Burke River Trail – Morganton & Drexel

Morganton City Manager Sally Sandy was more than ready for the visit from the Burke River Trail planning team which included Representative Blackwell, Western Piedmont Council of Governments (WPCOG) GIS Analyst Todd Stroupe and Friends of the Valdese Rec President Beth Heile. The City of Morganton had explored the idea of expanding the Catawba River Greenway to the east in the past and Sandy’s staff was full of ideas and route suggestions. Continue reading “Burke River Trail – Morganton & Drexel”

Burke River Trail – Rhodhiss & Hildebran

The Burke River Trail town tour continues with stops in Rhodhiss and Hildebran. On Monday, Representative Blackwell, FVR President Beth Heile and representatives from Western Piedmont Council of Governments (WPCOG) got a tour of Town of Rhodhiss from new Town Manager Rick Justice. Justice took the group to the Rhodhiss Boat Access on Weaver Lane which would be an incredible stop on the trail with restrooms and parking. The town-owned Horseshoe Trail Park was also a must see. Continue reading “Burke River Trail – Rhodhiss & Hildebran”

Burke River Trail – Rutherford College

Pictured from left: President, Friends of the Valdese Rec; NC Rep. Hugh Blackwell (R-86); John Wear, Senior Planner for Western Piedmont Council of Governments (WPCOG); Kenneth Geathers, Rutherford College Town Manager; Mayor Gary McClure of Rutherford College; Todd Stroupe, GIS Analyst for WPCOG; Averi Ritchie, Transportation Planner for WPCOG

The Burke River Trail – a proposed trail following the Catawba River through Drexel, Valdese and beyond – has another segment sponsor. After Rutherford College Mayor Gary McClure and Town Manager Kenneth Geathers met with planners from Western Piedmont Council of Governments (WPCOG) to learn more, they are on board with what the trail will bring to Rutherford College. Continue reading “Burke River Trail – Rutherford College”

FVR Subject of Webinar

Parks and Recreation Director Doug Knight and FVR President and Founder Beth Heile were the case study for the Recreation Resources Service (RRS) Webinar about Park Foundations working with Municipal Park Departments. The target audience was Recreation Directors from across the state.

During the 90 minute session, Beth and Doug covered why FVR was created, how FVR and the Rec Dept work together, the successes, how others can create a friends group and more. The goal was for other municipalities to benefit from the same non-profit group.

Watch the Webinar

Need are reminder of what FVR Volunteers have done? Check out this list from 2019.

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$11,000 still needed
for the bridge to connect Valdese Lakeside Park to McGalliard Falls Park creating a 2-mile greenway.

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