FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

Contact:  Dave Landry
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park
Camp-Resort in Gatlinburg

Phone:  (423) 487-5534
www.greatsmokyjellystone.com

Jellystone Park in Gatlinburg Wins Award for Excellence in Camping Industry

Gatlinburg, TN (May 13, 2008) – Dave and Marta Landry, owners and operators of the Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Gatlinburg, have been recognized as Operators of the Year by the Jellystone Park franchise system. The park also received a five-diamond inspection rating – the highest mark assigned – from the camping industry’s Woodall’s Rating System.

The Operator of the Year Award is given to the Camp-Resort that demonstrates the strongest overall business system among the more than 70 Jellystone Parks across the United States and Canada. Evaluation criteria include customer service, inspection ratings, daily management, and business growth. The award was presented at the annual meeting of the Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort group in Cincinnati, Ohio.

“Receiving this recognition in the company of such first-class Camp-Resorts is a tremendous honor,” said Dave Landry. “We’re proud to offer an award-winning getaway to both residents and visitors of Gatlinburg, and we’re continuing to expand and enhance our programs for children and families.”

The park’s new Junior Ranger Program allows children and parents to set out on guided hikes led by a member of the Appalachian Bear Rescue Program. Hikers explore the Smokey Mountains behind the park and learn hiking safety tips. Families also will enjoy the remote-control truck races and scavenger hunts. Themed weekends, concerts, movies and wagon-ride sing-alongs with Yogi and his friends are just a few camper favorites.  

Visitors looking to get away from it all can relax in the park’s picturesque forest setting. Nestled at the edge of the Great Smokey Mountains National Park, the Camp-Resort’s wooded, streamside camping offers guests a scenic retreat. Those looking to gather and play with friends can visit the game room, swimming pool, outdoor theater or mini golf course.

Gatlinburg’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort is open for the season through January 5, 2009, with recreational programming running from March through October.

About Jellystone Parks™

Launched in 1969 by D.M. Haag, the Jellystone Park system is now the second largest chain of campgrounds in the United States, boasting more than 70 campgrounds with more than 15,000 campsites in 27 states and Canada.  Its Camp-Resorts are among the best campgrounds in the industry with a quality reputation for being fun, friendly, clean and service-oriented parks that on average have a higher revenue per site night and a longer average stay than that experienced by other campgrounds – independent or franchised.  Additionally, each Jellystone Park is themed with Yogi Bear elements providing instant recognition and consumer appeal.  It is truly a place “Where You Camp With Friends.”®   

Yogi Bear Jellystone Parks are franchised through Leisure Systems, Inc. (LSI), a wholly owned subsidiary of The Park River Corporation, Cincinnati, Ohio. For more information about Jellystone Parks, visit www.campjellystone.com.