Grapevine’s Parks and Recreation are Good for the Community and the Economy

The National Recreation and Park Association declares July as Park and Recreation Month! Parks and recreation not only enhance the health of individuals, they function as economic drivers by creating and fostering attractive, vibrant, and resilient communities like Grapevine, Texas.

Research on communities about the size of Grapevine has found that amenities such as recreation opportunities are likely as big of contributors to healthy local economies as traditional “business-friendly” measures such as lower taxes and labor costs. Hometowns with a higher quality of life experience both higher employment and population growth than similarly situated communities, including those that rank high by traditional economic competitiveness measures. 

In Grapevine, our quality of life encourages residents to put down roots and attracts new families to choose us as their new home. A growing population translates into an attractive labor pool for businesses and industries looking to expand or relocate.

Parks and recreation also serve as an economic driver by drawing in visitors. Lake Grapevine and our beautiful parks add outdoor appeal to our tourism industry fueled by legendary retail, world-class dining, the Gaylord Texan, the Great Wolf Lodge, Legoland Discovery Center, and much more! 

Grapevine is known for its authentic Texas charm and beautiful vistas. It offers a multitude of options to help residents and visitors alike enjoy the great outdoors.  

Lake Grapevine

When the Texas summer heat rolls in, Lake Grapevine is a refreshing oasis, but it’s pretty great every season. Located on the northern border of Grapevine, this 7,280-acre reservoir is terrific for fishing, recreational boating, hunting, camping, hiking, and much more. 

There are three full-service marinas with 1,400 boat slips, as well as 30 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. Anglers can expect largemouth bass, spotted bass, white bass, white crappie, channel catfish, and alligator gar. Katie’s Woods Park is ideal for shore fishing but offers a boat ramp as well. The main nature trail will guide you through the woods to the cliffs for views of the lake and gorgeous sunsets. 

The Gaylord Texan is right on the lake and features a beautiful ten-acre outdoor swimming area with a lazy river, outdoor pool, rocky grotto-style whirlpool, and an indoor pool. The Gaylord also has Paradise Springs, its family-friendly outdoor water park-style play structure. 

More rustic lodging options include primitive camping, prepared camping sites, trailer and RV camping, and cabins. The Vineyards Campground and Cabins is a nationally acclaimed campground well-known for its peaceful setting, lovely grounds, lakefront views, and private sandy beach. You can experience the great fishing on Grapevine Lake, hike their private nature trail or venture out for a paddle in their kayaks. Camping options are also offered at Twin Coves Park and Campground, Murrell Park, Meadowmere Park, Oak Grove Park, McPherson Slough Park, and Lakeview Park.

Lake Grapevine has fantastic public beaches and places to swim. The south shore of Lake Grapevine offers the best and safest family-friendly swimming in the area, while the north shore offers a wider variety of terrain but fewer safe swimming options. The north shore provides scenic coves for kayaking and camping.

Meadowmere Park

Meadowmere Park is a staycation with 288 acres along sparkling Lake Grapevine, featuring sandy beaches, playgrounds, and green grassy expanses to explore. You can rent kayaks and standup paddleboards and buy tickets for the largest floating aqua park obstacle course in Texas, the magnificent WhoaZone. And you don’t have to leave! Beautiful lakeside primitive campsites complete with picnic tables and fire rings are available for you and your pets.

The Rec at Grapevine

The REC of Grapevine is a crown jewel of the Grapevine Parks and Recreation Department with more than 7,000 square feet of fitness rooms with state-of-the-art equipment, an aquatic center, regulation-size basketball and racquetball courts, and more! Personal training and various classes and programs are offered for all ages. There’s also a fantastic indoor child-themed playground, ten family changing rooms, and an on-site child watch.

Parr Park

Come visit th park made famous in the Guinness World Records! The Grapevine Rock Art Trail in Parr Park has officially been entered in the Guinness World Records for "Largest Display of Painted Pebbles." There are a total of of 24,459 rocks! Located between Wall-Farrar Nature Trail and the trail connection from Parr Park along Big Bear Creek, the trail now includes painted rocks from around the world.

After exploring the painted rocks, check out the extensive playground structures that offer appropriate activities for hesitant toddlers and wild middle schoolers alike. Don’t miss the sprayground for cooling off in the summertime. A nearby pavilion can be rented for parties. Residents and visitors can enjoy trail running, walking their furry friends, playing a little flag football, picnicking, playing kickball, shooting hoops, exercising at the outdoor fitness area, or looking for wildlife. The Parr Park workout station uses QR codes to link you to videos showing the proper use of the workout equipment. 

The park links to the Bear Creek trail system, so a wooded nature hike is always an option. The Parr Park Rotary Pavilion is available to rent for special events, while picnic tables are scattered throughout the park for everyday use. 

You can spend the entire weekend at Parr Park and never run out of things to do! 

Dove Park

A good time can be had by all at Dove Park! This spectacular community park is home to one of the best pools in Grapevine. It also has Dove Waterpark and a sprayground, But that’s not all! Other amenities include Casey’s Clubhouse, a handicapped-accessible play structure, an 8-foot wide half-mile concrete walking trail, three pavilions,  permanent restrooms, and basketball, tennis, pickleball, and sand volleyball courts.

Grapevine Botanical Gardens at Heritage Park

These award-winning Botanical Gardens are a wonderful place to spend time with your family, take a peaceful stroll, and unwind after a busy day. The gardens’ tapestry of vegetation changes with every season, so there is always something new to see and enjoy. Entry is free unless The Gardens are booked for a pre-scheduled event. Come be inspired!. 

Liberty Park

Liberty Park is the perfect little respite on Main Street that captures the spirit of Grapevine. At Christmastime, a festive Elf Village makes a great place to play and a unique backdrop for family photos. Here you’ll discover the “Walking to Texas” statue, Grapevine’s first piece of public art, and a tribute to the pioneer families who came west. The historical Torian Cabin, built in 1845, is now preserved by the Grapevine Historical Society. The park is also the site of the Wallis Building, a replica of the 1891 Wallis Hotel and the current home of the Messina Hof Grapevine Winery. 

Pleasant Glade Pool

Pleasant Glade Pool is a great place for the whole family! The zero-depth entry makes it easy for young kids to ease into the water and attentive lifeguards help you keep an eye on the whole gang. Pleasant Glade offers a floating obstacle course for older kids and adults who are kids at heart. There is a lap lane for adults, available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Private, semi-private, and group swimming lessons are offered for all ages.

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