Halloween Fun This Weekend!

"It's a beautiful fall weekend on the campground, and we couldn't ask for better weather for our outdoor movie tonite!" says Fred Foxx. Join us in the middle of the park, near the 'soon-to-be' Camp Store. Soon we will inflate a large outdoor movie screen, and when the sun goes down... and we will watch the Harry and Hendersons outdoors on the closed-off street. It's the perfect movie for our Halloween weekend.

Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, or whatever you'd like to sit on and enjoy this great fall evening. We'll have a FREE popcorn machine onsite for all movie goers as well.

Fred also says, "on Sunday, there are no specific plans for Trick or Treating in the evening on the park. One of our campground's business partners—The Sonic Drive-In—has invited campers to their afternoon 'Fall Festival' in Grapevine with lots of fun things going on there. So stop by the Front Gate and get directions to it, as it's only a few blocks from the campground." We know that several guests enjoy having trick or treaters, and since we are closed campground, feel free to join in Sunday evening as well.

Final Punch List This Week on New Construction

The whole construction team met most of Tuesday to review the final punch list on campground improvements. Before the group walked the grounds, Project Manager John Weeden and Joe Moore, assistant director of Grapevine Parks and Recreation, agreed, "at first glance, there is a consensus among our group that our work crews have surpassed expectations—the additions to the park are looking excellent."

The first order of business was to check every site's 50 amp electrical, water and sewer connections for proper installation and above ground access. Park Rangers Ken Myers and Allen Creel joined the group from the Grapevine office of the U.S. Corp of Engineers, offering oversight as well on the completed work. Site by site—on all 87 sites—the team suggested and documented all final construction notes.

Project Manager Fred Foxx also joined the group, and shared his compliments for a job well done by all.
The review team included (l-r) Joe Moore and Mike Hooker, the City of Grapevine Lake Parks; David Moore, Jacobs Engineering; Park Rangers Ken Myers and Allen Creel; Gene Cooper, President of Cooper General Contractors; Mark Hill, Jacobs; Chad Hester, City of Grapevine Facilities Division; and Project Managers John Weeden and Fred Foxx.

As Construction Nears End, More Firewood and S'mores

Fred Foxx, construction Project Manager, grabs a ride with workamper Floyd Harper to check on some of the last details that need to be covered as the campground improvement project winds down the next few days.

So much has been done, and now work crews are finishing off many of the details, like cutting down trees that have been lost to weather or age. Mike Hooker, who also has been instrumental in working closely with Cooper Construction, has been on the campground identifying items on the final punch list.

Fred also joins workamper Walt Bullock later in the day to help oversee that one the campground's largest trees safely comes down.

Of course these trees will be recycled, and cut into firewood to be used this month on the campground. Campers are encouraged to purchase two (2) bundles of firewood at the Front Office — and then, we will throw in a FREE bag of marshmallows, graham crackers, and Hershey bars so you can make and enjoy your own S'mores! We do appreciate your support during construction on the campground...

The Perfect Night for S'mores

Last night was a beautiful fall night for building a campfire and having S'mores. Special thanks to campground Host John Tork for getting the fire started early; we had the perfect coals to roast marshmallows at sunset!

We decided to try some new "Fancy" S'mores this time around, and our campers—who were all young at heart—created all sorts of delicious treats. We started out with the basics...some perfectly roasted marshmallows and some really, really toasted ones, Hershey's chocolate squares, and graham crackers.

Our guests then had the option to add extra toppings, including peanut butter, carmel sauce, a variety of colored sprinkles, cinnamon sugar, strawberry topping, white chocolate chips (yummm), or Junior Mints. The hot marshmallow melted right into the toppings.

There were a couple of children that put everything on one S'more...but the rest of us decided to test 'several' different kinds of S'mores. The 'hands-up' favorite for the night went to S'mores with peanut butter and Heath English Toffee bits, which now might have to become our park's signature S'more.

Do plan to join us often for our weekly Friday night events; it's a great time to meet and visit with others who love to RV and camp just as much as you do. See you soon...

The CAMP STORE has Arrived!

One of the most awaited moments during the campground expansion plan has finally arrived! At the end of this week, the CAMP STORE rolled through the Front Gate on a beautiful fall day in Grapevine.

The idea for a camp store has been on the drawing board for years, and to see it finally appear brought great joy to all of the staff, and campers alike. Did you hear the applause?


It took many tries to get the building into the right spot, tucked right in the middle of the campground and adjacent to the EPA (environmentally protected area) crosstimbers forest that hugs the southside of the park. This family-friendly gathering spot will be easily accessible to everyone that stays with us.

Once the building is stabilized and secured, carpenters will begin to build and attach a large covered deck on the front of the store. We are sure that it will become the gathering point of the campground for all kinds of special events, music, and visiting with other campers, as well. There will be enough room for classes, ice cream socials, or just playing a boardgame or cards.

As soon as the camp store is in place, there are plans to connect the new building area with a pathway and an upgraded outdoor patio and deck to the adjacent building, which houses the Laundry Room and central bathrooms.

