4800 Brenman Park Drive

Exciting improvements are progressing at Ben Brenman Park. The new adult fitness stations are installed and ready for use! The trail has also been regraded to be more inclusive, with accessible paths from the parking lot to the picnic pavilion and volleyball courts. The work is expected to be completed in Fall 2026.

These enhancements are, in part, the result of a partnership among the City of Alexandria, Virginia Walkability Action Institute (VWAI), and George Mason University (GMU), with community feedback guiding the project through a public survey and outreach effort completed in 2025. The new fitness area is designed to encourage healthy, active lifestyles while expanding recreational opportunities for park visitors of all ages.

Innovation Category:

Iulia Fratila of the College of Public Health and Jesse Van Wick of Alexandria’s Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities (RPCA) partnered to develop a project to enhance Ben Brenman Park. As a 2025 Virginia Walkability Action Institute cohort member, Fratila secured a $9,000 grant to support built‑environment improvements that encourage physical activity and expand community access to fitness.

Together, they designed a community‑driven process that included a citywide survey, on‑site outreach at the park’s farmers market, and collaborative planning with RPCA staff. Their efforts generated more than 400 resident responses, with community members identifying priorities such as planting native trees and installing adult fitness equipment.

These enhancements are scheduled for implementation in spring 2026, marking a meaningful step toward a more active, connected, and health‑supportive community.