Community Opposition Grows Against ROTC Tactical Training in Hisle Farm Park Amid Safety Concerns

Lexington, Kentucky – There is increasing community opposition to the ROTC’s tactical training exercises currently taking place in Hisle Farm Park. Residents, including individuals personally affected by the presence of military cadets, have raised safety and compatibility concerns regarding use of public park space for military training purposes.

One resident, Anita Courtney, expressed alarm when she encountered ROTC cadets in camouflage armed with imitation firearms while visiting the park with her children. This startling experience followed the unexpected death of her husband in March 2020, which had led her to seek solace in the park’s peaceful environment. Courtney later discovered that the cadets were part of a program affiliated with the University of Kentucky (UK) that utilizes the park for training exercises under an agreement with the Lexington Fayette Urban County Government.

This training agreement, which allows the ROTC to conduct exercises in Hisle Farm Park, lapsed in January. Currently, it is undergoing renegotiation, and community members are advocating for the council to decline a renewal. During a recent city council meeting, citizens passionately conveyed their belief that a public park should not be a venue for military activities and reminded council members of the park’s commitment to providing recreational opportunities for the community.

Addressing these concerns, Lt. Col. Allen Overmeyer, a professor of military science at UK, defended the ROTC’s use of the park, explaining that the training tools employed are rubber guns that do not discharge live ammunition. He drew parallels between ROTC training and a chemistry lab, where theoretical knowledge gained in class is applied in a controlled setting.

Concerns have also been expressed about the appropriateness of military training locations, particularly for gun violence survivors. Chuck Eddy, a volunteer with Moms Demand Action, emphasized the critical importance of military training but argued that suitable environments should be selected that do not risk triggering traumatic experiences for victims of gun violence.

David Cooper, another regular user of Hisle Farm Park, reiterated the park’s tranquil atmosphere and suggested that military exercises are fundamentally incongruent with the park’s purpose of community enrichment and recreation. The ROTC’s activity has included past incidents where miscommunication resulted in paintball guns being fired in the park, causing damage to trees and bird nests. Overmeyer acknowledged these incidents and assured that future agreements would explicitly prohibit the use of any projectiles, aiming to prevent further misunderstandings.

Overmeyer further stated that the ROTC’s mission encompasses community engagement, aligning with a broader goal to improve leadership skills among students while fostering positive relations with Lexington residents.

The Lexington city council is due to deliberate on the new training agreement regarding the ROTC’s activities in Hisle Farm Park at its upcoming meeting on June 12, 2025. The outcome of this vote may significantly influence the ongoing presence and training practices of the ROTC in the community park, as public sentiment continues to evolve amidst safety and appropriateness discussions.