New Jellystone managers enjoy the many visitors to the park

     There are new faces greeting guests and visitors at Monticello’s Jellystone Park.

     Lisa Ellizondo and Ted Festa are the new managers of the campground, coming here from Pittsfield, Ill. Prior to arriving here, they were managers of another Jellystone park for about four years.

     They took over operations in Monticello on May 25.

     “The company (franchise) bought both parks and asked us to come here,” said Ellizondo.

     Both Ellizondo and Festa said they were up for the challenge of taking on another campground and park.

     “This is a new place and it allows us to meet new people and still do what we like to do,” said Ellizondo. “People come from all over here.”

     Most Jellystone parks are similar in amenities, which helps when managing the parks. In terms of similarities, the couple said the Jellystone parks in Pittsfield and Monticello both have lakes/ponds, a waterpark, a campground, and lodging units.

     “Both are around rural and small towns,” added Ellizondo.

     However, Jellystone in Pittsfield is larger in size compared to Monticello.

     “They each have their own dynamics,” she said.

     The couple said running Jellystone is like managing a city when it comes to utilities and the property. They also prepare the food and manage the staff.

     “It’s a little city here,” said Ellizondo.

     After taking over management duties, the couple moved into the house at the campground.

     “Living here has its pros and cons,” offered Festa.

     Before they officially took over, they drove to Monticello and toured the community to make sure it was going to be a good fit for them.

     “This is a really cute little town,” praised Festa. “It’s a nice area.”

     “Everybody has been very friendly, too,” added Ellizondo.

     “And super helpful,” offered Festa. “It was an easy transition.”

     They also praise the staff for sticking around during the shift in management and continuing to be dedicated to the park.

     “The staff stayed on, which was great,” said Ellizondo. “We all work as a great team, which is needed to make all of this work.”

     “We’re just thankful for the staff we have and the support of local vendors,” thanked Festa.

     Jellystone employs about 48 full- and part-time employees, as well as seasonal. They work in such areas as recreation, the beach, housekeeping, the snack bar, the office, security, grounds and maintenance, etc.

     “We have a lot going on,” said Ellizondo.

     Ellizondo said they really got to know local contractors when they were in need of a plumber, electrician, and someone to work on their septic tank.

     Since late May, Jellystone has remained quite busy, not just with seasonal and weekend campers, but members of the community and surrounding areas that come out for the pool and wibit water park. Just before Ellizondo and Festa took over, the previous owners, Chip and Kim Smith, added an expansion to the wibit due to its popularity.

     While they’re still getting to know everyone associated with the campground, Ellizondo and Festa do have some ideas for future upgrades.

     “We’re definitely interested in making some changes,” hinted Festa. “We have big plans for this park.”

     The couple enjoys this line of work, managing a campground, because every day is something different.

     “You never know what we have going on,” said Ellizondo. “One day our staff is hosting a pizza party, the next, they’re in bear suits.”

     Yes, Jellystone is home to Yogi Bear, Boo Boo, and Cindy Bear.

     Between the two of them, Ellizondo and Festa have six children; their oldest son lives and works with them at Jellystone.

     Just this week, Monticello’s Jellystone Park was named the best campground in Iowa by Parade Magazine.

     “People are just excited to get out and experience time with their families,” said Ellizondo of coming back from the COVID pandemic.