Going Green...in September

Newly completed sites on the west side of the campground are now getting prepared for new sod installation. The pallets of sod that should have arrived this week, have been postponed because the Texas heat. It will a few more weeks before the temperature drops and then, we will be green once again!

While each improved site on the west side has been carefully raked and leveled, Cooper Construction crews are outside watering each daily to encourage native grasses to sprout and take hold.

"The soil we've put down is very fine so it sticks to tires and tennis shoes very easily," says Project Manager Fred Foxx. Fred urges all campers to watch where they walk; and especially where they drive.

"This Texas dirt will stick to anything! And my wife Fiona tells me it's hard to get it off of little feet and shoes. So, it's best not to cut corners, walk or drive through it—just stay on the paved roads when you can."

"And here's a big 'hat's off' to this family of campers who managed to keep ALL of their bicycles out of the dirt this weekend."

We really appreciated that extra effort! The campground will continue to spread new dirt ove the next few weeks, as well as repair common areas within the campground that need upgrading. The new grasses will follow soon in September when its cooler, so know that we appreciate your patience and support throughout the whole campground improvement project. We know you will be pleased with the results...

Improvements Begin on East Side of Campground

Campers will begin to see some of their favorite sites, like old pull-thru #3 on the East side of the campground, change right before their eyes these next few weeks.

Old asphalt is being scrapped and torn up in these familiar sites, making way for new construction. Cooper Construction Company crews are working systematically around the streets to neatly pile up the debris, then load it off—making way for new site preparation.
"We want to thank our guests for being so patient and understanding throughout the process," says Project Manager Fred Foxx from atop the tractor. "We've been able to easily relocate folks in the park, and really appreciate their willingness to help us out during this improvement project. Some of the families are moving near the Pavilion and playground area in the P-sites for a short time, until we get the East side completely re-opened."

Take a Survey: Children in Nature

While Fred Foxx is out working on the campground today, his wife, Fiona, decided to join other campers online and participate in a grassroots effort to develop a new Texas policy, upgrading the quality of life for our kids.

Many citizens want to place a greater importance on getting children outdoors more often in Texas. And there are ways to provide them with fun, healthy experiences in nature around the state.

Please take a few minutes to express your opinions in this online survey offered by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department before the end of August. Your input is welcome.

"We are working closely with an important new public/private task force called The Texas Partnership for Children in Nature," says Joe Moore, assistant director of Grapevine Parks and Recreation. "Input from our campers will be really valuable for Texas Parks & Wildlife in formulating a strategic plan to bring more outdoor, nature experiences into the lives of more than 6.7 million children in Texas."

"The survey will only take a minute or two to fill out...and will benefit many children, not only here but across the nation. Others will see the value of enjoying and spending time outdoors, as well as the improved physical health in our youth," assures Moore.

Great Fishing Dock and Fresh Produce in Grapevine

This week we ran into very special guests on the campgrounds' new Fishing Pier —the Morehead family from Keller, Texas. We are used to seeing the family at the city's Farmers Market in downtown historical Grapevine every weekend.

While managing operations there, the Moreheads make sure customers have a sample of the delicious and fresh produce they sell—including peaches, tomatoes, strawberries, watermelons, honey, etc. "After a busy weekend of selling local Texas produce, The Vineyards has everything else we need to relax," says Racquel Morehead.

"We decided to stay close to home for a family vacation this month. It's just perfect after working downtown off Main Street. We can be here in our cabin in 5-minutes and unwind for a few days." The kids can bring friends, and look—the brand new fishing Pier is right across the street from the cabins, within easy walking distance. The new Pier is great, and you know, the staff is the best too."

In addition, the Morehead family has extended an invitation to all Vineyard's guest to visit them near the Gazebo at the Farmer's Market every Thrusday, Friday and Saturday from 8am-4pm until October 30.

Vist their website each week to get an up-to-date list of what fruits and vegetables are for sale...plus there's a 10%-off email-coupon for Vineyards Campground guests! Now that's being right neighborly...thanks Moreheads! Come back and see us.

Demolition Derby

As construction crews begin to move to East side of the campground, the last couple of days look like a demolition derby. Fred Foxx, project manager, says "that several picnic tables and concrete pads at the old tent sites have been broken up according to our plans."

Tent campers are being permanently relocated to one of our beautiful sister Lake Parks—Meadowmere Park. And dump trucks were busy today, being loaded quickly to haul rubble off to be recycled.

