Passenger Train
Burke River Trail Association's main focus is getting trail on the ground to provide economic development opportunities in eastern Burke County. With supporting economic drivers as a goal - we follow, get involved and promote all opportunities. We are making sure any town involved with the Salisbury to Asheville passenger rail service is staying up to date!!
Passenger Train coming...read more ❯
Gather at the Table
In October, the Community Foundation of Burke County awarded FVR a $9327 grant to purchase 12 picnic tables (2 ADA) for the Open Green. FVR funds of $984.03 were used to cover the small overage for a price increase and shipping. The tables arrived on Wednesday, October 18. FVR volunteers (Johnny and Eric) spent two days assembling the tables to get them ready for Great Trails State Day on...read more ❯
Old Glory Mill - Trail and More
BRTA President Beth Heile was selected to be a part of the Mountain Bizworks Investment Framers Cohort. Participants were chosen from the 25 counties in western NC to learn how to spot an opportunity, put together stakeholders, find funding and take the project to completion.
Each member worked on a project during the 10 week class and made their final pitch on the last day of class. Beth...read more ❯
1000 Mile Challenge
Saturday, October 21 was Great Trails State Day across NC as part of NC Year of the Trail 2023. We set a goal to collectively bike, hike, paddle 1000 miles at Valdese Lakeside Park during the day. We blew that goal away and finished at 1526 miles! 509 people and 70 dogs, 8am - 7:30pm. Didn't even get the folks that entered/left Lovelady Rd and McGalliard Falls side as part of the...read more ❯
MST and FVR
In August, 2021, Friends of the Valdese Rec volunteers and the area Mountains to Sea Trail crew came together to build a 0.35 mile section of trail at Valdese Lakeside Park. This collaboration made the work move quickly than expected and the MST crew helped educate several new FVR volunteers.
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Kayak Launch - Fishing Pier Ribbon Cutting
This long-awaited amenity on Lake Rhodhiss is now open for everyone to enjoy. Designed and built by North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission (NCWRC), the $200,000 pier was funded by an NC Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) Grant, NCWRC and community donations.
Friends of the Valdese Rec (FVR) organized a celebratory ribbon cutting with activities for everyone. The Draughn High...read more ❯
Lunch and Learn Program
Friends of the Valdese Rec, Inc (FVR) hosts a free monthly Lunch and Learn Program for Young 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-minute program for those adults who are retired or have time for lunch. First United Methodist Church of Valdese provides the space for the lunch event.
To RSVP for...read more ❯
Annual Report 22-23
Friends of the Valdese Rec's fiscal year runs April 1 through March 31.
We have created a report to celebrate and share our successes over the past year:
If we have your mailing address, the 23 page Lasting Impressions Annual Report is on the way to your mailbox. If you want a printed copy, let us know!
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Outdoor Recreation Economy Plan for Valdese
Friends of the Valdese Rec and Town of Valdese worked together to submit a technical assistance planning grant from Appalachian Regional Commission and the North Carolina Department of Commerce. The program is called "Creating Outdoor Recreation Economies (CORE)" and the goal is to help rural communities leverage natural assets to increase economic opportunity through the outdoor recreation...read more ❯
Painting for Kids Grant
Thanks to a grant from Burke Youth Organized Philanthropists, 36 children (K-5) will learn the art of Plein Air Painting from a professional instructor at the kick off of the Valdese Plein Air Fest during Friends of the Valdese Rec's Free Family Fun at the Falls. En plein air is a French expression meaning “in the open air”, and refers to the act of painting outdoors with the artist's...read more ❯
Burke Trails Summit
Staying in your own lane is not conducive for getting trail on the ground.
With over two hundred miles of trail on the ground in Burke County and many more miles planned, the nonprofits, agencies and local governments that are responsible for our public trails have learned that crossing lanes to collaborate helps to get trail on the ground faster.
As Beth Heile started talking to local...read more ❯