Community comes together to fight violence at Lexington park

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – About a month ago, one person died and three others were wounded when shots rang out during a "Dirt Bowl" basketball game in Douglass Park in Lexington.

Since the shooting, members of the community have come together with police and local organizations to help cut down on violence in the park.

On Thursday night, members of the community, kids and police officers gathered in the park for the summer’s second “Movie Night.” But the night was much more than just watching a movie, it was about bringing the community together as a whole. 

“Getting people back in the park, letting them know that the park is still open,” says Sergeant Rahsaan Berry of Lexington Police’s Community Partnerships unit.  “It’s a wonderful park, kids are here, churches are here and people are just coming out to have a good time.”

The night started off with a church service led by Pastor Marsha Jean Moors-Charles of Lexington’s Bluegrass United Church of Christ. The hour long service including songs, communion and a sermon on the topic of diversity.

“As we closed, we sang, ‘We shall overcome.’ It is about a scripture where God told us all to be different and appreciate the value of that” Moors-Charles said. “I saw tears on the faces of everybody.”

After the service, kids played in the park while parents and other community members talked among themselves. Police officers were also clearly visible, but they weren’t there for security, they were joining in on the fun and games.

“We want to serve the public and make them know that we are here for them,” Berry said. “We don’t have all the answers, but we know together we will make all the answers.”

The next movie night will take place on August 20th. Church services take place every Tuesday and Thursday night at the park at 6:30 p.m.