2010 Update

Over the winter months, tracks one, two and three in the area between Peachtree Bridge and the Dogwood Tunnels were removed for re-alignment and re-ballasting. This included lowering the grade at the approaches leading up to the steel bridge and raising the low areas where track bed had subsided.

Improvements to drainage required the building of rock wall retainers and two new wooden deck bridges.

During the same time period, work commenced on re-development of Vines City by constructing new roads on either side of the trolley line with provision for buildings located at roadside.

All of the above being completed in time for the Grand Opening on National Train Day. May 8th. 2010.

The Grand Opening was well attended with an estimated 350 to 400 visitors joining us to watch the trains and a re-enactment of the ceremony, driving the golden spike, in joining East and West of the Transcontinental Railroad at Promontory Summit, May 10th. 1869.

New additions to the Vines Garden Railroad collection included Thomas the Tank Engine together with coaches Annie and Clarabel. Going by the shrieks of enjoyment from our youngest visitors, Thomas and Friends were very well received.

Staff members of the Gwinnett County Parks Association handed out coloring books and handicraft projects for the youngsters to complete. Hot dogs and snacks together with ice tea and lemonade were available. With free ice cream from Mayfield Dairies being enjoyed by children of all ages.

On July 11th. 2010, volunteers from the Vines Garden Railroad hosted members of the Georgia Garden Railroad Society for their monthly club meeting. Luncheon and refreshments being provided with GGRS members bringing dessert dishes for all to enjoy.

In partnership with the Southeastern Railway Museum, members of the Vines Garden Railroad set up a 16' x 24' display for the annual Model Railroad Days November 6th. and 7th. 2010. The reception by both visitors and museum officials being very well received. So much so we were asked if the display could remain for the Santa Days in November and December.

Vines Garden Railroad exhibit SRM December 2010.

Additional photos may be viewed at the gallery.

While not included in VGR activities for 2010 it is interesting to note a series of meetings were held during the summer months. Gwinnett Parks and Recreation Project Administration selected a committee from local residents, including representatives from the Vines Mansion and the VGR, to assist in formulating a Master Plan for the new Vines Park. The final Vines Park Site Master Plan was forwarded to and accepted by the County Recreational Authority. The plan itself may be viewed at the Gwinnett County website:

Vines Park Master Plan

This proposal is for future development of the park and will require the Vines Garden Railroad to be moved to a new location due to construction of a new access road and modifications to the existing dam and spillway. The budget for this project has NOT been approved and is not included within the present, April 2009 to March 2014, Gwinnett County S.P.L.O.S.T. fund. Only if this fund is voted upon to be extended and the budget for the new Vines Park approved, is there any possibility that the Vines Garden Railroad will be required to move. This is a future plan and may be subject to change at any time.

The proposed County budget for the railroad re-location allows for preparing the site, fencing, moving the clubhouse and installing utilities. Building of the VGR, installing track, scenery and buildings will be the responsibility of the Vines Garden Railroad volunteers. Costs could be in excess of $10,000.00 depending on how much work the volunteers themselves are able to undertake. Plans for the new layout and cost estimates are in the process of being prepared in readiness for a fund drive and donations of time and material.

As always we recognize the contributions made by our visitors during the year and our corporate sponsors who assisted us in preparing for the National Train Day and Georgia Garden Railroad Society events. THANK YOU! :