KERVILLE, Texas – The Jellystone Park on the Guadalupe River has officially reopened its riverfront after experiencing devastating floods last summer that significantly impacted the Texas Hill Country. The recovery marks a significant milestone for the community and the park, illustrating resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
The catastrophic flood, which occurred around the July 4 holiday, resulted in extensive damage to the park’s amenities, severely disrupting its operations for nearly a year. Bob Healey, the facilities manager at Jellystone Park, vividly recalls the destruction: “The water was still at least up to that tree, and it just took out everything that was down here.” The floodwaters wreaked havoc on the riverfront, while the park’s higher-ground attractions remained largely unscathed.
Healey further expressed the sheer force of nature, stating, “They were all washed down the street. What the water can do is terrifying.” Nearly one year later, the Kerrville community continues its efforts to clean and rebuild, emphasizing the importance of community spirit and cooperation during this challenging period.
Despite the challenges, there is a concerted effort to inform the public that Jellystone Park is open for business. Healey noted that misinformation circulating on social media, suggesting that camping along the Guadalupe River is unsafe, has impacted the park’s guest occupancy. “Over the past year, our occupancy has slowed down. We haven’t met as many people as we do, but I’m looking forward to picking up,” he added, demonstrating optimism for the future.
The reopening of Jellystone Park not only symbolizes recovery but also highlights the resilience of the Kerrville and Guadalupe River community. General Manager Garret Gelker expressed eagerness to welcome families back, stating, “It is a massively family-friendly park that you can just come enjoy foam parties and see Boo-Boo and Yogi, and it is so much fun. And just enjoy the river.”
As the park reopens, visitors can look forward to a variety of family-friendly activities while enjoying the natural beauty of the Guadalupe River. The park’s commitment to safety and fun is paramount, ensuring that families can create lasting memories in a welcoming environment.
