Recreation

Wayne Owens Memorial Gymnasium

Coach Owens is known as a Valdese basketball legend. His contributions to students in the community serve as a fond memory for many still today. With your help, Coach Owen’s memory will be celebrated and never forgotten.

Aquatics & Fitness Center

The Valdese Aquatics and Fitness Center provides recreational and exercise facilities for members and walk-in visitors on a year-round basis.

Athletics

The Valdese Recreation Department offers a variety of athletic programs for youth annually. Signup information can be found by clicking below or by calling 828-879-2132

Bowling Center

The Valdese Bowling Center is the only bowling center in Burke County. It has eight wooden lanes and automatic scoring. We provide house balls and shoe rentals, and Lane Sharks, our in-house bowling pro and shop, can provide custom ball work and other bowling accessories. During the fall and winter, we offer league bowling Monday-Thursday evenings and a youth bowling program on Saturday mornings in the winter.

Special Events

The Valdese Recreation Department hosts a variety of special events each year. Annual events include swim meets, the Waldensian Footrace & Fun Run, and McGalliard Falls Fun Fish Day.

Parks

Valdese is home to numerous parks. The town welcomes you to enjoy many outdoor experiences from splash pads to paddleboarding. Follow the link below to learn about all Valdese parks.

Located at 312 Massel Avenue (GPS - 35.740221,-81.55977), the Valdese Recreation Department offers a wide range of facilities and activities to the citizens of Valdese and the surrounding area. The department sponsors several special classes and activities for youth and adults. The recreation department oversees five facilities: Valdese Community Center, McGalliard Falls Park, Children's Park, Fletcher Ballpark, and Tiger Gym.

The Department is based in the Valdese Community Center, which also houses bowling lanes, a dedicated party room, a snack bar and grill, a fitness center, locker rooms, a gymnasium, and staff offices. WIFI is available throughout the facility.  Also located on the grounds are two lighted tennis courts and a year-round swimming pool (enclosed from mid-September through early May.)

Tiger Gym, behind the Old Rock School, is used for basketball and Futsal (Indoor Soccer).  Also located at the gym complex is a lighted walking track and football field used by the Recreation Department teams.


Update on the Jimmy C. Draughn Aquatic Center Pool and Structure:

The Town of Valdese Parks and Recreation Staff, Parks and Recreation Commission, and Town Council are all working diligently to provide an open pool for our patrons as soon as possible. It is our desire to see patrons engaged in aquatic activities as soon as possible.

At this time, it is cost-prohibitive to try to repair the Bubble for future use. Please know that Valdese Town Council has requested the Parks and Recreation Commission to conduct a thorough review of potential replacement options during the next four to six weeks and make a replacement recommendation to Council during their April meeting, if possible.

Currently, recreation staff and available Recreation Commission members have visited three different pool sites and plan to visit at least three more pool sites in the next two weeks to explore additional replacement options and develop a final replacement recommendation to Town Council.


2013 Valdese Parks & Recreation Comprehensive Development Plan
C.O.R.E. (Creating Outdoor Recreational Economies) Strategic Plan - 2023


Looking to Advertise with our Youth Athletics? Consider our Banners at the Ballparks Program! - Find out more here




David Andersen

Recreation Director


Alex Bustle
Aquatic & Fitness Supervisor
Jonathan Carter
Athletic Supervisor
Stephanie Walton
Administrative Assistant


Aquatics & Fitness Center 828-874-6737
Community Center 828-879-2132

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