Valdese adopts wide-ranging 10-year Parks & Rec plan

After more than a year of frustration, debate, and dashed expectations, Valdese residents are finally on track to get their pool back — and it’s just the beginning of a broader, decade-long vision for the town’s parks and recreation system.

The 70-plus-page document approved by the Valdese Town Council earlier this month was built over the course of a year by the Parks & Recreation department and Western Piedmont Council of Governments based on input from residents and Parks and Rec employees.

And what were residents most concerned about? The pool, of course.

The Valdese Recreation Department’s pool has been without a dome since about November 2023, said Parks & Rec Director David Andersen. Town officials argued whether to build a permanent or temporary structure, made a decision, reversed the decision, made a new decision, and ran into challenges between then and now.

Soon, however, the wait will be over, and residents will have year-round swimming once more.

Andersen, soundtracked by the contractors outside his office window installing the dome’s anchoring system, said the pool cover may be complete in February.

The comprehensive plan also outlines desired improvements at each park and facility, from the perspectives of both employees and residents. A survey was available to residents both in-person and online, and 321 people responded.

Andersen said goal of the long-term plan is to tackle these requests, though there is no solid timeline in place. The projects will be addressed as budget and potential grant opportunities allow.

REQUESTED IMPROVEMENTSImproved restrooms were highly requested across every park and facility except Lakeside Park. Respondents also identified unique needs at each location.

At the Valdese Recreation Center and Pool, residents asked for additional seating around the pool, better lighting in the parking lot, and an improved concession stand. Staff identified the need for air conditioning in the gymnasium, updated paint and floors in the bowling alley, resurfaced tennis courts, and additional playground space at the splash pad.

Residents and employees agreed that McGalliard Falls Park needs a better area to view the falls and better access to the base of the falls. Residents also wanted park beautification, pedestrian access to Grist Mill House, and better picnic shelters and grilling areas. Staff wanted the parking lot repaved, sealed, and striped, as well as stream restoration and disc golf along the greenway.

More trails and improved connection between Valdese Lakeside Park, Hoyle Creek, and the 11-acre property south of Lovelady Drive were a shared desire by staff and residents. Picnic areas, more fishing areas, observation areas, and improved lighting were residents’ other leading concerns. Staff requested additional parking along Lake Rhodhiss Drive and boulders for climbing and play.

Staff and residents were almost fully in sync on improvements for Children’s Park, with requests for replacing old playground equipment, ballfield improvements, and more attractive landscaping. Residents also wanted improved picnic shelters, grilling, and sitting areas. Staff wanted streambank restoration and for the bridge to be replaced.

Improved scoreboards and ballfields were requested by staff and residents for Fletcher Park. Better ballfield lighting was also requested by residents, while staff asked for a new batting cage net and hard surface and parking lot improvements.

For Tiger Gym/Temple Field, staff and residents wanted improved accessibility and building maintenance, including stripping the gym floor to its natural wood and adding a polyacrylic layer, and concessions stand renovations. Residents wanted beautification, while staff wanted an old office to be converted into storage for ballgame equipment.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?The comprehensive plan will not only guide the town toward improving its parks and recreation facilities in ways that are both wanted and beneficial, but it will also enhance the town’s potential to qualify for grant funding.

“We’re going through a grant application now,” Andersen said. “It’s (comprehensive plan) very much part of what we’re putting into the justification and putting into the reasoning behind why we’re applying for what we’re applying for.”

The Town Council voted at its last meeting to authorize Andersen’s application for a Helene Recovery grant to make repairs and improvements to Children’s Park.

Andersen said the comprehensive plan is intended as a guide, not a prescription, and aspects may change over time alongside the town’s or department’s priorities.