The park
A park Louisville already loves. We're bringing one quiet corner of it back.
E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park is a full, working state park serving this city every day. Derby Disc Golf Park is one new part of it — roughly 150 wooded acres, far from the roads, that were never developed and slowly disappeared under invasive growth.
Our partnership
Built with Kentucky State Parks.
E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park is already loved by this city. We're partnering with Kentucky State Parks to bring one overgrown corner of it back to life — and to leave the whole park stronger for it.
Beyond this project
What else is here
If you've never been out to the park, come for the disc golf and stay for everything the park already offers — or the other way around.
Aquatic center
The park's pool complex is one of the busiest summer destinations in eastern Jefferson County — a reminder that this is a park people already build their year around.
Tennis, pickleball & courts
A well-used tennis center and outdoor court space that draws leagues, lessons and casual play throughout the season.
Existing trail system
Walking and running trails, open fields and picnic areas already thread the developed side of the park. Our trail work connects to that network rather than duplicating it.
Athletic fields & open space
Sports fields, playgrounds and gathering space host tournaments, school events and everyday family afternoons.
National-level BMX track
A nationally recognized BMX racing facility that brings riders and families from across the region.
Remote-control airfield
A dedicated RC airfield where local hobbyists gather to fly and connect with other enthusiasts.
Large dog park
Plenty of room for dogs to run, with separate spaces that make it easy for neighbors to meet and socialize.
Community garden
A shared growing space that gives local gardeners a place to plant, tend and harvest together.
Coming soon: disc golf
Two 18-hole courses and a practice pitch-and-putt, built around restored woods on the Hurstbourne Lane side of the park.
Park hours, facility schedules and fees are set by Kentucky State Parks. Check with the park directly for current details before you plan a visit.
A goal of this project
Opening the Hurstbourne Lane side of the park again.
The Hurstbourne Lane entrance has been closed for years. We’re working with the park system to bring that access back: a welcoming new entry, real parking, and amenities at the threshold instead of a gate.
A second front door means shorter drives for neighbors, easier arrival for school buses and clinics, and a park that opens onto the streets around it.
What the goal includes
- A beautiful new entry from Hurstbourne Lane
- Parking sized for everyday use, events and clinics
- Amenities at arrival — restrooms, shade, wayfinding
- Connections into the existing trail network
Scope, timing and design are subject to Kentucky State Parks review and approval.
From asylum to state park
Before it was a park, this ground was the Lakeland Asylum campus.
Beginning in the 1970s the land transitioned to public use, and E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park officially opened in 1974 — named for Judge Erbon P. “Tom” Sawyer. The wooded sections farthest from the roads were never developed, and over the following decades they were overtaken by invasive species. That is exactly the acreage we’re restoring.
Get involved
Help the park reopen its front door.
New entry, new parking, restored woods and three courses. Tell us how you'd like to be part of getting there.
Not sure yet? Start here and we'll figure it out together.