Jellystone rebuilds after fire
Construction workers build the frame for the new “Ranger Station” at Jellystone Campground, east of Austin on Interstate 90. -- Matt Peterson/matt.peterson@austindailyherald.com
Campground’s new look takes shape
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park is taking shape, as owners Tammy and Ken Westrich work to rebuild the main lodge that was destroyed in a fire in October.
“It’s coming alive now,” Tammy said. “We’re looking forward to the opening of the new features. Everything will be new and refreshed and exciting.”
The campground’s main lodge, known as the “Ranger Station,” was a total loss after a fire tore through it in October. Westrich said they plan to have everything rebuilt and open by April 15, when the campground opens for the 2012 season.
Not only will Jellystone be getting a new and improved Ranger Station, but the Westrichs are adding a pavilion and a separate building for showers and bathrooms. Altogether, the new buildings will cost more than 10,000 square feet.
The pavilion will have roll-up doors, so campers can use it rain or shine, and the new bathroom and shower building will be heated and air conditioned, which is new.
Westrich said the Ranger Station will be getting an upgrade, too.
She said the style will be rustic, yet modern, and will be much more open and spacious than the previous lodge. The new building will include a room for adults with sofa lounges and a big screen TV. It will also house the same things the previous lodge housed — a teen room, game room, restaurant, gift shop, offices, multi-purpose room and Yogi Bear’s private hideaway.
“The minute you walk in the building it will be at home, country, Yogi-rific, yet modern,” Westrich said.
The campground is undergoing another upgrade along with the post-fire construction. Westrich said they are adding three to five new cabins, and they are installing sewer systems to 50-70 existing sites.
“We’re so excited about it,” Westrich said. “All of us from Jellystone Park wish everyone a happy holiday and look forward to the 2012 camping season.”