The West side of the campground is now open since road repairs have been made, allowing campers to come and go easily.

As the construction crew makes their transition to the East side of the park, orange construction fencing is being placed around upcoming construction sites. The fish station is temporarily closed as well.

Tropical Holiday and Sunsets on the Campground

On Friday night, we had a little taste of the islands here in Texas! Our campground friends Jeff and MaryAnn Waddell started our Friday Night Event off by serving complimentary KONA ICE's to all campers as they walked by.

"It's always so hard to choose what tropical flavor you want," says MaryAnn. "Most campers just mixed all the flavors together, except a few that are hooked our special blends—like Wild Watermelon or Pina Colada." Most campers just smiled from ear to ear, sipping their KONA ICE, as they walked down to the shoreline to try out the Stand-Up Paddleboards (SUP).

Earlier in the evening, Penni and Kevan Burt tried the shoreline next to the beach for a local Grapevine "Meet-Up" with fellow SUPers. After unloading more paddleboards for campground guests to try the new sport, it didn't take long for lots of folks to be on top of the lake, easily gliding around the inlet.

"It's a sport that welcomes all ages," says Penni, "...and it looks like even a few dogs even went paddleboarding with their owners too! Grapevine Lake is perfect tonite for this new sport."

Rains earlier in the afternoon cooled the evening off, and many guests enjoyed being out walking and riding in their golf carts around the park, talking with other RVers and watching another one of the campground's most beautiful sunsets on the lake!

Thanks Troop #700 Trailblazers!

Last Saturday, Grapevine's Boy Scout Troop #700 came to work once again on the Silver Lake Nature Trail on The Vineyards Campground. It is a secluded 1,030 foot soft service pathway through one of the Corp of Engineers Environmentally Protected Areas on Grapevine Lake, and enjoyed by many of our campers and guests.

The trail winds through a lush, cross-timbers forest unique to the North Texas region, providing habitats for native wildlife and numerous species of beautiful birds. Many of the trees along the pathway have identification tags for nature lovers.

Troop #700 tent-camped the night before at Meadomere Park—one of our nearby sister Lake Parks—then rode their bicycles 10-miles over to The Vineyards Campground for their service project.

The scouts worked side-by-side most of all of the day, moving and raking mulch over the whole length of the nature trail. On behalf of our campers and The Vineyards staff - "Thanks so much for your hard work...our Trail has never looked better!"

Best Parks in America — Sign Up for FREE Summer Giveaway to RVers and Campers

Now through September 9, 2010, Best Parks in America is giving away FREE RVing and camping vacations to its members every other Thursday!

RVers and campers alike can win a one-week vacation at any Best Parks in America location of their choice. "By enrolling to be a member of Best Guests in America—a free camping club devoted to those who enjoy vacationing at unique destinations," says BPA President David Gorin, "guests can choose from one of many fine locations. Our 'Best Parks' affiliates, including The Vineyards Campground & Cabins in Grapevine, Texas, will exceed your expectations and camping experiences."

There is no purchase necessary; just sign-up now with Best Guests in America to be included in every drawing throughout the summer. Go to http://www.bestparksinamerica.com/, and register on the "Become a Best Guest" tab. That's all you have to do to qualify for these drawings.

Best Parks in America is a group of 63 highly-rated, independent RV parks and campgrounds in 23 states and Canada which offer premier quality services and warm hospitality. These complimentary BPA vacations will include 6-nights/7-days in an RV or a camp site and must be used by April 30, 2011. Don't wait to register; one sign-up makes you eligible throughout the whole summer.

Campground Improvements—Forty Percent Completed

It's been a remarkable week for site construction on the campground this week and everything remains on schedule. "Many sites on the west side had early concrete pours Friday morning, and we especially want to thank our guests for being so understanding about that work." shares Fred Foxx, project manager.

Also, three additional lift stations have been installed. Though the new sewer system is not online yet, many of the new pad sites have cured and are opening now for guests complete with water and electricity.

"When you camp with us again in the Fall," says Foxx,"we know you will be very pleased with the results!"

Other improvements to the campground were noticeable this week... The sandy beach will be quite the spot for all kinds of summer fun! We've added safety bouys to remind boaters and Ski-doos on the lake that adults and children are swimming near the beach and to slow down.

