1526 Miles in a Day
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We set a goal to collectively bike, hike, and paddle 1000 miles at VLP. We finished at
1526 miles! 509 people and 70 dogs, 8am – 7:30pm.
We didn’t even count the folks that entered/left Lovelady Rd and McGalliard Falls side. 
Read more and see photo gallery.

Start Gathering!!

 

In October, the Community Foundation of Burke County awarded FVR a $9327 grant to purchase 12 picnic tables (2 ADA) for the Open Green at Valdese Lakeside Park. 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 Saturday, October 21 for a Pizza Party. For the first time at the park, we had room for 74 people to sit together for a meal. An added benefit was the parents and scout leaders had time to sit and enjoy each others’ company while the kids ran around the large grassy field playing tag and tossing a ball. More Pictures

Amphitheater Style Seating

Three rows of seating have been added to the Pavilion Gathering Space plan. This will make for a better outdoor classroom and presentation area. You can bring your own chair or sit on the "wall."  We still need $130,000 for this incredible community project.

Please donate today. 

Volunteers of the Year

Eric Heile, Samuel Fitzwater, and Johnny Poteat

These men do the backbreaking work at Valdese Lakeside Park and McGalliard Falls Park - building trail, installing benches, spreading gravel, weed eating, building tables and benches, cutting down trees, installing story book pedestals, cleaning the shoreline, trimming trees, installing signs - you name it, they do it and come back time and time again. 

Volunteers were recognized at our Celebration Among Friends reception on October 19 held at the Old Rock School. We also gave a shout our to Margaret Sundell for starting the People in the Park Series, Rose and Will Mueller for their work at McGalliard Falls Park, plus Pat, Joann and Bobbi for handling the food for our monthly Lunch and Learn. FVR would be nothing without our dedicated volunteers.

Hoyle Creek Restoration

Town of Valdese will receive $2.2M from the state budget for the restoration of Hoyle Creek on town property in the area of Valdese Lakeside Park. While construction is taking place to rehabilitate the creek, it is the perfect time to act on new amenities for the area. The restoration funds can be used to match other grants for a new trailhead at Lovelady Rd and Lake Rhodhiss Dr (safe parking, restrooms, picnicking, ADA loop over creek and back). In addition, a new ADA sidepath along Lake Rhodhiss Drive will keep pedestrians safe from traffic and have a better view of the creek. Thanks to Representative Blackwell for knowing these resiliency funds were available and that Hoyle Creek was eligible. The above plan was created by Destination by Design with NC DOT funds. An added bonus, we will have a grand entrance to Valdese Lakeside Park with signage the park deserves. 

Fishing Pier/Kayak Launch Ribbon Cutting

On September 28, FVR held a celebratory ribbon cutting with activities for everyone. The Draughn High School Fishing team was present to demonstrate best fishing techniques, a new local business in Valdese, Rads Rentals offered free kayaking to anyone who wanted to give it a try, FVR and Foothills Conservancy  provided crafts for the children. 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. Read more.

These ladies met because of our group hikes at Valdese Lakeside Park. Now they hike all over WNC together - and even vacation together. The social side of trails is just as important as physical health, mental health, economic opportunities, conservation, transportation....