Parks & Recreation in Elizabethtown, KY

Elizabethtown's parks system offers something for everyone — from the 164-acre lakeside expanse of Freeman Lake Park to wooded hiking trails at Saunders Springs Nature Preserve. Managed by the Elizabethtown Parks and Recreation Department, these seven parks and facilities provide free or low-cost outdoor recreation, organized sports, community programs, and nature experiences throughout the year.

For families relocating to E-town — especially those PCSing to Fort Knox — access to quality parks and recreation is a major factor in choosing a neighborhood. Below you'll find detailed guides for each park, including amenities, activities, nearby neighborhoods, and practical visiting information to help you evaluate the outdoor lifestyle in different parts of the city.

Freeman Lake Park

Type: Lakeside Park

Neighborhoods: Helmwood Heights, Woodland Heights, The Cedars, Freeman Creek Estates, Downtown Elizabethtown

Elizabethtown's flagship park with 164 acres of lakeside trails, fishing, playgrounds, pavilions, and scenic walking paths along Freeman Lake.

Read full guide →

Mike Carroll Park

Type: Community Park

Neighborhoods: Pear Orchard, Covington Ridge

Family-friendly east-side park at 301 Peterson Drive featuring playgrounds, sports fields, basketball courts, and covered pavilions.

Read full guide →

University Drive Park

Type: Neighborhood Park

Neighborhoods: Foxborough Estates, Nicholas Ridge

Neighborhood playground at 1527 University Drive designed for children ages 5-12, with swings, climbing structures, and open green space.

Read full guide →

Haycraft Park

Type: Neighborhood Park

Neighborhoods: Ring Road Area, Downtown Elizabethtown

Quiet neighborhood park on Haycraft Street with a playground, benches, and open green space in central Elizabethtown.

Read full guide →

Pritchard Community Center

Type: Community Center

Neighborhoods: Woodland Heights, Ring Road Area, Downtown Elizabethtown

Community recreation hub at 404 South Mulberry offering a gymnasium, fitness classes, youth programs, senior activities, and event rentals.

Read full guide →

Elizabethtown Nature Park

Type: Nature Park

Neighborhoods: Thousand Oaks

Wooded nature retreat on Elizabethtown's south side with hiking trails, wildlife observation, and interpretive signage for nature study.

Read full guide →

Saunders Springs Nature Preserve

Type: Nature Preserve

Neighborhoods: Foxwood Subdivision

Scenic nature preserve southwest of Elizabethtown featuring natural springs, limestone formations, diverse wildlife, and forested hiking trails.

Read full guide →

Find a Home Near Your Favorite Park

Whether you want a lakeside walk at Freeman Lake, nature trails at Saunders Springs, or a neighborhood playground your kids can walk to, the right home is out there. Austin Kutz at Compass and Key Group is a veteran who knows every corner of Elizabethtown. He can match your outdoor lifestyle priorities with the perfect neighborhood and home.

Call (270) 735-3897