E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park Delivers Something for Everyone
In a community known for its outstanding array of city parks, a state-run recreational area needs to offer something really special, and fortunately for Louisville and its visitors, E. P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park delivers. If you’re looking for traditional park fare such as picnic shelters, a swimming pool, hiking trail and tennis courts, you’ll find a first-class array at E. P. "Tom" Sawyer State Park.
Harder-to-find facilities such as an archery range, model-airplane field or astronomy center? They’re available, too.
And for a business meeting or conference in a relaxing, natural environment, there’s the new Sawyer Hayes Community Center nestled in the woods.
E. P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park is one of 52 Kentucky State Parks and was named after Erbon Powers “Tom” Sawyer, a former Jefferson County Judge Executive who died in a 1969 auto accident. His daughter Diane Sawyer anchors ABC’s World News with Diane Sawyer.
Among the park’s attractions:
The Olympic-sized pool is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Hours are Sunday through Friday, noon to 6:30 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Admission is $4 for ages 6 and up, $3 for ages 3 to 5 and free for children 2 and under.
The Activities Center houses a gymnasium with seating for 600, indoor courts for basketball and badminton, locker and shower facilities, game area, meeting room, and offices.
The Community Center, with its fireplaces, stone floors and expansive windows, offers plenty of space and elegance for business meetings and other functions.
The park's 12 tennis courts are open 7 a.m. to dusk daily. Rentals can be reserved up to six months in advance.
A 400-foot-long airfield for radio-controlled model planes is available for pilot members of the Tom Sawyer Model Aircraft Association.
The archery range at Sawyer offers six new targets, a safety fence and bow holders, with target distances of 10, 20, 30, and 40 yards and 10 and 15 meters. The range is free and open to the public.
For summer birthdays, you can be sure to make a splash with a pool party at Sawyer State Park. Birthday celebrations are available Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Does Rover need room to run? In association with the Louisville Dog Run Association, Sawyer provides the only official dog park in Louisville, a four-acre spread with areas for small and larger dogs.
Stargazers can take advantage of the astronomy center created at the park by the Louisville Astronomical Society. Enjoy free monthly Star Parties where you can gaze through society telescopes or bring your own.
The park features a BMX track that's considered one of the best in the country and hosts the National BMX Grand Championships every Labor Day Weekend. The season runs from March 1 through Oct. 31.
Posted on Feb 8, 2011 by Bill Wolfe
