Naturalist & Recreation News
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/.
Archery Facilities
If you enjoy archery, come on out to E.P. Tom Sawyer and check out our newly refurbished archery range and targets. We’ve even added a broad head pit. Group lessons can be arranged for 10 or more people for $10 a person. Lessons are taught by one of our certified archery instructors. Kids encouraged!
Educational Programming
E.P. Tom Sawyer is excited to offer educational programs to schools and community organizations. Program topics are diverse and can be tailored to specific groups. For more information and a listing of available programs please call or email the park naturalist. Phone: (502) 429-7270. Email: tessa.edelen@ky.gov.
Summer Camps
E. P. “Tom” Sawyer is committed to providing quality, educational, and fun kids day camps. Class sizes are limited, so register today! Cost for each camp is $90.00 per week, per child. Camps run from 9:00 AM-3:00 PM daily. All children will need to bring a sack lunch, swim suit, towel, and sunscreen to camp every day. Registration is required for all camps. Please call the Recreation Office for more information on each individual camp or to register.
FUN CAMP - June 2-6 (Ages 5-7) & August 4-8 (Ages 5-7): What better way to kickoff summer break than with a week full of FUN! Kids will enjoy games, crafts, swimming, and just being kids.
OUTDOOR SKILLS - June 9-13 (Ages 8-12) & July 7-11 (Ages 12-14): This is your opportunity to learn and experience the basics of outdoor living, wilderness survival, setting up camp, backpacking, cooking, and “Leave No Trace” skills. Camp concludes with an overnight family campout. Additional cost of $15.00 for family of 2-4, $20.00 for family of 5-6.
CHEERLEADING CAMP - June 16-20 (Ages 8-12): Do you have S-P-I-R-I-T in your H-E-A-R-T? Campers will learn the basics of cheering including simple stunts, jumps, and tumbling. This class is designed for young beginners who want an introduction to cheerleading skills.
BABYSITTERS TRAINING - June 30-July 3 (Ages 11-15): This American Red Cross certified course will teach information and skills necessary to become a successful babysitter. Participants will earn a Babysitters Training Certificate after completion of the training.
SPORTS CAMP: BOYS EDITION - July 14-18 (Ages 8-12): This is THE camp for that aspiring athlete! Campers will participate in basketball, football, baseball, soccer, archery, running, and much more. Sports drills, following rules, and sportsmanship will be an important component to this camp.
SPORTS CAMP: GIRLS EDITION - July 21-25 (Ages 8-12): Ladies will participate in sports more popular with women such as softball, volleyball, soccer, basketball, tennis, and much more. Sports drills, following rules, and sportsmanship will be an important component to this camp.
Recreation Opportunities
At E. P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park, we have a vast array of recreational opportunities to suit every taste. For information about our programs, call 502-429-7270.
BABYSITTER TRAINING CLASSES: This class is designed for youth ages 11-17 to become safe and successful childcare givers. Contact the Recreation Office at 502- 429-7270 for more information, class times, and pricing.
BADMINTON: This game originated over 2000 years ago and is a very popular and competitive sport worldwide. Come test your skills at open-play badminton. Sundays: 12:00-2:00 PM Wednesdays: 6:00-8:00 PM Cost: $3.00 per person.
FITNESS TRAIL: Walking just 30 minutes a day at least 4 days a week improves energy, promotes weight loss, and decreases risks of some diseases. Improve your health on our one-mile crushed limestone loop.
GOOSE CREEK NATURE TRAIL: Recently voted Best of Louisville by Louisville Magazine Nature lovers rejoice! Our 1.25-mile trail that runs along side of Goose Creek has various tree and plant species for you to “discover” as well as relaxing melodies of an abundant bird population.
OPEN PLAY BASKETBALL: What better way to burn off steam or get in more practice than with a pick-up game of basketball? Wednesdays: 1:00-5:00 PM.
CPR INSTRUCTION : American Red Cross Lay Responder CPR/First Aid/AED Certification classes available to groups of 10 or more. Contact the Recreation Office at 502-429-7270 for more information, pricing, and availability.
