Friends of the Valdese Rec

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Valdese, NC
Friends of the Valdese Rec

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Volunteer group working to assist the Valdese Recreation Department (NC). Land was acquired in 2018 with forest open to the public and maintained by FVR.

Purpose - The driving force in starting the group in 2015 was to acquire 300 acres of land at Lake Rhodhiss between the Wastewater Plant and McGalliard Falls and construct a park that has trails (walk, mountain bike, run), canoe/kayak/paddleboard access, and picnic areas. Amenities added in 2021 and continue to be added through FVR fundraising. The group also supports the Valdese Parks and Recreation Department in both the development and on-going care of parks, facilities, and programs. Work depends on the interests of the members.

11/04/2026

Friends of the Valdese Rec hosts a free monthly Lunch and Learn Program for the Young at Hearts in the community. Every third Thursday of the month at Noon, FVR provides lunch, time to socialize and a 20-30 minute program for interested adults who are retired or have time for lunch. First United Methodist Church Valdese, NC provides the space for the lunch event.

To RSVP for lunch, email [email protected] the Tuesday before the Thursday event. You may attend if you do not RSVP, but lunch is only guaranteed for those who reply.

11/03/2026

Check Presentation for Children's Park Playground!!
$84,320 from $20K FVR Fund, $55K Rotary Club of Valdese and individual donors --
Benjamin Mark Buff Athletic Foundation – $2000
Wesley & Emily Cannon – $2,000
Jim & Linda Rostan $1,000
Pat Zimmerman $1,000
Paul & Alicia Mears $1,000
Farris Insurance $1,000
Drew & Holly Thomas and Family – $500
Spencer & Jayne Borden $500
Ann & David Dickey $100
Julie Zimmerman and Derrick Killian $100
Vanessa Tallent – $20
In memory of Tina Brookes
In honor of Pat Zimmerman

Picture: Rotarians and FVR members presenting check at Nov 2 Council Meeting Town of Valdese

11/02/2026

Valdese First Baptist Church on their Fall Hike at Valdese Lakeside Park

11/02/2026

Thanks to Wes for helping bring a Playground in the Trees to VLP
Donate and learn more at --
https://friendsofthevaldeserec.org/vlp-playground

11/01/2026

Help bring an Adventure Playground to Valdese Lakeside Park.
$21,620 of the $100K match raised -- let's keep going.
Donate and learn more at --
https://friendsofthevaldeserec.org/vlp-playground

10/31/2026

More progress at Children's Park for creek bank stabilization - and easier access for play. At Monday's Town of Valdese Council meeting there will be a resolution for acceptance of $84,320 from FVR (including $55K from Rotary Club of Valdese grant funds and community donor funds) for the new playground equipment!! See full donor list at https://friendsofthevaldeserec.org/childrens-park

Thanks to David Andersen for the pictures - the park is closed to the public right now.

10/30/2026

It's Plein Air Painting time!!! October 31 - Nov 6: Look for artists along the streets of Valdese, the trails of Valdese Lakeside Park and McGalliard Falls creating masterpieces of the autumn landscape.

Reception and wet paint sale on Sunday, November 8th, from 2 to 4 p.m. Open to the public!

Pictures from HelenaJolanta Art

Learn more -
https://rockschoolartgalleries.com/about-the-event

Rock School Arts Foundation

10/30/2026

Oh, what a night!!

10/29/2026

Storytellers are here.

10/29/2026

Town Staff Brett and Howard said leaves be gone and bring on the story tellers --- Tales on the Trails at 6pm

Address

PO Box 994
Valdese, NC
28690

Website

https://friendsofthevaldeserec.org/

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