities, physical fitness, social interaction, and mental well-being for all.

Projects by Park

Valdese Lakeside Park

• FVR was created to make this park possible – History
• Created a park plan – ValdeseLakesideParkPlan– to show the benefits and features of the Valdese Lakeside Park (VLP)
• Raised money for the VLP land appraisal, land purchase and amenities
• Created Interactive Map App
• Many, Many workdays, trail building days (2.2 miles)
• Designed and installed trail signage, trail markers
• Got donors and grants for benches
• Gathered partner and grant for Story Trail
• Worked with donors and received grants for Dog Park build and features
• Volunteers with state funds for contractor completed 4.2 mile Hollipop Trail for mountain bikes
• Got donors and grants for Pavilion (under construction now)

Valdese Greenway

• Raised money to be crushed cinder 2 miles
• Worked with Bimbo Bakeries on Steps
• McGalliard Creek Bridge – raised money for bridge and flood study
• Added trail markers with mileage every tenth
• Painted graffiti covered sewer pipe
• Filed paperwork with NC State Trails to have Valdese Greenway designated at Wilderness Gateway State Trail

Children’s Park

• Painted shelter and restrooms
• Worked with donor on interactive mural
• Paid for pressure washing of shelter

McGalliard Falls Park

• Girl Scout Bird Sanctuary and Planting Project
• Cleanup Days of branches and trash, limb up trees
• Flower plantings – several times
• Donated to Scorer’s Tables at Fletcher Field

Splash Pad Park

• Mulch Spreading Day
• Weeding Day
• Paid for 8 dogwoods to be installed
• Spoke at the Town Council Meeting in favor of getting loan to complete Splash Park. Also, presented 3 more speakers and 20 audience participants with signs.
• Met with Rec Department to make recommendations on playground equipment at splash park

Rec Building

• Plantings
• Donated to Gym Floor Project

Detailed List of Accomplishments

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Past Programs

• FVR 365 Challenge for NC Year of the Trail 2023
• First Sunday Group Walk on the Valdese Greenway
• Wildlife Cameras – Placed at Valdese Lakeside Park for community education
• Free Family Fun at the Falls – lunch, crafts, learning stations
• New Years Resolution Trail Runs – 5K & 10K at VLP
• Conservation Kids – Crafts and Reading, 3 yrs to 5th grade
• Trail Blazers – High School Club – trail building, hiking, learning career options
• Hosted Memory Cafe Monthly in 2018 with Rotary
• Held 3 free workshops for Seniors to create Living Will and Healthcare Power of Attorney

Mission – of Friends of the Valdese Rec (FVR), an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit corporation, is to foster a sense of community and provide accessible recreational options for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds while supporting the Valdese Parks and Recreation Department. FVR members believe that recreational activities play a vital role in promoting physical fitness, mental well-being, and social interaction. To contribute to the overall quality of life in Valdese, members fundraise, volunteer their time for amenity improvements, programming and events; and advocate for the development of new and upgraded recreational spaces.

• FVR is 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit corporation, led by a volunteer board of directors
• View FVR 990 Filings with the IRS at Search Tool
• IRS Determination Letter for 501c3 status
• NC Solicitation License Number SL011848

History of Starting FVR and Valdese Lakeside Park Project