And at Hummingbird Station, the Foxx family checks out the new picnic tables just placed there yesterday. "Under the cool shade of the trees, these tables will be a welcome addition for our little picnics, those fun campground events, and a nice place to sit outside, waiting for our laundry to wash and dry," says Fiona Foxx.

Rain or Shine—Campground Improvements Are Looking Good

"This last week we've had a little rain...but that's got to be a good thing in the summertime in Texas," says Project Manager Fred Foxx, as he too adjusts to the weather here in Grapevine.

Construction is moving well and systematically around the campground, with about 40 percent of the project completed now. Improvements started on the west side of the park, including three additonal lift stations. This week six new sites were poured near the corner from the cabins on Grapevine Drive.

"Handsome brick support walls were established and several other sites were leveled, ready for cement pours next week," Foxx reports as he covers his usual Friday check-list with Cooper Construction on improvements. Cooper Construction is anticipating moving to the east side of the campground during the first week of August.

"We are constantly monitoring the aggregate hardness of cement pours on those sites we've leveled," shares Foxx. The construction team requires that the pad site set-up time not be rushed, so it can achieve the best strenght and hardness for many of our Fifth Wheel and RV guests. "This weekend, we opened a couple of those newly poured sites for guests, so you can see that improvements are moving along quite well!"

Thanks Chick-fil-A!

"We are very thankful to have such wonderful business partners here in Grapevine," says Joe Moore, assistant director of Parks and Recreation fo the City of Grapevine.

Clint Cowden, operator of the Grapevine Mills Mall Chick-fil-A, fed our Lakes Park staff on the 4th of July! With a little rain, humidity and heat, large holiday crowds and busy schedules — lunch could not have been a more welcome treat! Thanks Chick-fil-A!

There's nothing like a great American company to put real meaning into the 4th of July! All of us at The Vineyards Campground, Rockledge Park and Meadowmere Park appreciated Chick-fil-A's generosity.

There's Nothing Like A 4th of July Parade!

Last night the summer rains cooled off the campground, and today the clouds helped make our 4th of July Parade through the park very enjoyable for all! Families showed up early to don red, white, and blue hats, beads, sunglasses and get their American Flags beforehand.













Campground Project Manager Fred Foxx and his family were soon joined by darling Grapevine poodle—Dolly Parton—in their Segway-pulled wagon.

And many other campground doggie guests were well-dressed for the occassion, walking on leashes and entertaining the crowd.

The parade cruised the west side of the campground first, then made a figure-eight back to cheering crowds in lawn chairs on east side. The parade ended, returning to Hummingbird Station for more treats. A great time was had by all...

It's Beginning to Look Like the Fourth of July!

The Foxx family was out and about the campground this weekend, checking out the festive atmosphere. Little Stomper, and his sister Blush, were counting all of the American flags... Can you guess how many are decorating the park for the Fourth of July? It's looking really good.

We have great Fourth of July weekend events planned, so we hope you will join us! Come early Friday and get settled in before our first summer evening concert begins at 7:30pm in the Pavilion. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets out and get a good spot. You will love these guys—The Zack King Band. When they are through at 9:30pm, there will be a short fireworks show west of the campground as well.

Saturday morning at 11am, we will have our first 4th of July Parade. Wear red, white and blue clothes, dress up the dog, and decorate your ride. We'll assemble everyone at Hummingbird Station before we take a spin around the campground and show off our patriotic spirit.

Then on Sunday night, the City of Grapevine has its huge Fireworks Extravagnza that you can see from every site in the campground. KLUV 98.7FM will simulcast the event with extraordinary music as well. So hurry up and get here for a great weekend ahead...

Site Development Moves Along

It's been another good week on the campground for site development. One of the project managers—Fred Foxx—continues to survey construction on the west side of the park, and stay on top of busy schedules. He also meets often with Joe Moore and the construction team to update you on the progress being made on our plans.

Quickly, old asphalt is being removed from sites that are going to be upgraded and leveled this coming week. Cooper Construction brought trucks in Friday and poured three new drive thrus with concrete, and more will be completed weekly.

While construction is being managed, most all of our guests are able to enjoy the lake. There remains easy access to the shore lines and the boat ramp as well.

And the weather is perfect this time of year for riding on jet ski's too. For easy accessibility, the campground has several docks to tie jet ski's to around the shoreline. There are nearby sloughs to explore, and waterways to the larger part of the lake through neighboring Scotts Landing Marina. So come and enjoy the campground this summer.

More S'MORES!

