Looking across the lake with the mansion in the background.
Not so many years ago, Vines Mansion and Vines Garden Park offered more than just picturesque settings that were the perfect destination for weddings or family gatherings. From the stately elegance of the mansion to the natural allure of the garden park, this location was perfect for capturing unforgettable moments. During recent times, however, neglect and possible lack of funds, and community enthusiasm have allowed this beautiful area to be greatly degraded.
Though the stunning botanical gardens have mostly disappeared, the peaceful walking trails are not kept well and the beautiful sculptures have been damaged, it is still a great place to experience the sights, sounds and smells in nature. Because there are still plenty of shade-covered swings along the lake, a classic gazebo and picnic tables with easy access to the spacious parking lot that is never crowded, this is a great park to visit!
People along the trail at Vines Park.
The Vines Botanical Gardens is a serene, 25-acre garden and 3-acre lake sandwiched between Loganville and Grayson, Ga. in Gwinnett County. It was once the private estate of Charles and Myrna Adams and became a public space as a result of a donation to the Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation Department. Later it was purchased by restaurateurs John and Pam Gibb who invested $1 million to privatize and renovate the botanical gardens and adjoining Manor House. That experiment didn’t work, so it became a Gwinnett County Park in 1990.
There is a 0.6-mile loop trail which is generally considered an easy route that takes an average of 12 minutes to complete. This trail is very popular for birding and walking, but can offer some special solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round but is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.
The beautiful gazebo on the lake at Vines Park.
There are seven designated handicapped accessible spaces in the paved parking lot off of Oak Grove Road Southwest at the south end of the trail. All of them are van-accessible with striped access aisles. The trail surface is paved (with edge barriers and railings along boardwalks). It is typically at least five feet wide (with some wider passing spaces). The majority of the trail is estimated to be in the mostly gentle grade category (5 percent or less). This trail will likely be navigable for most wheelchairs/mobility equipment or stroller users. There are benches and picnic tables along the route for resting.
One of the Grecian statues along the trail at Vines Park.
The gardens are sprinkled with Grecian statues, non-working fountains and a peaceful lake. Several small streams pass through the forests leading to the lovely Swan Lake. There are still some year-round annuals and perennials, as well as a few roses, throughout the gardens providing a serene backdrop and pastoral retreat into nature at any time of year. The lovely Manor House can be seen nestled in the trees above the lake and gardens which serves as the ideal backdrop for any tour of the park.
Despite the neglect, the Vines Garden Park still offers a somewhat majestic environment to exhibit the peacefulness of nature. It is an idyllic setting that can evoke whimsy, fantasy, and the beauty of nature!
Park Entrance is at: 3500 Oak Grove Road, Loganville GA 30052.
Photos: by Bill Vanderford