PICKLEBALL: It’s a game, not a vegetable! This is a fun, fast-paced paddle game that combines tennis and ping-pong. This is an excellent game for all ages. Tuesdays and Thursdays: 9:00-11:00 AM Cost: $2.00 per person.
Softball
The softball complex at E. P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park has been newly renovated. The fields received new dirt and field conditioner, laser grading, new bases, new signage, and fence work.
SOFTBALL LEAGUES: Spring Leagues begin April 14, 2008 - Fall Leagues begin August 2008 Leagues are available for Men and Co-Ed Mixed. All leagues are sanctioned by and follow a USSSA format. Registration begins February 1 for Spring leagues and June 1 for Fall leagues. Registration is required for league participation. Registration fee includes USSSA team sanctioning fee, two new balls per game, score books and rule books. Contact the Recreation Office at 502-429-7270 for more information, pricing, and availability.
SOFTBALL FIELD RENTAL: E. P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park has three softball fields available for rental for a fee. Please contact the Recreation Office at 502-429-7270 for more information, pricing, and availability
Dog Obedience Classes
Does your pooch need behavior management? Or perhaps you’d like to teach your old dog new tricks? Whatever the case, we have just the solution!. Dog obedience is now being offered at E. P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park. All classes are taught by the Kentucky Humane Society. All classes will meet in the gymnasium of the Activities Building.
Session I : Tuesdays, February 12 - March 18 - Manners for Life - 6:00 PM & Positively Puppies - 7:15 PM. Thursdays, February 28 - April 3, Manners for Life - 6:00 PM & Positively Puppies - 7:15 PM
Session II : Tuesdays, April 1 - May 6, Manners for Life - 6:00 PM & Positively Puppies - 7:15 PM. Thursdays, April 17 - May 22, Manners for Life - 6:00 PM & Positively Puppies - 7:15 PM
For a description of classes or to register, please contact the Kentucky Humane Society at 502-515-3130 or visit www.kyhumane.org.
Meet Your Naturalist & Recreation Staff
Jim Andy Hahn – Parks Program Services Supervisor
Since joining the team in February of 2006 Jim Andy has been the Parks Program Services Supervisor at E.P. 'Tom' Sawyer State Park where he oversees the daily operations and special event of the Parks Recreation Department.
Nikki Boyd – Parks Program Service Leader
For the past 5 years, Nikki has been a Park Program Services Leader at E. P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park. Her health background has allowed her to introduce various health-related activities to the park including Get Moving KY, the Truth About Diet and Exercise class, aerobics classes, yoga, and the Run for the Rawhide 5K.
Andy Cronin – Parks Program Services Leader
Andy’s experience at E.P. Tom Sawyer began with an internship in college. He received his degree in recreation at Western Kentucky University. Since then, he has worked with other organizations facilitating recreation programs. Today, he is a Parks Program Service Leader. He oversees the softball program, the safety committee, and special events.
Tessa Edelen - Park Naturalist
New to Tom Sawyer, Tessa is the park’s first naturalist. She is a Kentucky native recently returned to the state. Her educational background is in botany and geography. She will be presenting a variety of nature themed programs including guided hikes, kids’ activities, and workshops throughout the year. She has also taken on the park’s invasive species and is always looking for volunteers.
Naturalist Newsletter
Park Naturalist Tessa Edelen will be writing a quarterly newsletter. If you are interested in being on the mailing list, contact her at tessa.edelen@ky.gov.
Volunteers
E.P. Tom Sawyer needs volunteers! From trail building to triathlons, there is a lot of work to be done. There are also internship opportunities available. Please call the park today if you would like to volunteer.
Fitness Trail
Our fitness trial is a great way to exercise throughout the year.
Program Flyers & Brochures
More Information
Contact Information
E. P. "Tom" Sawyer State Park
3000 Freys Hill Road
Louisville, KY 40241-2132
Business Office: 502-429-3280
Recreation: 502-429-7270
Park Manager: Chris Head