The expanded area will now share the new location name of "Grapevine Station." It will be at the crossroads of Nectar Drive and Grapevine Trail on the campground.

Bingo Night Great Family Fun

Friday nights are family fun nights on the campground, and Candy Bar Bingo last Friday was a big favorite.

The Texas weather is great this time of year, with warm Fall days and perfect sunsets filling our October evenings. We offer a variety of outdoor events each week throughout the year that range from playing games to listening to musical groups to kayaking nights, so all ages can participate.

Candy Bar Bingo is relaxing enough for all to play, so that's why it is a favorite with our campers ... and of course, anyone can eat up all the candy they win at the end of the game!

Plan to join us each week, as we offer a variety of guest events at the Pavilion, Hummingbird Station or near the shoreline and beach. Most are listed ahead of time in our campground newsletter, The VINELINE. You can read about each month's news and events online, or send us an email and we'll be happy to add you to our monthly newsletter e-mail list.

Come Enjoy the Comfortable New Cabins

Four new cabins came last week, and the others will follow as they are completed the next few weeks in October — and they look great! "Our new cabins are getting rave reviews from onsite campers, who are peeping in the windows, and taking impromptu tours when they can catch the make-ready staff opening the cabin doors," says Fred Foxx, project manager.

One cabin design is especially getting noticed. Fred says, "these large one-bedroom cabins offer a carpeted, upstairs loft above the main bedroom for youngsters to sleep and play in, which is great when you have little ones like Fiona and I have." The kitchen/living area is especially spacious with a large futon that serves as additional sleeping space as well. There are many new amenities in each new cabin, including a flat screen television and an electric heater that looks exactly like a fireplace. The front porch is an additional family space to relax and enjoy the wildlife on Grapevine Lake.

"Cooper Construction is on schedule to complete the campground improvement plan by the end of October," assures Fred, " so we look forward to seeing many of you soon."

Stonescaping— a Striking Success

This past week, many sites on the east side of the campground have been finished off with beautiful stone retaining walls, adding to the beauty of the campground.

Today, stonescaping is being used more often to make a substantial impact in a small space. "As a reuseable natural resource," states Project Manager Fred Foxx, "the variety of earthtone stone works very well throughout the park and really enhances the beauty of many of our RV sites. "

"With each stone cut and dressed, Cooper Construction has carefully laid the site walls and steps to create an atmosphere of permanence for our guests as well," says Fred.

A Great Day for GRAPEFEST!

Fred Foxx, Construction Project Manager, was out early this morning examining last weeks' concrete pours on the East side of the campround. "Since we've had so many requests from our guests, we've added several brand new Pull-Thru RV sites near the boat ramp to Grapevine Lake."

Eleven new sites were poured this last week, and we have only 10 more to go before we are finished. "Folks will really be pleased with these new sites and it wont be too long before we can reserve them."

"Once again," says Fred, "thanks to all of our guests for being so patient as we continue the clean-up from last week's flood on the campground."

After completing the early campground checklist, Fred gathered up the family and they all headed downtown to enjoy Grapevine's annual fall festival — GRAPFEST!

Campground guests also are invited to downtown historical Grapevine this Saturday and Sunday. Main Street—only 5 minutes from the campground—is closed-off from Northwest Hwy to the Train Depot. Vineyards guests can walk up and down the festival, listening to live music, carnival rides, eating all kinds of food, visiting wineries, and shopping the quaint little stores. There's something for every age to do or see. It's a beautiful day to be outside, so come and enjoy the fun with The Foxx familly!

New Cement Pours Finished on East Side

We saw a remarkable orchestration of equipment and manpower last Friday on the campground!

"Cooper Construction really jumped on the site pours after the rain, and finished all of this major part of the campground improvement project Friday," says Fred Foxx, project manager. "It was amazing to watch the cement trucks come and go; and see the construction team pour and then level each site on the east side of the campground. It won't be too long before these sites are cured and ready for our campers."

Special thanks to Cooper Construction for working quickly to get this done, especially after unexpected heavy rains from tropical storm Hermine last week on the campground. They have done a remarkable job of staying on task and watching construction deadlines with the high water.

Soon, The Vineyards Campground will begin transitioning new site numbers on the west side of the campground with Reservation Friend. Your favorite site may have a new site number.

As soon as the pads on the east side are cured, we will begin renumbering those sites as well. "We continue to thank our guests for working closely with the our staff in the Front Office during the next few weeks as we make this site number transition," says Foxx.

Lake Levels to Fall as Dam Releases Water

The level of Grapevine Lake is leveling off as the U.S. Corp of Engineers continues to release the run-off water from this week's heavy rains. We are not seeing any rise in water on the campground, which is good because we have eight sites in 'the valley' that have been closed down for a few days until the lake levels return to normal.

We send a special thanks to guests who have graciously relocated to other sites on higher ground for the short term, and have kept that 'can-do' camper spirit.

