Established in 1970
One of the most unique state parks in Kentucky is E.P. “Tom” Sawyer. The 550- acre park is located in Louisville in the northeastern part of Jefferson County off Westport Road. Named in honor of former Jefferson County judge executive, Erbon Powers Sawyer (1915-1969), the Commonwealth of Kentucky originally purchased the land for the park in June 1969 from the Kentucky Department of Mental Health. The Kentucky Department of Parks leased the land and the buildings in 1970 and the park opened in 1974. A portion of the property had once been used for farmland for the mental health hospital.
Louisville and the metropolitan Jefferson County area, is Kentucky’s largest urban center. Both city and county are steeped in Kentucky history. As one of the three original Kentucky Counties (Fayette, Jefferson, and Lincoln), Jefferson County grew rapidly in population and wealth. Rich farmlands bordering the Ohio River made the county one of the most desirable places to settle during the pioneer era. Louisville, Named in honor of the King Louis XVI of France for the French monarch’s support of the Americans struggle for independence from Great Britain during the Revolution, the Ohio River town became a major trading center.
Notables from America and Europe came to Louisville for business and pleasure. Charles Dickens visited the city and wrote that the Galt House Hotel was as fine as any hotel in Paris. Jenny Lind, the famous nineteenth century Swedish singer, performed in the city. Oscar Wilde, the brilliant British wit and playwright also visited Louisville.
Louisville is best known as the home of one of the most famous sporting events in the world—the Kentucky Derby. Since 1875, the first Saturday in May is dedicated to watching the best in thoroughbred racing. Millions of people watch via television and listen to radios to horse racing’s primer event.
The facilities of E.P. “Tom Sawyer” State Park are geared to an urban atmosphere. The park serves a need for recreation in an urban environment. The recreation building has a gymnasium, a basketball court, weight room, and areas for badminton and volleyball. There is a 50- meter swimming pool that is the largest in the Kentucky state parks system. There is a fitness trail along with an archery field, three lighted baseball diamonds, six soccer fields, twelve all-weather tennis courts, and picnic areas.
The park also boasts one of the nation’s best bicycle moto-cross (BMX) tracks. The park has hosted the BMX Grand National Races. Another feature of the park is a 400-foot by 35-foot paved runway for electronically controlled model airplanes and cars.
E.P. “Tom “Sawyer State Park is an extraordinary urban park. There are activities and events that offer something for even the most demanding individual. The park is open throughout the year.