Residents urge Lexington council to relocate UK ROTC training from Bridal Park

During the recent Lexington Urban County Council meeting on June 12, 2025, community concerns about the use of Bridal Park for military training by the UK ROTC program took center stage. Residents voiced their apprehensions regarding the potential impact of military exercises on public spaces, particularly in light of recent gun violence incidents.

Chuck Eady, a local resident and gun violence prevention volunteer, expressed his opposition to the ROTC training in the park, citing the emotional distress it could cause to survivors of gun violence. Eady emphasized the need for a more suitable location for military training, suggesting that public parks should remain spaces for peaceful family activities.

Anita Courtney, who shared her personal experience of encountering ROTC training shortly after the loss of her husband, echoed Eady's sentiments. She highlighted a conversation with Colonel J.B. Richmond at Bluegrass Station, a former military training facility, which could provide a more appropriate setting for the ROTC exercises. Richmond indicated that the facility has ample space and resources for such training, and Courtney expressed hope that this alternative could be pursued.

Patty Drowse, another resident, also opposed the military exercises in public parks, suggesting that if they were to occur, they should be rotated among various large parks in Lexington to minimize the impact on any single location. Drowse raised concerns about the current climate surrounding military presence in civilian areas, urging the council to consider the broader implications of allowing such activities in public spaces.

The discussions reflect a growing community desire to balance the needs of military training with the emotional well-being of residents, particularly those affected by gun violence. As the council considers the future of ROTC training locations, the voices of concerned citizens underscore the importance of thoughtful decision-making that prioritizes community safety and comfort.