Welcome to E. P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park, one of 53 Kentucky State Parks. E. P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park is named after Erbon Powers “Tom” Sawyer. He was born in Metcalfe County, Kentucky on November 18, 1915. He spent his life serving the public. He was a Naval Officer in World War II; a University of Louisville Law School graduate; and Jefferson County Judge Executive. He died tragically in an automobile accident on September 23, 1969. He is survived by his two daughters, Linda and Diane (co-anchor of ABC’s Good Morning America), and his wife, Jean.
E. P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park was once a farm worked by the former, much larger Central State Hospital. Many remnants, such as barns and cemeteries, still remain on park property. Governor Louie B. Nunn dedicated the park in the fall of 1971. By May of 1975, the park recreation building and pool were officially opened with the assistance of matching funds from a federal Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant.
E. P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park is a continually evolving facility. Over the years, the park’s Foundation Board, with the help of a Bingham Family Fund grant, has planted and cared for hundreds of trees. This project transformed the once barren fields into what we see today.
The population in Eastern Jefferson County has boomed in recent years, and thousands of people enjoy the facilities, programs, and beauty of nature here every day. Here at E. P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park, we are part of one of the nation’s finest state park systems. We welcome you to explore our Unbridled Sprit.
Whether you're planning your next social event or sports tournament, E. P. "Tom" Sawyer State Park has the space you need. The picnic area and shelter have tables and grills with rest room facilities in the shelter. Open year-round, fee for shelter rental.
Shelter Rentals
The park has three picnic shelters available for rent.
Shelter 1: Located near the main parking lot next to the children’s playground. Has two attached restrooms, electricity, water, grill, and space to accommodate up to 125 people.
Shelter 2: Located near the main parking lot to the right of the activities building. Has water, grill, portable restroom, and space to accommodate up to 100 people.
Shelter 3: Located on the backside of the park, off Lakeland Road at Gate 5. Has water, grill, restrooms, electricity and space to accommodate up to 50 people.
Shelters can be rented up to a year to the month in advance. Please call the Business Office at 502-429-3280 for shelter pricing and availability.
The 1-mile fitness trail has 10 exercise stations. The 1.25- mile Goose Creek nature trail meanders through open meadow habitat to a semi-wooded area along Goose Creek. The loop trail is an easy grade, and wheelchair accessible with assistance. Year-round.
The park features a BMX track that is considered one of the best in the country and hosts the National BMX Grand Championships every Labor Day Weekend. All riders must wear protective gear and comply with park and track rules. The track is not for the faint of heart. BMX races are held on weekends, spring through fall. Seasonal, March 1 - October 31, free for public when races are not being held, $ for racing. Visit www.derbycitybmx.org.
The park has 14 soccer fields, 5 lacrosse fields, 3 lighted softball fields, 1 ruby field, and 3 community athletic fields. Leagues and clinics are offered for various ages and levels of competition.
The Olympic-size pool is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Pool Hours: Sunday-Friday 12:00-6:30PM, and Saturdays 10:00 AM-6:30PM Cost: Ages 6 and up: $4.00, Ages 3-5: $3.00, Ages 2 and under: Free Season passes are also available. Passes are good through September 1, 2008
Group rates
Groups of 25 or more are invited to swim at a discounted rate. Please note that 24-hour notice is required to get the group rate discount.
Pool Rentals
The pool is available for rental for private parties. Rentals are available on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays from 7:30-9:30 PM. Cost includes exclusive use of the pool, balcony, locker rooms, and lifeguard staff.
AQUATIC PROGRAMS & LESSONS
Swim Lessons: YMCA Swim Lessons are available for ages 3 to 12 for all swim levels. Lessons begin the week of June 2. Cost is $65.00. Call Northeast YMCA to register at 502-425-1271.
Lessons (Mon-Thurs):Session I (June 2-12) Session II (June 16-26) Session III (June 30-July 10) Session IV (July 14-24)Session V (July 28-Aug. 7)
Adult Swim Lessons: Introduction to basic water skills for adults. Classes meet Monday-Thursday, July 21-31 from 6:00-7:00 PM Registration runs from June 1-July 14, space is limited. Cost: $50.00
Mommy and Me Swim Lessons: This class teaches basic water skills to help little ones get comfortable with the water. Specifically designed for ages 18 months to 4 years and parents. Classes meet Monday-Thursday, July 7-17 from 6:00-6:45 PM. Registration runs from June 1-July 3, space is limited. Cost: $45.00
Adult Lap Swim: Swimming is an excellent cardiovascular exercise. Lap swim is perfect for the novice swimmer looking for an alternative, or for triathlete in training, and everyone in between. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 7:00-9:00 PM: Cost: $3.00 per person
Water Aerobics: Our water aerobic classes provide a fun and friendly atmosphere in which exercises are aimed at building endurance, improving range of motion, and strengthening muscle while immersed in water, where the buoyancy of the water puts much less stress on your body and joints.. Morning Classes, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings from 9:00-10:00 AM and 10:00-11:00 AM. Evening Classes: Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6:00-7:00 PM: Cost: $3.00 per class
Deep Water Aerobics: Water weights are provided to allow participants to exercise without bearing any weight on the hips and joints. If walking or running bothers you, this is the class for you. This is a deep water class so swimming experience is suggested. Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9:00-10:00 AM: Cost: $3.00 per class
Aqua Chi: Tai Chi done in the buoyancy of water. The class will consist of gentle, fluid movements designed to promote toning, strengthening, flexibility and relaxation. Aqua Chi is in chest deep water and is easier on joints and muscles. This class benefits people of all ages. Water shoes are encouraged for greater balance. Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 10:00-10:45 AM: Cost: $3.00 per class
Deep Water Aerobics: Water weights are provided to allow participants to exercise without bearing any weight on the hips and joints. If walking or running bothers you, this is the class for you. This is a deep water class so swimming experience is suggested. Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9:00-10:00 AM: Cost: $3.00 per class
The park's 12 new state of the art tennis courts are open 7 a.m. to dusk daily.
