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Department of Parks
Much to Do at Sawyer State Park in January and February
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Family competitions, a hike on the site of the old Central State Hospital, bird watching for beginners and Valentine’s Day geocaching for chocolate kisses are among the activities on the agenda for January and February 2010 at E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park.
Explore Central State Hospital Hike
Saturday, Jan. 16 at 2 p.m. Meet at Picnic Grove. Fee: $2/person.
Central State Hospital existed for more than 100 years on what is now park land. Many stories centered on the patients and the staff have been emerging. Join park staff as we peruse the structural remains of the site and discuss mental health care of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Recreation to Go - Survival Style
Saturday, Jan. 23 from 1-3 p.m. Meet at the Activities building. Fee: $5 for family of 5/ $2 for each additional person.
Families will show tribe pride as they compete for the title of Ultimate Tribe! Obstacle courses, trivia, puzzles, zany endurance challenges, and much more will test your team’s ability to work together, all while having fun and staying active. All ages and athletic abilities are welcome. We will be going outdoors for small portions of the event, so please dress for the weather.
Volunteer Trail Work Day
Wednesday, Feb. 10 at 12 p.m. Meet in the park gymnasium.
The trails at E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park continually need maintenance to keep them in good shape for our walkers and joggers. Join us for an afternoon of removing low- hanging limbs, eradicating invasive plants and rebuilding eroded sections of the trail. Wear sturdy shoes, gloves and warm clothing.
Beginner Bird Watching
Saturday, Feb. 13 at 2p.m. Meet at Picnic Grove. Fee: $2/person.
Do you love to watch the birds or would you like to start watching birds to identify their colors and songs? Take a walk with the state park naturalist and learn the enjoyment of observing our feathered friends. Late winter is a great time to begin.
Caching for Kisses
Sunday, Feb. 14 from 2-5 p.m. Meet at the Activities Building. Fee: $12/ person.
It may be cold outside but this Valentines Day warm up fireside after an eventful day Geocaching. Every cache you find is sure to contain a chocolate kiss, including two new permanent caches to the park. Finish up around the fire ring with S’mores and Hot Cocoa. Too chilly for your little cachers? The Parks Recreation Staff will entertain the kids with games and crafts while you’re out. There is no additional fee for the children’s program but you must register children by Feb. 12 to participate.
Recreation to Go - Survival Style 2
Saturday, Feb. 20 from 12-3p.m. Meet in the Activities Building. Fee: $5 for family of 5/ $2 for each additional person.
Families, we have upped the competition by adding our own Exile Island. Time on Exile can help or hurt you depending on how quick your team is. Teams that are exiled will miss the chance to earn points in the next competition however will be given a clue to the hidden Activities Idol! A fun-filled day of activities and games will help to warm up the season. We will be going outdoors for small portions of the event. Please dress for the weather.
For more information about any of these programs, please call the Recreation Office at 502-429-7270.
E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park is a 570-acre day use park located in northeastern Jefferson County just off the Gene Snyder Freeway. The park was once a farm worked by the former, much larger Central State Hospital. Many remnants, such as barns and cemeteries, still remain on park property. Sawyer State Park has hiking and fitness trails, an outdoor pool, indoor gym, lacrosse and soccer fields, softball fields, archery range and BMX track.
To visit E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park, take the Gene Snyder (Interstate 265) to Exit 32. Go west on Westport Road to Freys Hill Road. Take Freys Hill Road into the park.
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The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 52 state parks plus an interstate park shared with Virginia. The Department of Parks, an agency of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges -- more than any other state. For more information on Kentucky parks, visit our Web site at http://www.parks.ky.gov.
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