During July of 1981, the State of Kentucky announced a series of revenue short falls that in turn resulted in significant reductions in state budgets.  This caused a significant number of layoffs, staff and service reductions in many of the agencies and departments within state government.  The state park system was one of the segments of the state structure that was most affected.  More specifically, E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park was significantly affected by these changes. The specific impact upon park operations was as follows: The initial decision from the state was to close E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park between Labor Day and Memorial Day and remove all staff members from its premises with the exception of the park manager and a maintenance person.

Concerned citizens who were taking advantage of the services offered by the park responded rather negatively to this decision.  The result was the formation of a small nucleus of two women who visited with state officials and attempted to talk to them relative to the proposed seasonal closing.  The response from the state was not very satisfactory from the standpoint of these individuals who in turn attempted to organize a “save the park” rally.  This gathering occurred on August 20, 1981 at the park.  Approximately 400 people were present at the rally that had TV coverage and a series of speakers who were interested in altering the position of the state with regard to park operations.  They became known as the park advisory group at that time and entered into a dialogue with state officials in an attempt to see if there might be other alternatives to keep the park open.  The results of these actions were for the state to reverse its posture and make a decision to keep the park open twelve months a year but at a reduced staffing level.  This also included a reduction in operating hours.

The advisory board continued to meet on a regular basis during the latter part of 1981 and on into 1982.  The purpose of the meetings was to attempt to evaluate and identify alternative ways in which the members of the advisory board could be helpful to the park and its operating situation.  Because of those discussions, the group decided that the best approach to support the park would be to formally establish a non-profit foundation, which would raise funds for capital purchases and support park operations.  The non-profit corporation was officially incorporated in the State of Kentucky on May 19, 1982.