New fitness equipment, trees and shrubs are coming to a half-mile segment of the Ben Brenman Park walking trail.
The improvements at 4800 Brenman Park Drive, which are expected to arrive by early spring, are being coordinated through a partnership between Alexandria’s Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities and a professor at George Mason University.
Iulia Fratila, an assistant professor in the Department of Global and Community Health, secured $9,000 in grant funding from the Virginia Walkability Action Institute (VWAI). Alongside undergraduate social work student Bryce Neuman, Fratila’s project “aims to encourage walkability, promote physical activity among community members, and improve access to fitness,” according to GMU.
Last summer, Fratila received 414 responses in a community survey asking residents about their three priorities for improving the park. Respondents said they wanted adult fitness equipment, more native plants and improved park signage.
The approved fitness equipment includes a three-person combo fitness station, parallel bars and an exercise bench. The city will install a handful of native trees and plants, including both ornamental trees and larger shade trees, Fratila said.
Fratila said she wanted to get involved with her community and complete a project beyond the classroom.
“This is a really well utilized park, and this just makes it better,” Fratila said. “It was honestly fun, because it came from a place of passion, a place of enjoying parks and recreation, and having that ability to walk outside and be physically active.”
Image via Google Maps
