Walkability initiative is a win-win partnership for Alexandria City residents and researchers

"Imagine living in a place where you can comfortably send your child and their friends on a safe route to your local library on foot or by bike. How about being able to engage in physical activity by simply accessing an expansive network of trails that might connect parks to local suburbs? This is what walkability looks like-and walkability is public health," said social science researcher Iulia Fratila, an assistant professor in the Department of Global and Community Health at George Mason University.

Fratliaparticipated as a cohort member of the 2025 Virginia Walkability Action Institute (VWAI)and was awarded $9,000 in funding to enhance a local park in Alexandria, Virginia. In partnership with the Alexandria Parks and Recreation Department, Fratila and third-year undergraduate social work student Bryce Neuman devised the plan for the Alexandria City Ben Brenaman Park project, which aims to encourage walkability, promote physical activity among community members, and improve access to fitness.

Fratliaemphasizes the role of partnerships in bringing sustainable change to fruition. "A partnership like this is a win for everyone involved," she said. "Academic researchers bring knowledge and expertise on the science that shapes health outcomes and the potential prevention efforts and the governmental agencies can bring resources and design structures that support health-promoting landscapes and decision-making."

The goal of the Ben Brenaman Park project is to upgrade a trail segment inthe south side of the park that has been underdeveloped and underutilized.The anticipated result is more walking and community engagement, healthier residents in the city of Alexandria and surrounding areas, and addressing health and recreation access gaps.

"We need to make sure we are creating and enhancing built environments and infrastructure that make healthier habits like walking and biking a possibility for all," said Fratlia.

Neuman joined the Ben Brenaman Park project to explore her interest in the built and natural environment as an important factor of public health as well as connections to macro-level social work dimensions. Together, Fratliaand Neuman developed the project's action plan and strategic goals that guided them through the project proposal and implementation process.

The Ben Brenaman Park project relied heavily on community engagement, and it was designed to meet the community's needs. Neuman spearheaded the survey design with assistance from Fratila, and the Alexandria Parks and Recreation Department Marketing team heavily supported the distribution of the survey.

Fratliaattended the farmers market held at the park to distribute QR codes linking to the survey,and the Alexandria Parks and Recreation Department emailed the survey to the city residents via their newsletter. These data collection methods garnered more than 400 responses. Based on thesurvey responses, the community identified priorities, including planting native trees and plants and installing adult fitness equipment in the park.

"I am looking forward to being able to see the final product implemented at the park and see that positive change. I'm particularly excited about the addition of native wildlife around the park, and I hope the people who live near and visit the park also appreciate the changes," said Neuman.

In addition to the pitch and execution of the Ben Brenman Park project, the VWAI program involved attending distance learning modules and in-person workshops focused on topics such as Placemaking and Tactical Urbanism, the Economic Impact and Sustainability of Active Transportation Investment, Inclusive Community Engagement, Safe Routes programming, and Complete Streets initiatives. This experience allowed Fratila and Neuman to apply public health principles to a real-world built environment project while engaging directly with community members to address their needs and priorities.

The park enhancement project, which has officially been named a case studyby the VWAI, is scheduled to be completed in early 2026.

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Key Takeaways

• George Mason College of Public Health researchers are partnering with Alexandria Parks and Recreation Department and the Virginia Walkability Action Institute to study and improve neighborhood walkability at Alexandria City's Ben Brenaman Park, ensuring research is grounded in community-identified needs rather than academic theory alone.
• The initiative provides hands-on, real-world research experience for College of Public Health students, integrating applied public health training with community-based data collection and analysis to inform local planning decisions.
• George Mason's involvement helps translate walkability research into practical policy insights, supporting Alexandria's goals around healthier, safer, and more equitable streets while positioning the university as a long-term community partner.