Reclaim Your Cognitive Function

With Help from Proactive Wellness Centers

Book Appointment

Office: 8229 Boone Blvd. Suite 280 Manassas Park, VA 22182 Hours Open Monday through Friday 9AM to 5PM

Help Reverse Cognitive Decline with

Bredesen Protocol Alzheimers Treatment in Manassas Park, VA

There's no way around it: Getting diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease can be both scary and disheartening for patients and their loved ones. The cognitive impairment, memory loss, and eventual cognitive decline can seem like a grim prognosis. Unfortunately, the standard reductionist approach seeking to identify a single silver bullet cure doesn't account for the multifactorial nature of Alzheimer's disease.

That's why treating Alzheimer's disease requires a multifaceted response from functional medicine. While there is no single drug that can cure Alzheimer's, protocols addressing the nuanced factors contributing to the disease can make a difference. That's where Proactive Wellness Centers and Bredesen protocol treatment in Manassas Park, VA comes into play.

Service Areas

Bredesen Protocol Alzheimers Treatment Manassas Park, VA

The Proactive Wellness Approach to Brain Health

At Proactive Wellness, we firmly believe that brain health is an essential part of your overall well-being. However, despite the emergence of new research, there has been limited understanding of how to promote brain health effectively. This includes reducing the risk of dementia/Alzheimer's and stabilizing cognitive decline in patients with early symptoms. Dr. Lawson, an esteemed Bredesen Protocol practitioner and ReCode 2.0 Certified with 17 years of experience in functional medicine can identify and address the root cause of cognitive decline in you or your loved one.

Dr. Lawson's goal isn't to replace the role of family physicians. Rather, we collaborate with primary care physicians, internists, and other medical professionals to provide a comprehensive approach to care. We believe that every individual is unique from a physiological perspective, and therefore, we avoid a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, our programs focus on a customized approach, addressing risk factors that, if avoided or modified, could have beneficial effects for men and women who have dementia.

Our programs have a strong emphasis on slowing down and reversing the aging process, preventing diseases, and treating chronically ill patients. To achieve this, we employ a three-pronged approach:

  • We empower patients with the knowledge they need to manage their health and attain optimal well-being.
  • We prioritize disease prevention by conducting a thorough evaluation with the help of comprehensive diagnostics and the patient's health history form.
  • We collaborate with patients to implement a rejuvenation program that includes various science-based treatments, like our Brain Health Optimization Program (BHOP) for people suffering from dementia and Alzheimer's

One of the most popular and effective programs we offer includes Bredesen protocol treatment in Manassas Park VA. This revolutionary approach to dementia has provided hope and improved cognitive function for countless people in the US. But to understand the importance of the Bredesen protocol, it's important that you first understand dementia, Alzheimer's, and its effect on people across the world.

The Wide-Reaching Effects of

Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia

There are currently more than 5.8 million individuals in the United States who are living with Alzheimer's disease. It is predicted that the number of individuals with Alzheimer's disease will more than double by 2050.

Dementia is a type of cognitive decline that affects mental abilities. There are many different causes and complex layers involved. Cognitive impairment is characterized by abnormal results on tests measuring memory, speech, critical thinking, and other cognitive abilities, but individuals with this diagnosis are still capable of performing daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. Without proper treatment, Alzheimer's disease is likely to follow within a few years. Alzheimer's disease is the most prevalent form of dementia, and it is diagnosed through neuro-imaging and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid.

In the past, being diagnosed with Alzheimer's was often worse than receiving a death sentence. It was dehumanizing and stripped individuals of their memories, thinking abilities, and independence. However, after three decades of research, we now have a greater understanding of this devastating illness and even solutions like Bredesen protocol treatment in Manassas Park, VA that can help patients deal with dementia.

Bredesen Protocol Alzheimers Treatment Manassas Park, VA

What Causes Dementia?

Dementia is caused by a normal and healthy brain process that malfunctions due to a toxic environment, inflammation, and a lack of necessary nutrients and hormones. The brain's defense mechanism produces amyloid plaques, which serve as a protective helmet around the brain. Unfortunately, these plaques destroy connections between nerve cells, ultimately affecting comprehension, recollection, and clarity.

