Kentucky Department of Parks

E.P. "Tom" Sawyer State Park Tom Sawyer Park is a mecca for indoor and outdoor recreation enthusiasts.

Naturalist & Recreation News

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. School Program topics are diverse and are divided into Pre-K to 5th Grade, 6th to 8th Grade, and High School. The programs are structured around core curriculum standards and are an ideal way to learn something new. These programs may be brought to the school or conducted at the park. For more information and a listing of available programs please call Jessica Evans or Laura Rissler at (502) 429-7270. Email: jessicar.evans@ky.gov and laura.rissler@ky.gov.


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/.


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 11-15 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:  Voted Best of Louisville by Louisville Magazine Nature, our 1.25-mile trail that runs along 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? Cost: $1.00/person. Please call ahead for gym availability.

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 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


Volunteers

E.P. Tom Sawyer is always in search of volunteers. Whether you want to volunteer for a one time event or if you wish to volunteer time each week, the park has a volunteer spot for you. We need volunteers for trail maintenance, wildlife monitoring, facility maintenance, special events, and more. Please call Jessica Evans at (502) 429-7270 if you would like to volunteer.


 

Meet Your Naturalist & Recreation Staff

Paige Fraley - Parks Program Service Supervisor

Paige Fraley, Program SupervisorPaige graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a degree in Recreation and Park Administration. She acquired her aquatics experience from working with several YMCA’s before taking the Aquatics Director position at E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park in 2005. She accepted the Parks Program Service Supervisor position in October of 2008. She leads various Red Cross programs from youths to adults, and her goal is to partner with other community organizations to build educational and recreational programs at the park.

 

Laura Rissler-Parks Program Service Leader

Laura RisslerBorn and raised in Louisville KY, Laura is returning to her roots as the newest member of the park's recreation staff. Previously she has worked with other City and State programs focusing on environmental education and recreation management. Laura will be over seeing operations at the park pool including programs such as water aerobics, pool rentals, and birthday parties.

 

Andy Cronin – Parks Program Services Leader

Andy CroninAndy’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.

 

Jessica Evans - Park Naturalist

Jessica EvansJessica is a native of Colorado, but migrated to the Midwest after high school. She received her degree at Purdue University in Anthropology with an emphasis in Archaeology. She has lead environmental education programs and naturalist programs for state and federal agencies. She hopes to expand upon the natural and cultural programs at the park as well as encourage recreation among the park guests. She oversees the Naturalist Programs and volunteers at the park.


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