Friends of the Valdese Rec has organized a grand celebration for the opening of the Kayak Launch and Fishing Pier at Valdese Lakeside Park. Come out on Thursday, September 28 at 1pm to try a kayak and learn fishing techniques. There will be crafts for the kids and educational materials for all. read more ❯

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 ❯

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! read more ❯

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 ❯

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 ❯

View the full Economic Impact Report here Highlights of the report....... What does Valdese Lakeside Park bring to Valdese in visitor and resident spending? Does the park save residents money? Do visitors really stop in town to eat? These are the questions Friends of the Valdese Rec set out to answer. The economic impact of parks and trails can sometimes be understated. Thanks to FVR...read more ❯

Friends of the Valdese Rec (FVR) held an NC Year of the Trail grand opening group walk on Sunday, April 16 to celebrate the completion of the Valdese Greenway. The entire 2-mile greenway is now crushed cinder for an easier walk along Lake Rhodhiss and McGalliard Creek. In 2021, one mile of the former grassy sewer easement was upgraded while the other mile remained grass. In 2022, with the...read more ❯