E.P. “Tom” Sawyer Park In Kentucky Just Turned 50 Years Old And It's The Perfect Spot For A Day Trip
By Will Suphan|Published February 13, 2024
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Will Suphan
Author
Will has been living in Arizona off and on for 30+ years in the Phoenix Metro and Tucson areas. He has traveled all over the state as well as having lived all over the Southwest. He's been writing for OnlyInYourState for one year and has previously written for Digital Journal. Will has a passion for travel and writing and combining the two is what he loves most. He loves solo international travel and has been to Thailand, France, Japan, and Cambodia.
Here in the Bluegrass State, we are blessed with countless beautiful parks of all kinds. We’re especially proud of our state parks and like to celebrate them when we can. E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park is turning 50 years old and it is such a wonderful place to visit when you’re taking a day trip in Kentucky.
E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park opened in 1974 on the outskirts of Louisville and was named after the father of journalist Diane Sawyer. Erbon Powers "Tom" Sawyer was a Jefferson County Judge who lost his life in a car accident and this park was dedicated to his memory.
Sprawling over 550 acres, this beautiful park is filled with fun and recreation for all ages, with playgrounds set among the trees and areas for various sports like tennis, pickleball, BMX biking, basketball, and much more.
Walking trails are interspersed throughout the park which are perfect for strolling, jogging, walking your dog, birding, or simply relaxing on a trailside park bench to take in the beauty of the park and enjoy the weather.
The park has several forested areas which contain a great deal of wildlife. It’s not uncommon to see deer wandering the park as well as ducks, squirrels, and other critters.
There is a massive pool area which is a wonderful place to bring the family during the summer months for a swim or to play on the splash pads. It’s the largest public pool and splash pad area in Louisville!
A unique feature of this park is a 400-foot-long and 35-foot-wide runway built especially for small-scale remote-controlled model airplanes and is for members of River City Remote Controllers which you can apply to join.
Whether you come for badminton, softball, soccer, hiking, or simply having a lovely picnic, be sure to visit this gorgeous park and celebrate its 50th anniversary this year!