We also caught guest Kay Zimmerman and Kidd out picking up some extra trash up that had washed up along the shorelines today. Yes, Kidd—a handsome White German Shepherd—was picking up trash as well! Kay says he's been doing this for years, and is an official member of Keep Ponder Beautiful team where they live. "I have a great picture of Kidd carrying a cardboard box during a recent city clean-up day," shares Kay with a big Texas smile. Thanks Kay and Kidd - we appreciate your help...














Also with big smiles, The Vineyards staff is always on-site and in the golf carts throughout the weekend to to help you if you have any special needs or questions about the high water. Don't hestitate to ask them at the Front Office.

Rain, Rain...Go Away - RV Sites Close Today

"It's definitely hard to keep from getting wet on the campground today!" says Fred Foxx.

The Foxx family has hunkered down under an umbrella for a few hours this afternoon, keeping dry. We've recieved alot of rain in the last 24-hours.

The Front Office has had to close down several of the lower RV sites today, but was able to relocate many guests to new sites on the west side of the campground.

Runoff from rain overnight and additonal showers will cause Grapevine Lake to rise more over the next three days—currently, it is standing 4-feet above normal levels. If you are interested in following Grapevine Lake levels, please visit the U.S. Corp of Engineers website. Information is on the front page.

Guest are still cautioned to be careful as the enter and exit the campground. "We are sorry for the inconvenience, but we want to put your safety above all else." Those who have reservations for the coming weekend should check with the Front Office NOW. If lake levels continue to rise due to more rain or runoff...this may keep you from getting the exact site you wanted.

"On behalf of all of the staff, we thank you for working with us through the next few days...," says Fred Foxx.

Moving Fast...

"There was barely time to stop today for a photo, as our Cooper Construction team members were ready and rolling early this morning," says Fred Foxx, project manager for the campground improvement plan.

The east side of the campground is looking good...in terms of accomplishments the crew is making. Dirt is being moved quickly to make pathways and carve out new RV sites, so there is lots of equipment and trucks on the campground today.

Several newly leveled sites had concrete pours last weekend, and they are setting up nicely this morning. "It looks like there will be a lot of work done before this coming Labor Day weekend," says Fred, "so our campers will have a great time with us."

Our 'Hummer' Friends are Real Happy!

After re-filling the feeders today at Hummingbird Station on the campground, birdlover David Parsons reports that it only took about five-minutes before seven hummingbirds swarmed in for lunch!

Buzzing each other, and flying back and forth to nearby trees, these hummingbirds are quite entertaining. "There were two females and five males drinking intermittently for several minutes near the laundry room," said David, "and they were putting on quite an aerial show."

An adult hummingbird may eat twice its body weight in food each day. In turn, their high metabolism rate burns it up quickly in order to sustain rapid wing beats and those fly-by acrobatic movements. "We see a lot of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds on the campground; and they visit the flowers folks put out by their RVs too," shares David. "The males have the striking red throats, and females do not; so it's easy to identify them."

Black-chinned Hummingbirds visit here as well - but you have to look quickly to catch a glimpse of them. The best place to see the tiny birds may be at Hummingbird Station; come sit at the picnic tables with your binoculars and watch them feed now through October.

Thanks Heritage Lions!

Thank you friends...we could not have put all of these tables together without the help from the Grapevine Heritage Lions Club!
Giving up your Saturday to work on this project for us was most appreciated...

During campground construction the last few months, many sites have been leveled so that concrete driveways and patios can be poured. And soon, these newly assembled picnic tables will be delivered to those individual sites for installation thanks to the day-long efforts of the Heritage Lions Club.

Starting really early in the day to beat the Texas heat, the group unloaded, then assembled dozens of picnic tables. The service project took most of the day, and this outstanding effort was greatly appreciated by the campground. Tables will be soon be moved and bolted to cement patios as RV sites become ready.

If you'd like to join the Heritage Lions Club, they meet on the 1st and 3rd Monday nights at 6:30pm at the Bessie Mitchell House in Grapevine. They are well-known in the community and support many charities and special events throughout the area, as well as internationally. For more information, please visit their website.

Thanks again Heritage Lions for a job well done!

Number One Request - Level Sites

"The number one request we see most often on Guest Review surveys from our campers is for level sites," says Fred Foxx, construction project manager.

"Of course, when our guests speak up about something they'd like fixed, be assured that we will always look into it. And, so leveling sites was at the top of our list on this improvement project."

Cooper Construction crews are using all kinds of heavy equipment and shovels to move dirt and gauge the width and depth of each site. Many of the sites will be lengthened a little to accommodate RV sizes and improve off-road access as well. "Several sites on the east side are now ready for concrete pours, which will happen next week, as well." says Fred.

MORE GOOD NEWS: Additional work next week will include testing the lift stations on completed sites. The RV sites on the west side are now connected to the lift stations and are online, and working. Do I hear applause? And it get's better: The campground will NOT be charging for new sewer connections until January 1, 2011, on any of the old sites that did not have sewer beforehand.

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.