The Waycross Okefenokee Swamp Park has a new operations and facility manager.
Hunter Barber has worked with the Okefenokee Swamp Park for the past 12 years. He began 2026 as the local landmark’s new operations and facility manager.
Levi Welling announced his resignation as Director of Operations at OSP in December to become Westside Regional Park Manager with Nassau County (Fla.) Parks and Recreation Department.
Barber wants people to know about a special discount for local communities of which they might not be aware.
Residents of any county which is part of the Okef enokee Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA), which inc ludes 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 showing your ID and your entire group receives the discount.
Some of the park’s signature annual events are not included in the discount, such as the traditional Christmas Light Show and the recently added Halloween Swamptacular.
Barber says an everyday trip out to the swamp can help make visitors aware of what else it has to offer. This month a special twohour 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 14-foot length. Barber invited all to visit and make the comparison themselves.
Barber