Bredesen Protocol Alzheimers Treatment Manassas Park, VA

Dementia by the Numbers

It's important to understand the impact of Alzheimer's disease (AD) around the world. According to the CDC, AD is present in 50% of patients in nursing homes and causes more than 110,000 deaths annually in the US. It was the 6th leading cause of death in 2015. More than 5 million people in the US are affected by AD, and recent data indicates that the problem is getting worse.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 47 million people around the world are currently living with dementia, and this number is expected to rise to 75 million by 2030 and 132 million by 2050. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60 to 80 percent of all cases.

While reading those statistics can be disheartening, there's reason to be hopeful. New therapies and treatments offered at Proactive Wellness - like Bredesen protocol treatment - can help patients deal with dementia and cognitive decline.

Bredesen Protocol Alzheimers Treatment Manassas Park, VA

The Power of

Bredesen Protocol Treatment in Manassas Park, VA

The Bredesen Protocol is a highly personalized treatment program that aims to reverse cognitive decline and improve brain function in patients. Dr. Bredesen has designed the protocol to be adaptable and customizable, tailored to the specific symptoms and needs of each patient.

The program is centered around lifestyle changes, medication, and nutritional adjustments, all of which are tailored to address the unique symptoms and environmental factors that may be contributing to cognitive decline. This approach, referred to as ReCODE, helps patients to combat brain fog and prevent the onset of dementia.

It has also helped patients improve cognitive function significantly, reverse symptoms, and even return to work. The ReCODE program comprises lifestyle interventions, therapeutic diets, and targeted nutrients. Proactive Wellness Centers is thrilled to offer this promising treatment modality for Alzheimer's disease to benefit our patients.

It all starts with a baseline Bredesen evaluation at our wellness clinic in Manassas Park, VA.

Baseline Bredesen Evaluation from

Proactive Wellness Centers

At Proactive Wellness Centers, we have two ways to help patients who are in search of Bredesen protocol treatment in Manassas Park, VA. The first option is our Baseline Bredesen Evaluation, which is best suited for asymptomatic patients - that is, individuals who do not exhibit any significant cognitive decline beyond what is expected with age. Dr. Bredesen classifies such patients as "PreCode."

This evaluation serves as a starting point for PreCode patients, as well as those who are unsure of their cognitive status and potential risk factors. Our baseline evaluation includes the following:

The first step involves conducting a comprehensive set of baseline labs to evaluate your overall health, closely following the Bredesen protocol. This step goes beyond standard labs that you might have for a physical. It includes tests for magnesium, zinc, and selenium levels, B6, B12, and folate levels, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid levels.

It also includes

  • Pre-Diabetes Evaluation
  • Hormone Level Evaluation
  • Thyroid Level Evaluation
  • Specific Immune Marker Evaluation such as TH1, TH2, IL6, and TNF.

Our goal with this assessment is to establish a starting point and compare your cognitive function against what is typical for your age group. We have chosen to use the CNS Vital Signs cognitive assessment, which is widely recognized as one of the best in the industry. Additionally, we will be conducting the standard MoCA test as part of the evaluation.

A DNA test is performed to identify the specific APOE genotype present in your DNA. APOE e4 has been shown to be associated with an increased chance of late-onset Alzheimer's disease, which occurs after a person is 65 years old.

This step covers your lab results and includes a detailed plan of action to address areas of improvement as identified in your baseline evaluation.

Bredesen Protocol Alzheimers Treatment Manassas Park, VA

What are the Early Signs of

Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease?

As we grow older, it can be difficult to distinguish between normal changes in our cognitive abilities and the initial signs of dementia. The issue with preventing chronic illnesses is that we often believe we are healthy as long as we don't experience any symptoms, but this is not entirely accurate. Symptoms are typically the last indicator of a disease, meaning it has already progressed by the time they appear.

While it's always best to catch diseases before you notice symptoms, taking proactive measures at the first sign of cognitive changes can greatly impact the aging of your brain and body. It's crucial to act immediately if you're experiencing the following symptoms of Mild Cognitive Impairment. That way, ,you have a better chance of preventing the development of Alzheimer's.

Bredesen Protocol Alzheimers Treatment Manassas Park, VA

Roughly 10% of individuals with MCI progress to Alzheimer's annually.

Fortunately, Bredesen protocol treatment in Manassas Park, VA may provide you with a chance to delay or even reverse these symptoms

Memory Issues

Memory Issues

You have a hard time remembering events that happened recently, such as appointments or important conversations with loved ones. You may also have trouble remembering important information.

Language Issues

Language Issues

You have trouble finding relevant words when you're talking with other people. You may also have problems following along with complex or complicated discussions.

