A Fresh Start for a Community Treasure: The Rome-Floyd ECO Center Unveils Its Transformation
- Jones Pierce Architects
- Jun 24
- 4 min read
We are thrilled to announce the grand re-opening of the Rome-Floyd ECO Center at Ridge Ferry Park in Rome, Georgia!
In March, City and County officials and the community celebrated the grand re-opening of the newly renovated and expanded ECO Center, marking a new chapter for this cherished facility.
In the three months since the ribbon cutting and grand re-opening, the ECO Center has welcomed more than 10,000 visitors, bumping the annual estimate to 24,000 or more visitors!
The Facility's Journey
Since it was established in 2011, the ECO Center has been a beacon of environmental education in Northwest Georgia. Housed in the City of Rome’s historic 1893 freshwater pumping station along the Oostanaula River, the ECO Center’s unique blend of history and hands-on learning has made it a regional treasure.
Over the past 14 years, the center has evolved from serving 600 visitors annually to welcoming more than 10,000 students, adults, and enthusiasts each year. The need for a larger, more modern facility became evident as the center's impact and visitor numbers grew.
The journey to this moment began in 2021, when Jones Pierce Architects partnered with the ECO Center team and city and county officials to envision a space that could better serve the growing needs of Rome, Floyd County, and the surrounding region. After four years of dedicated work, the center has been beautifully renovated and expanded, ready to serve the community with enhanced educational programs and modern facilities.
The Vision Becomes Reality
Enhanced Accessibility and Sustainability. The newly reopened ECO Center is a testament to thoughtful design and community collaboration. Visitors are now greeted by a welcoming, accessible entrance from the parking lot, making it more inviting and convenient for school groups, families, and community events. The renovation also emphasized sustainability, with water-conservation features integrated into the facility’s exterior, reinforcing the Center’s educational message.
Expanded Exhibit Spaces. Inside, expanded exhibit spaces feature large-scale aquariums teeming with native fish, turtles, frogs, and plants, as well as displays highlighting terrestrial species, local habitats, and conservation themes. This expansion allows for more interactive and immersive educational experiences.
More Functional Workspaces. For the staff and volunteers who make the ECO Center’s mission possible, new office and reception areas offer improved functionality and comfort, ensuring they can continue to deliver top-notch programming. The lower level, once a storage area, has been transformed into a flood-resistant, multi-function space—perfect for educational programs, community events, and gatherings of all sizes.
Improved Environmental Education Spaces. The renovated ECO Center is more than just a pretty face; it’s a powerhouse of educational opportunities. With increased exhibit space and modern classroom facilities, schoolchildren can now enjoy even more engaging and hands-on learning experiences, sparking curiosity about the Etowah, Coosa, and Oostanaula Rivers that define the region. In fact, visitors of all ages can explore both the indoor exhibits as well as an outdoor wetlands ecosystem, making environmental education more interactive and memorable than ever before.
Enhanced Community Benefits
The new design of the ECO Center is not only about education but also about community engagement. The Center now offers a versatile space for community events, workshops, and gatherings, fostering a stronger connection between local residents and their natural environment. Whether it's a school field trip, a community workshop, or a special event, the ECO Center is poised to be a hub of activity and learning for all.
Local History Meets the Local Environment. While embracing modern amenities, the renovation project has also preserved the historical integrity of the site. The original 1893 pumping equipment remains on display, serving as a living history lesson for visitors. This blend of old and new creates a unique educational experience that honors the past while looking toward the future.
A Successful Collaboration for All
The grand reopening of the Rome-Floyd ECO Center is more than a building project—it’s an investment in the city’s and county’s future, a gift to area schoolchildren, and a gathering place for citizens who care about conservation.
Jones Pierce Architects is proud to have played a part in this incredible journey, working alongside the dedicated ECO Center team, the City of Rome, and Floyd County to create a state-of-the-art facility that honors the past while embracing the future.
Plan a Visit to the ECO Center!
We invite everyone to visit the ECO Center and experience the wonder of Northwest Georgia's natural world like never before. Schedule your visit to the Center to learn about Northwest Georgia wildlife and natural resource conservation. You can find directions and visiting hours here.
What’s Your Vision?
Does this amazing story inspire you to take the next step in making your own vision a reality? Jones Pierce Architects is here to help you succeed (with fewer headaches)! Contact Cooper Pierce at (404) 446-3882, or email him to schedule a call.
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