Public raises concerns as city considers MOU allowing UK Army ROTC training in Hysel Park

The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council considered a resolution for first reading to authorize a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the University of Kentucky Army ROTC to allow ROTC training in Hysel (Bridal) Park.

The matter drew sustained public comment from residents who said training exercises with rifles — even rubber or simulated ones — are jarring for park users and could distress people with trauma. Anita Courtney, identifying herself as a resident of District 3, said she and her daughters encountered cadets in camouflage during a park visit and that "I don't feel like the parks are an appropriate place for military exercise" and urged the council to vote against the agreement. David Cooper, another public commenter, added that while the group uses rubber rifles, "from a distance, you look you can't tell the difference," and said the use of the park for military training is "wholly incompatible with the peaceful use of the park by other Lexington…