Maintaining Concentration

Difficulty Maintaining Concentration and Attention

You have noticed a reduced ability to focus and stay honed in on most tasks. You may also not be able to multitask effectively, and it may be harder to keep your attention for long periods of time.

Decline in Executive Functions

Decline in Executive Functions

This symptom involves difficulty with skills like decision-making, planning, problem-solving, and organizing. These difficulties are often most apparent in day-to-day activities.

Visuospatial Awareness

Problems with Visuospatial Awareness

You may have trouble parking your car, judging distances, reading maps, or completing tasks that necessitate spatial orientation.

Impaired Judgement

Impaired Judgement and Reasoning

This may include problems when making judgments or decisions. Examples may consist of difficulties making financial decisions, managing finances, making reasonable and appropriate social decisions, or thinking through risky situations.

Bredesen Protocol Alzheimers Treatment Manassas Park, VA

By contrast, some of the most common signs of normal aging can include the following

Experiencing temporary lapses in memory, where recently learned details like names or scheduled events may slip from one's mind but can be remembered later on

  • You occasionally make mistakes, but nothing that stands out as significant or unusual.
  • You have to ask for help putting together or setting up electronic devices or equipment.
  • You sometimes forget what day it is but have the ability to remember the correct date later on.
  • Your vision is getting worse, which is caused by cataracts.
  • You experience shortness of breath or get tired more often when being active.
  • You feel unusual aches and pains, especially during poor weather.
  • You get confused sometimes but don't have an inability to make decisions or multitask.
  • You have a hard time keeping your body temp regulated.
  • You get angry or frustrated when tasks aren't completed in certain ways.

Your Trusted Choice for Bredesen Protocol Treatment in Manassas Park, VA

Maintaining a healthy brain is crucial for one's overall well-being, yet there remains a lack of knowledge when it comes to promoting brain health, reducing the likelihood of dementia, or managing symptoms for those exhibiting early warning signs.

That's why we're excited to offer patients the ReCODE program at Proactive Wellness Centers. Developed by Doctor Bredesen, this treatment has shown remarkable success in improving cognitive function and even reversing symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. This comprehensive program includes lifestyle changes, dietary interventions, and specialized nutrients, and we are eager to provide this promising treatment option to patients like you.

If you or a loved one are starting to show concerning signs of cognitive decline, contact our office today to learn more about Bredesen protocol therapy. It could be your first step toward reversing mental decline and enjoying life to its fullest.

Latest News in Manassas Park, VA

This Virginia math teacher just received a major award

Darnell Greene has served as a teacher, mentor, and coach for more than 21 years.MANASSAS, Va. — A Manassas Park Middle School math teacher got a big surprise during a school assembly on Thursday. Darnell Greene was named Regional Teacher of the Year by the Virginia Department of Education."Mr. Greene is an exemplary educator who has dedicated his life's work to ...

Darnell Greene has served as a teacher, mentor, and coach for more than 21 years.

MANASSAS, Va. — A Manassas Park Middle School math teacher got a big surprise during a school assembly on Thursday. Darnell Greene was named Regional Teacher of the Year by the Virginia Department of Education.

"Mr. Greene is an exemplary educator who has dedicated his life's work to teaching," said Manassas Park Middle School Principal Kip Gansneder Tuttle. "He possesses an innate ability to inspire and guide students of all backgrounds and abilities to achieve their very best."

Greene has served as a teacher, mentor, and coach for more than 21 years. He wanted to be a teacher from a young age. After a challenging start to high school, his life forever changed when the new varsity football coach met with him and asked if he wanted to make a positive difference in the world. That meeting was the beginning of Greene's journey in helping positively shape the future of Manassas Park Middle School students by sharing his stories and experiences.

"Virginia is blessed with outstanding educators," said Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Coons. "Mr. Greene challenges middle school math students every day by giving them real world math problems, mentors students as a track coach, and has mentored many new teachers in Manassas Park. I am honored I could come celebrate Mr. Greene with the leaders, colleagues, and students in Manassas Park as well as recognize him with this well-deserved award."

Greene had a word of advice for his fellow teachers after the award ceremony.

"Just keep at it. Keep with your faith and belief. You are changing and going to have an impact on the future generations. Don't give up," he said.

All eight regional Teacher of the Year winners are nominees for the 2025 Mary V. Bicouvaris Virginia Teacher of the Year Award. The final Virginia Teacher of the Year Award will be announced later this spring.

