About Us

Mission Statement

The Tom Sawyer State Park Foundation and its board members are committed to the support, betterment, and preservation of E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park, its facilities, activities, and professional staff. Foundation board members will strive to build public support, awareness, and utilization of the park, and they will encourage state government support of Jefferson County’s representative in the Kentucky State Parks System.

Purpose

The purposes for which the Tom Sawyer State Park Foundation exists are charitable, scientific, literary, and educational and include the following:

• Raise funds: To raise funds for capital improvement projects at E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park; receive and maintain funds; hold real property; apply such funds or property.

• Promote: To stimulate public support, understanding, interest and use of E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park.

• Preserve: To foster stewardship of the habitat, scenic vistas, and the natural environment of the park and to be mindful of any development surrounding E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park or within its boundaries.

• Support: Offer assistance, experience, or knowledge to the management and professional staff of E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park and the officials of government who are responsible for its operation.

Gallery

Check out all the fun we have at park events year round. Feel free to share our pictures and videos to your social media channels with the hashtag #SawyerParkPics

Tom Sawyer Park Foundation History

In July 1981, the Commonwealth of Kentucky at revenue short falls that resulted in significant reductions in state budget allocations. These mandates led to layoffs and service reductions in many state government agencies and departments. The Kentucky State Park System was severely affected. In fact, E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park in Jefferson County was a significant target of budget cuts. Initially, state officials planned to close E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park between Labor Day and Memorial Day and reduce its staff to the park manager and one maintenance person.

Concerned citizens who enjoyed the park and its programs and services responded with immediate opposition to the state’s plans. Two women who represented a group that formed to oppose the seasonal closure of the park met with state officials to explain the perspective of park users and neighbors. The representatives were not pleased with the response they received. As a result they returned to their group of park supporters who plan a “save the park” rally, which occurred on Aug. 20, 1981, at E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park.

About 400 park supporters were present at the rally, which received much media coverage. A series of speakers expressed opposition to the seasonal operations proposed. These supporters formed a park advisory group that met with state officials to discuss alternatives to keeping the park open year-round. The state ultimately reversed its decision on the seasonal operations and allowed the park to remain open 12 months a year — but with fewer staff members and reduced operating hours.

The advisory board continued to meet on a regular basis during the latter part of 1981 and into 1982. The meetings were held to identify ways members of the advisory board could help the park and its operations. Because of those discussions, the group decided to establish a nonprofit foundation that would raise funds for capital purchases and support park operations. The nonprofit corporation was officially incorporated in the Commonwealth of Kentucky on May 19, 1982.