Friday night we enjoyed our last
S'mores until the weather cools down again in the Fall. It was hard to tell if the setting sun was melting the Hershey's chocolate faster than the campfire was.

But it didn't matter to the folks that turned up! All enjoyed one of the campgrounds' Friday night's special treats.

We even had a couple of Texas Ranger baseball fans show up for S'mores!... It was their great marshmallow-covered smiles that gave them away!

The Vineyards Campground has a variety of FREE events planned for Friday nights throughout the summer. The SummerBlast Fireworks Show will follow all events at 9:30pm, up until Labor Day in September.

Moving Dirt is What It's All About Now

It's been a good week on the campground for Cooper Construction crews... a little warm, but after all—its summertime.

Fred Foxx continues to review construction plans as RV sites are being leveled and many new lift stations are being installed this week. Major electrical work is also being upgraded to accomodate the new sites, cabins and lift stations as well.

New cabins are now on order! And soon, we will get delivery on 4 two-bedroom cabins, 2 one-bedroom cabins with lofts, and 1 duplex for larger families or groups that want to stay together.

Soon, the fishing pier will be relocated and crews are busy this week staking out a new sidewalk to that location. In the mean time, campers still found time to enjoy the lake and drop a line in the water this week.

In Guest Review surveys, one of the biggest requests from our campers was for level sites. Cooper is addressing that aggressively, and you can see that Foxx is assisting crews as they improve sites, insuring that campers will have those level sites when they stay with us at The Vineyards in the future.

More updates coming, so visit our blog often for construction news...

Memorial Day in the Campground

Campers were greeted this Memorial Day weekend to an array of American Flags at the entrance way to The Vineyards Campground.

Memorial Day campers were given American Flags as they checked in for the weekend. As many set aside this last Monday in May to honor family members who gave their lives for our great country, we did too.

The Foxx family—Fred and Fiona, along with Blush and Stomper, joins with all of us today as we take time to remember the sacrifice it has taken to establish and maintain this great Nation of ours. God Bless America!

Our Own Version of Ameican Idol --- Karoke Night

What a great Saturday night on the campground with music hosted by our longtime RVers—Joni and Delton Jones. They brought all of their karoke equipment out to Hummingbird Station and set up a stage to entertain Vineyards campers. And that's exactly what they did...in grand Texas style.

More than 50 campers came out to watch the sing-a-long, and some were brave enough to share the stage with Joni and entertain the crowd as well. Joni sang many great songs, and others of all ages did as well. But no one did this year's favorite American Idol song —"Pants on the Ground" (?)

We've already had requests for a repeat performance, so we hope to schedule the Jones again in the Fall when they return to the campground. Thanks again Joni and Delton!

Campground Staff Rescues Great Blue Heron

"Sometimes you are lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time!" share Vineyards workampers John and Kay Tork. "We were cleaning the shoreline when I walked up on a limp bird, all huddled up in a ball," says Tork. "I was afraid we'd lost the Heron in the hot sun."

Somehow, the Great Blue Heron had enough strength to make it back to shore yesterday, towing a large catfish he'd caught. "It looked like the catfish—stuck in the Heron's bill—had completely worn out the starving Heron by wriggling and trying to get loose."

Remarkably, after being rescued by Torks, the Heron safely returned to the shores of Grapevine Lake, roaming freely about this weekend.

The bird was identified as a breeding adult Great Blue Heron, and during the March to November breeding season, Grapevine Lake has large numbers of migrants fly in and join the local resident Herons. The Great Blue's are one of the favorites of many bird watchers on our campground.

Dr. Ray Chancellor, head of the Southlake Ornithological Society, was also on site to photograph the heron and advised on rescue efforts. He said that there was a great posibility that this bird was fishing to feed its young in a nest nearby the campground.

The heron mistook the 4-foot tow rope that had been thrown into the lake as food. And in the process of trying to get it out of the water, the rope tightly knotted around the heron's lower bill, putting the bird's life in great peril. The bird would have starved to death (as well as the nesting family it was feeding) if the Torks had not come to the rescue.

Dr. Chancellor reports that the last few years he has seen trash dumped around the lake grow exponentially. "If I may, I must encourage everyone to protect this wonderful wildlife area we have here in Grapevine and never leave trash behind; dispose of it properly. Always follow the sportsman's creed and leave the land better than you found it. That is the only way we can leave a wonderful legacy of our natural resources to future generations."