Department of Parks
E.P. 'Tom' Sawyer State Park Will Buzz with Activities in February and March

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Even though the weather is still wintry, E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park will be buzzing with programs in February and March 2009 ranging from tips on how to prepare your garden for spring to techniques for beginning birders.

On Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009, the park in northeastern Jefferson County will present Preparing your Garden for Spring. Join the E.P. “Tom” Sawyer Park staff and Jefferson County Extension Office Master Gardeners as they discuss how you can prepare for the growing seasons.  The program, which begins at 1 p.m. at the park gym, is open to the public at no charge. Educational programs conducted by the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability, or national origin.

When Valentine’s Day rolls around, the Sawyer State Park staff will be on the job to provide child care for parents who crave an evening alone.  Saturday, Feb. 14 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Parents Night Out will let you enjoy your spouse’s company as Sawyer staff provide your little ones with wacky games and crafts in the safe environment of the park gym. Participants must pre-register by Feb. 12, 2009.  Participation is $15.00 per child and ages 5 through 12 are welcome.

On Saturday, Feb. 28 starting at 10 a.m., current and prospective bird watchers will be the focus of instruction in how to watch and identify flying feathered creatures. Birding for Beginners will discuss the most common birds found at feeders during winter months, help you become familiar with common bird songs, and feature a short hike to see which birds are found in the park. The hike costs $2 per person and begins at 10 a.m. at the Picnic Grove across from the Archery Range. Please wear clothes appropriate for the weather.

If you’re a runner, mark your calendar for March 7, 2009 when Sawyer will play host to the 17th Annual Irish Classic 10K starting at 9 a.m. You can pre-register for the race at $15 per runner until Feb. 20. Late registration fee is $20 and runs from Feb. 21 through March 6. Day of race registration is $20 and runs from 7:00-8:30 a.m. March 7. Entry forms can be picked up at the Recreation Building at the park and will be accepted at the Recreation Office and via mail. All mail-in entry forms are determined by postmark. For additional race information please contact the Recreation Office at 502-429-7270.

As warmer temperatures arrive at the park, Sawyer will host Volunteer Trail Work Day on Friday March 27. From noon to 4 p.m., join in the much-needed tasks that keep park trails in good shape for hikers by removing invasive plants and rebuilding eroded sections of the trails.  Please wear appropriate clothes for the weather; gloves and tools for trail maintenance will be provided.  Meet at 12 p.m. at the Archery Range.

For more information on these and other activities, please call Laura Rissler or Jessica Evans 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. The park was dedicated in the fall of 1971 and by May of 1975, the recreation building and pool were officially opened.  E.P. “Tom” 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 & Heritage Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges -- more than any other state. Each year, Kentucky parks draw 7 million visitors and contribute $317 million to the economy. For more information on Kentucky parks, visit our Web site at http://www.parks.ky.gov.