Welcome to E. P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park, one of 52 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 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 Olympic-size pool is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. In-Season 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 are free.
Please call ahead to confirm pool hours which are determined by seasonal help availability, and many of whom are returning back to school during mid-August.
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. Please contact the Aquatics Director for approval on the rate.
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 1. Call Northeast YMCA to register at 502-425-1271.
Adult Swim Lessons: Introduction to basic water skills for adults. Classes meet Monday-Thursday, June 1-11 from 6:30-7:30 PM Registration runs from April 27 to May 29, 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, August 10-20, from 6:30-7:15 PM. Registration ends August 7, 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 7:30-9:00 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 10:00-11:00 AM. Evening Classes: Wednesday evenings from 6:30-7:30 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. Morning Classes, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings from 9:00-10:00 AM. Evening Classes: Monday evenings from 6:30-7:30 PM: Cost: $3.00 per class.
Naturalist/Recreation Programs
Click here for a view by month of recreation and naturalist programs, and other happenings at the park. This calendar will help you plan your trip based around your favorite park activities!
Please be sure to check out the Special Events section of the web site for annual park events.
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 park's 12 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
There are Spring and Fall leagues available at the park. 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. Call the Park Recreation Office at 502-429-7270 for more information. Download Tennis Spring 2009 Registration
The 1-mile fitness trail is a crushed limestone, level grade trail with 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 trail. This trail is only open to hikers. Bicycles are not allowed on the trail. There is an additional trail near Shelter 3 which leads to the park’s vernal pond. Please visit the Recreation Office for an informational guide to the vernal pond. All trails are open year-round.
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. Open year-round. Membership is required before using the airfield. Please call 502-241-0344 for more information.
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 sand 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. The Pool 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/.
Community Gardens
The Tom Sawyer Community Gardens have grown to 85 garden plots. These gardens are available to the public at a cost of $25 per plot. One garden plot per family. Gardening is an excellent way for exercise, eating healthy, socializing, and learning. The park offers garden programs once a month at the gardens during the summer months, and there will be a Harvest Sampler held the first Saturday in October to celebrate the harvest. For more information, please call the Recreation Office at 502-429-7270.
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:
Know Your Neighbor: The This program is designed for newly formed groups or perhaps a groups with limited interaction. Being familiar with each others strengths, goals, and successes will be an asset when any challenging task arises.
Survivor Zone: Do you have an energetic group? Do they have a competitive nature? We have the program for you. Let us foster a healthy competition between your group and teach participants that there is no I in TEAM.
Bring the Spark Back: How is your creative edge? Challenging your brain to think outside the box is a great way to get those creative juices flowing. An arrangement of our Wacky Games is a sure way to give everyone a new perspective!
Have It Your Way: Is your group presenting a particular type of obstacle? Talk to us! Give us a goal you would like your group to achieve, and we will design activities to focus on those needs.
Fees vary depending on the activity. Contact the Recreation Office at 502-429-7270 for more information, pricing, and availability.