Tennis Court Rentals
Courts can be rented for a fee up to six months in advance. Please contact the Recreation Office at 502-429-7270 for more information, pricing & availability
Tennis Leagues
Spring leagues begin April 21, 2008 - Fall leagues begin August 2008 We offer tennis leagues for play levels 2.0-4.0. Men’s, Women’s, Double’s, Senior (ages 50 and up), and Junior (ages 18-25) leagues are available. All leagues follow the USTA format. Registration is required for league participation. Spring registration begins Feb.1 and Fall registration begins June 1.
Tennis Lessons
Begin in late spring. Lessons are available for beginners and intermediate tennis players of all ages. Lessons are taught by a certified tennis instructor in a group format. Registration is required for participation and begins April 1. Cost: $80.00 per person for 8 lessons.
QUICKSTART TENNIS:
Now any child between ages 5-10 can start playing tennis almost immediately! The QuickStart format is tailor made for kids--court size, racquet size, scoring system, even net height! And like other popular sports, the QuickStart format stresses the importance of play and team competition. Learn as a team! Practice as a team! Compete as a team! ($25.00 fee includes 1 practice and 1 match each week, T-shirt, USTA Jr. membership, and a subscription to Smash Magazine Jr. Tennis publication). Any parents wanting to become team coaches or sponsors are invited. This program is sponsored by USTA Kentucky. Visit www.kentuckytennis.com or call 502-491-1290 for more information.
Model Airplane Airfield
Also of interest is a radio-controlled airfield. The runway (400 feet long, 35 feet wide) may be used by all pilot members of the Tom Sawyer Model Aircraft Association. Open 10 AM-dusk daily, except for dates reserved for contests. Year-round, $ for Association dues.
Archery
The archery range at E. P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park boasts six new targets, a safety fence, and bow holders. The range has target distances of 10, 20, 30, and 40 yards and 10 and 15 meters. The archery range is free and open to the public. If using broad head arrows, please use the broad head arrow pit. Group archery lessons are available for your scout troop, civic organization, or business. Adult and Youth archery lessons are offered in early fall. Our instructors are National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) Certified. Contact the Recreation Department at 502-429-7270 for more information, pricing, and availability.
Birthday Parties
Hey kids! Celebrate your big day with us! We offer three different birthday parties to suit everyone. All parties are overseen by a Personal Party Planner to ensure that all you have to do is enjoy the fun! Birthday parties are only available Memorial Day through Labor Day. Please contact the Recreation Office at 502-429-7270 for more information, pricing, and availability.
BIRTHDAY POOL PARTY - Includes two-hour pool patio party, food, drink, and swimming.
BASKETBALL BIRTHDAYS - Include two hours of gym time, food, and drink.
FUNTASTIC BIRTHDAYS - Include two hours of organized game play, food, and drink.
Dog Park
In association with the Louisville Dog Run Association, E.P. "Tom" Sawyer State Park is proud to be the first and only official dog park in Louisville. The dog park spans across four acres and is divided into two two-acre areas: one for small dogs (dogs under 30 pounds) and one for all dogs. Visit the LDRA for details and permit applications.
Louisville Astronomical Society and the
Urban Astronomy Center
The Louisville Astronomical Society (LAS), established in 1933, is dedicated to promoting astronomy to the people of Greater Louisville. LAS created an astronomy center right here at the park where they host free monthly Star Parties. You can gaze through their telescopes at the planets and stars or bring your own for a lesson. The facilities include a classroom where LAS conducts space programs for all ages. They are also available for group events. For Star Party dates and other information, visit their website: http://louisville-astro.org/.
Senior Activities
Location: Senior Community Garden Box.Communal gardens are gardens shared and cared for by the community. The Senior Community Garden Box at E. P. "Tom" Sawyer State Park provides an opportunity for seniors to "cultivate" an interest in planting, growing, and caring for plants. To get involved in this project, please call the Recreation Office at 429-7270.
Teambuilding Programs
E. P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park is now offering teambuilding programs for your corporate, school, civic, church, or scout group. Teambuilding is an excellent way to improve teamwork skills, gain self esteem, reduce stress, and have fun with your group. Activities available include, but are not limited to:
Archery: The sport of archery tests your patience, precision, and accuracy. Our certified archery instructors will teach your group the archery basics.
Wacky Games: Remember how carefree and fun childhood games can be? Prepare to laugh, play, and get messy.
Team/Corporate Challenges: Test your group’s abilities as a team; work on communication, bond, and take yourself to the edge. This will be something your group will talk about for years to come.
Scavenger Hunts: It’s the thrill of the hunt. Hunts can be basic, such as finding simple items around the park, to advanced, such as Geocaching.
Entertainers/Speakers/Inflatables: How about adding music, magic, living history, or bounce to your event? Inquire about what unique opportunities we have available.
Storytelling and S’mores: Plan a family friendly night for your group. We will provide a bonfire, entertainment, and s’mores snack. Children of all ages will enjoy sitting around the campfire, eating, and being close to friends. Fees vary depending on the activity. Contact the Recreation Office at 502-429-7270 for more information, pricing, and availability.