The Waycross Okefenokee Swamp Park has a new operations and facility manager and he wants people to know about a special discount for local communities of which they might not be aware.
Hunter Barber has worked with the Okefenokee Swamp Park for the last 12 years, but he began 2026 as the local landmark’s new operations and facility manager. One of his first priorities was getting word out to the public about a special discount the swamp park has always honored, but many do not use.
Residents of any county which is part of the Okefenokee Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA), which includes Pierce, Ware, Brantley, Coffee, Clinch, Charlton, Bacon and Atkinson Counties, can get 25 percent discount off the cost of general admission and basic tour packages. All you have to do is prove residence in one of those eight counties by show your ID and your entire group receives the discount.
Obviously, some of the park’s signature annual events are not included in the discount, such as the traditional Christmas Light Show and the more recently added Halloween Swamptacular, but Barber says an everyday trip out to the swamp can help make visitors aware of what else is offered. Just this month a special 2 hour guided kayaking tour has been made available on Thursdays and Fridays.
As for the fondly remembered Oscar, the park’s dominant bull alligator until his death in 2007, his bones are now on display for visitors to see. Obadiah, the new gator ruling the roost, can often be seen on boat tours, but at 11 feet, 1 inch it might be a little while before he reaches old Oscar’s approximately fourteen foot length.
Barber invites everyone to come out and make the comparison themselves.
