The Compound

The Compound has been used for various criminal activities over the near three decades since the area was abandoned, such as drugs dealing, illegal dumping, unsafe discharging of weapons, homicide and street racing to name a few.

Robert Paul Lanning III and Rene Lemos were apprehended after a high-speed chase in Mitchell's car, confessing to his murder.

Initially, the park was constructed using city funding, donated materials from local businesses, and volunteer assistance from the paintball community.

However, the park faced intermittent closures due to managerial challenges, accusations of misconduct involving contractors, and financial constraints.

The Compound is a frequently visited hotspot for off-road sports enthusiasts, featuring sections of dirt trails formed from repeated use.

The northern boundary of the property use to holds particular allure for dirt bikers and ATV riders due to the presence of large man-made hills, these have since been excavated and no longer exist as of 2019.

According to the Palm Bay Police, trespassing at The Compound and other private properties is considered unlawful, with strict regulations in place to prevent such activities.

Originally utilized for surveillance purposes by law enforcement, the Palm Bay Police Department initiated paramotoring activities in the vicinity of The Compound.

The expansive area, characterized by vast open spaces, contiguous uninhabited zones, and unobstructed skylines, attracted paramotoring enthusiasts for both recreational use and training purposes.

With permission from the city of Palm Bay and the FAA, Spaceport Rocketry Association (SRA) conducts monthly low, mid, and high power rocket launches in the compound.