ROBERT, La., May 16, 2017 — The floods that roared through Robert last August were the worst Maurice LeBlanc Jr. and his wife, Me-Me, had ever seen at their 374-site Jellystone Park campground, which has survived numerous Hurricanes over the years, including Katrina, Gustav, Lee and Isaac.

“We had water in 84 of 85 cabins,” Maurice LeBlanc said.

But while the floodwaters were only in the park for 12 hours, it was long enough for the water to permeate the cabins’ walls and soak their insulation, creating the potential for mold.

The floodwaters also damaged his swimming pools and pool decks.

But thanks to recent approval of a Small Business Administration loan, the LeBlancs expect to replace most of the cabins and pool deck and surfaces in time for Memorial Day.

“I’m going to replace 75 cabins right away,” he said. “The other 10 are a lower priority.”

LeBlanc expects to complete most of the work soon, which will help the park get back to its pre-flood business levels.

The Jellystone Park in Robert has a long history in Louisiana.

The 100-acre campground was originally established by Maurice’s father, Maurice LeBlanc Sr., in 1975. Maurice and his two brothers and five sisters all worked at the park at various times. Maurice Jr. and Me-Me have owned and operated the business for the past 25 years and have continued to grow the business, despite suffering damage and storm-related business losses with Hurricanes Katrina, Gustav, Lee and Isaac.

Jellystone Parks are famous for providing fun, family activities and themed weekends that include everything from crafts and games to wagon rides. Birthday parties with the bears and daily appearances by Yogi Bear™ are also very popular.

Themed weekend activities, such as Luau weekends, often include limbo contests and sand castle building. Mardi Gras themed weekends include parades, cookouts and dances, while Christmas in July weekends include campsite decorating contests, campsite caroling, cookie and ornament making activities. The increasingly popular Halloween themed weekends include costume and campsite decorating contests and trick or treating activities.

The Jellystone Park in Robert also has many onsite amenities, including two swimming pools, a water sprayground, two fishing lakes with canoes, paddle boats and kayaks, as well as a miniature golf course.

For more information on the Jellystone Park in Robert, La., visit www.jellystonela.com.