10 Year Summary
Friends of the Valdese Rec (FVR) is proud to celebrate 10 years of serving the Valdese community! Since 2015, we’ve worked together to expand access to outdoor spaces, enhance community wellness, and create a stronger sense of belonging — all powered entirely by volunteers.
Our Vision Realized
Created Valdese Lakeside Park, preserving 300 acres along Lake Rhodhiss
Built a 2-mile...
Walkin' Roll Partnership
Building Bridges — and Ramps: A Growing Partnership with Walkin’ Roll
In the ongoing work to create a truly inclusive Burke River Trail, we’ve been fortunate to partner with many incredible organizations — and one that stands out is Walkin’ Roll, led by the passionate and tireless Sharon Hight.
Our Executive Director, Beth Heile, first connected with Sharon a few years ago...
Property Tax Rates 2015 - 2025
Reviewing the town property tax rate in the context of the last decade.
Bridges
Unless you are a distance runner or road biker, you may not think much about road bridges being pedestrian friendly. But, as we work to connect the communities of Burke County, bridge crossings are a big part of that. As a cyclist, our BRTA Board President Val Scott keeps a check on NCDOT for updates.
Rhodhiss Burke Caldwell Connector
After several years of asking for this bridge to be...
Reimagining Downtown Drexel
At Burke River Trail Association (BRTA), our mission goes beyond building a 40-mile hiking and biking trail across Burke County — we’re also committed to helping each trail town shine in its own unique way. That’s why we approached the Town of Drexel this spring with an offer to fund and install a branded trail kiosk downtown that would highlight points of interest, dining, and shopping to...
Shannon Radabaugh
Shannon is stepping up to be your Ward 1 council representative
Kid Conservation Pages
Need some activities for your kids this summer? See us at a local festival to pick up some sheets in person - or download them from this page!
Tree Sheet - Burke River Trail Assoc
Scavenger Hike - Burke River Trail Assoc
Pollinator Sheet - Burke River Trail Assoc
Fish Coloring Book WRC - Burke River Trail Assoc
Bigfoot-Friends - Burke River Trail Assoc
Rexanna Lowman
Rexanna is stepping up to continue as your Ward 3 council representative
Honoring Drexel’s Past
Fundraising - $1485 raised$20K Goal to Match Private Donor
Many thanks to these donors:
Joe Hoyle
Beth Heile
In memory of Jethro and Maggie Hoyle and Ralph and Silver Abernethy by Joe and Sarah Hoyle
In memory of Reba Wray Berry by Teresa Rector Parker
In memory of Jonathan Secrest by Susan Goodman Secrest
In honor of my mother Carol Newton Powell and grandparents Calvin...
Melinda Zimmerman
Melinda is stepping up to continue as your Ward 2 council representative
Touring Rhodhiss
Copper Penny Grill Lake Hickory was an incredible host for our Rhodhiss Trail Town Tour!! Manager Rick Justice and Mayor Spencer gave updates and answered questions. Alderwoman Donna and Clerk Julie were there. Copper Penny owner Shelly talked about having two other restaurants (Forest City and Rutherfordton) on the Thermal Belt Trail and she looks forward to hosting the BRT on site. Several...
Touring Drexel
Group that went on the Optional 1 Mile Walk before lunch hosted by Dan Hoyle
Full House for our Town of Drexel Trail Town Tour where we got a look back from Mayor Anthony and a look at future plans from Manager Carroll. Grow with Drexel gave a tour of the town with a 1 mile walk and a peak at the future Museum location. Attendees from all around - Morganton, Lenoir, Hildebran, Valdese,...
Lake Rhodhiss Trailfest
Back for its second year under the new name and date, Lake Rhodhiss Trailfest is the kickoff event for the Great State Trail Day the following weekend. The three distances use mostly technical, single-track trails, all within Valdese Lakeside Park. Note that the 5K will be a bit longer than 3.1 miles and you may not get exactly 6.2 or 10.0 miles with the other courses. No matter which event you...