E.T. Tom Sawyer State Park
Louisville’s Premier Urban State Park — 550-Acre Active Recreation State Park on Louisville’s East Side, Named for Erbon Powers Tom Sawyer Father of Journalist Diane Sawyer, Olympic-Sized Swimming Pool and Aquatic Center, BMX Track and Archery Range, Hiking and Mountain Biking Trails Through Mature Hardwood Forest, Sports Fields for Soccer Baseball and Softball, Community Center With Year-Round Programming, Near Louisville Jefferson County Kentucky Bluegrass Region
E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park is a 550-acre urban state park on the east side of Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky, managed by Kentucky State Parks. Named for Erbon Powers “Tom” Sawyer — former Jefferson County Judge/Executive and father of journalist Diane Sawyer, the park features an Olympic-sized swimming pool and aquatic center open seasonally, a BMX track for competitive and recreational riding, an archery range with equipment available, hiking and mountain biking trails through mature hardwood forest, sports fields for soccer, baseball, softball, and other organized athletics, the Sawyer Hayes Community Center with year-round programming including fitness classes and events, a nature center with environmental education programs, and a 550-acre green oasis in Louisville’s suburban corridor.
The BMX track is one of the best in the region — a professionally designed course hosts competitive races and practice sessions. Combined with the archery range, the park offers active recreation that goes far beyond the typical state park experience.
As an urban state park, Tom Sawyer fills a unique role — it brings state park-quality recreation directly into Louisville’s suburban fabric, providing 550 acres of green space where city residents can hike, swim, and play without driving hours to the countryside.
Things to Do
- Swimming — Olympic pool
- BMX — competitive track
- Archery — range, equipment
- Hiking/biking — forest trails
- Sports fields — soccer, baseball
- Community center — year-round
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | East Louisville, Jefferson County, KY |
| Size | 550 acres |
| Pool | Olympic-sized aquatic center |
| BMX | Professional track |
| Camping | Not available (urban park) |
| Managed By | Kentucky State Parks |
| Coordinates | 38.2833° N, 85.6167° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Tom Sawyer State Park named after?
E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park in Louisville, Kentucky is named for Erbon Powers “Tom” Sawyer, a former Jefferson County Judge/Executive and father of ABC News journalist Diane Sawyer. The 550-acre urban state park features an Olympic-sized swimming pool, BMX track, archery range, hiking and mountain biking trails, sports fields, and the Sawyer Hayes Community Center. Managed by Kentucky State Parks.
The nature center provides environmental education that connects Louisville residents with the natural world right in their own city. Programs cover local wildlife, native plants, and conservation, making Tom Sawyer not just a place to play sports but a gateway to understanding Kentucky’s natural heritage in an urban setting.
Last updated: May 2026
