The entrance to J.F. Gregory Park. The Wetlands Center is at the back of the park.

Richmond Hill & Bryan County Guide

The Wetlands Center at J.F. Gregory Park

The John W. Stevens Wetlands Education Center: a city meeting and event space with exhibits on coastal wetlands, at the back of Richmond Hill’s biggest park.

A Living Richmond Hill guide · Updated October 2026

At a glance

Official name
John W. Stevens Wetlands Education Center
Address
500 Cedar Street, Richmond Hill, GA 31324, at the rear of J.F. Gregory Park
Run by
City of Richmond Hill
Phone
912-756-3345 (City Hall)
Facility hours
9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, per the city
Rental
$200 weekday / $350 weekend for residents; non-residents add $100; $200 cleaning deposit

Locals call it “the Wetlands Center.” It is a city-owned building at the back of J.F. Gregory Park, the city’s 335-acre park off Cedar Street. The city describes it as a meeting place and “an interactive educational experience, with information about wetland ecosystems and preservation.” It’s also a rental hall: community groups hold meetings, fundraisers and events like the Coastal Bryan Tree Foundation’s oyster roast there.

Visiting

J.F. Gregory Park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. It has parking, a playground, picnic tables and walking and bike trails, and the city notes that wildlife can be spotted along the trail. The city lists the Wetlands Center building’s hours as 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day, but it is also rented for private events. If you want to see the exhibits, call City Hall at 912-756-3345 before you go.

Renting the Wetlands Center

Rates (City of Richmond Hill)

Resident Non-resident Cleaning deposit
Weekday $200 $300 $200
Weekend $350 $450 $200
The city lists non-resident rates as the resident rate plus $100. An older city reservation packet shows lower prices, so confirm the rate when you book.

What’s included

  • 8 round tables (5-foot), 20 rectangular tables and 140 chairs
  • Wireless internet
  • A fully furnished kitchen with a commercial ice machine
  • Restrooms, parking and a grill

Setup service is not provided, so plan your own crew for tables and decorations.

How to book

Reserve through the city’s park reservations portal (bit.ly/ParkReservationsRH, Facility Rentals tab). The city takes reservations up to 180 days ahead, and each one is approved by city staff. Alcohol at an event requires City Council approval, and fireworks are not allowed. Questions go to parkreservations@richmondhill-ga.gov or 912-756-3345.

Find it on the map

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Wetlands Center in Richmond Hill?

At the rear of J.F. Gregory Park. The city lists its address as 500 Cedar Street; the park’s main address is 521 Cedar Street.

How much does it cost to rent?

Per the city’s facility page: $200 on weekdays and $350 on weekends for residents, plus $100 for non-residents, with a $200 cleaning deposit.

How many people does it hold?

The city doesn’t publish a maximum occupancy. It provides 140 chairs and 28 tables. Ask City Hall about capacity for your event.

Can we serve alcohol?

Only with City Council approval, according to the city’s reservation rules.

More around J.F. Gregory Park

Sources

  1. City of Richmond Hill, “John W. Stevens Wetlands Education Center” facility page: address, hours, phone, description, equipment, rental fees. richmondhill-ga.gov/facilities/facility/details/John-W-Stevens-Wetlands-Education-Center-7 (read Oct. 15, 2026)
  2. City of Richmond Hill, J.F. Gregory Recreational Park facility page: 335 acres, park hours, amenities.
  3. City of Richmond Hill, Park Reservations: booking portal, 180-day window, alcohol and fireworks rules, contact. richmondhill-ga.gov/152/Park-Reservations
  4. City of Richmond Hill, Wetlands Center Reservation Packet (undated): older rate schedule.

Facts checked October 15, 2026 by the Living Richmond Hill team. Something changed? Tell us.