The Jellystone Park on the Guadalupe River at Kerrville has reopened its riverfront after last summer’s destructive floods, and staff like Bob Healey and General Manager Garret Gelker are inviting families back to the water and campground. This piece follows how the July 4 flood damaged the lower riverfront, the cleanup that followed, and how the park and the Kerrville community are working to rebuild business and trust. You’ll read direct quotes from Bob Healey and Garret Gelker about what the water did and what the park is offering now.
The July 4 flood left a clear line on the landscape and a tougher line across people’s memories. The lower riverfront at Jellystone Park took the worst of it, while attractions on higher ground escaped major damage. Staff found whole sections of shoreline and amenities simply gone after the surge pulled through.
Bob Healey, the facilities manager, described the scene in stark terms. “The water was still at least up to that tree, and it just took out everything that was down here,” he said, a simple line that captures how quickly a place can change. Those words cut through the polite optimism and show what crews were up against during cleanup.
After the flood the force of the river was painfully obvious in the debris that washed away and the infrastructure that didn’t survive. “They were all washed down the street,” he said. “What the water can do is terrifying.” Those two sentences are a grim reminder of both nature’s power and the long shuffle to recovery.
Rebuilding the riverfront was not just moving items back into place; it meant rethinking safety, flow, and how amenities sit with the river’s rhythms. Teams had to dig out soaked footing, re-anchor picnic areas, and remove debris that would have been hazards for kids and families. Every repaired bench and cleared path is a small victory after months of hard work.
In the meantime, misinformation about the safety of camping on the Guadalupe River started circulating on social feeds and word-of-mouth. “We’re trying to let people know we are still open. There’s been a lot of posts on social media saying don’t camp on the Guadalupe River anywhere,” Healey said, pointing out how false impressions can hurt small businesses. The rumor mill shaved occupancy and made outreach as essential as reconstruction.
The park’s bookings slowed over the past year, and staff felt the pinch. “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,” Healey added, acknowledging both the setback and the expectation of rebound. That optimism is practical — it’s backed by repaired facilities, clean water access, and events planned to bring families back.
Local recovery is a community effort and the park’s reopening is one visible sign that Kerrville is moving forward. Volunteers, contractors, and park staff coordinated to get the lower riverfront safe and welcoming again. Their work is meant to signal that this is a place where kids can splash and parents can relax without worrying about leftover damage.
Garret Gelker, the park’s general manager, is selling the experience with plain enthusiasm and family focus. “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,” Gelker said, inviting families back to simple pleasures. That pitch cuts to the heart of why people choose Jellystone — it’s about memories, not just campsites.
The park is leaning into events and family programming to rebuild momentum and reassure visitors that the riverfront is safe and open. From foam parties to character meet-and-greets, the appeal is uncomplicated and designed for parents looking to relax. Staff members emphasize routine safety checks and visible repairs so newcomers can see the work that went into reopening.
Business recovery is never instant, especially when local economies depend on weekend visitors and seasonal traffic. But the park’s leadership is taking practical steps: clear communication, active outreach, and visible improvements along the riverline. Those moves aim to bring back the steady flow of campers who know Jellystone Park as a reliable, family-focused getaway.
Kerrville’s broader community is still sorting through flood impacts, but the reopened riverfront is a morale booster. It’s a reminder that while storms can erase temporary fixtures, they cannot easily erase community will or the desire to get outdoors with family. For now, the park is open, the river access is restored, and staff are standing by to welcome visitors back to the Guadalupe.