RELATED: 'The Oscar of teaching' | Alexandria City High School English teacher recognized with national award

RELATED: America's top teachers will be recognized at their own White House state dinner

Do you have a news tip on this story or any other story? We want to hear from you. Tell us about it by emailing newstips@wusa9.com.

DOWNLOAD THE WUSA9 APPApple App Store: WUSA9 News on AppleGoogle Play Store: WUSA9 News on Android

HOW TO ADD THE FREE WUSA9+ APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE

ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for WUSA9.

For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for "WUSA9" to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.

SIGN UP TO RECEIVE WUSA9 NEWSLETTER

Subscribe to our daily WUSA9 Newsletter for top stories from WUSA9 curated daily just for you. Get content and information right now for can’t-miss stories, Commanders content, weather, and more delivered right to your inbox.

Manassas Park Math Teacher Wins Regional Award

Darnell Greene is one of eight regional winners, one of whom will be named Virginia’s teacher of the year by the state education department.A math teacher in Manassas Park City has been named one of the commonwealth’s top teachers.Darnell Greene, who teaches eighth grade math at Manassas Park Middle School, was named the regional teacher of the year by the Virginia Department of Education for Region 4. He’s one of eight regional winners, one of whom will be named teacher of the year for 2025 later in the sprin...

Darnell Greene is one of eight regional winners, one of whom will be named Virginia’s teacher of the year by the state education department.

A math teacher in Manassas Park City has been named one of the commonwealth’s top teachers.

Darnell Greene, who teaches eighth grade math at Manassas Park Middle School, was named the regional teacher of the year by the Virginia Department of Education for Region 4. He’s one of eight regional winners, one of whom will be named teacher of the year for 2025 later in the spring, the education department said in a statement.

Greene has been a teacher for more than 21 years, and was the teacher of the year in his school and the Manassas Park City school system this year, the department said. He has also been on the coaching staffs of the boys’ and girls’ basketball and track teams.

He wanted to be a teacher from a young age, the department said, and was influenced by a high school football coach who asked him whether “he wanted to make a positive difference in the world.”

In his teaching process, the department said, Greene shares “his stories and experiences” to make “meaningful connections with students, parents, and his peers every day.” He’s been a Mentor Teacher since 2015.

“Mr. Greene challenges middle school math students every day by giving them real-world math problems, mentors students as a track coach, and has mentored many new teachers in Manassas Park,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Coons said at the surprise ceremony at the school last week. “I am honored I could come celebrate Mr. Greene with the leaders, colleagues, and students in Manassas Park, as well as recognize him with this well-deserved award.”

“Mr. Greene is an exemplary educator who has dedicated his life’s work to teaching,” Principal Kip Gansneder Tuttle said in the statement. “He possesses an innate ability to inspire and guide students of all backgrounds and abilities to achieve their very best.”

In Spotsylvania County, Beth Marshall, a French teacher at Riverbend High School, has been named regional teacher of the year for Region 3.

In other education news, Eva Irwin, an English teacher at Alexandria’s Alexandria City High School, received the Milken Educator Award in March. It’s an award that recognizes the impact teachers have had on children while in the early to mid-stages of their careers. The award came with an unrestricted $25,000 cash award.

Featured image courtesy Virginia Department of Education/Facebook

For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine’s Education newsletter.

New City Manager Approved By Council To Assume Duties In April

Fairfax City Council approved an employment agreement with Laszlo Palko for the soon-to-be vacant city manager position. Michael O'Connell, Patch Staff|Updated Wed, Feb 28, 2024 at 8:47 am ETPress release from the City of Fairfax :Laszlo Palko has been selected by the City of Fairfax Ci...

Fairfax City Council approved an employment agreement with Laszlo Palko for the soon-to-be vacant city manager position.

Michael O'Connell, Patch Staff

|Updated Wed, Feb 28, 2024 at 8:47 am ET

Press release from the City of Fairfax :

Laszlo Palko has been selected by the City of Fairfax City Council as their new city manager with their approval tonight of an employment agreement. Mr. Palko will begin his employment with the city on or about April 29.

“When City Manager Rob Stalzer notified City Council last year of his plans to retire March 1, we began a nationwide search,” said Fairfax City Mayor Catherine Read. “We were fortunate to have a great field of candidates from which to choose. Laszlo Palko is a good fit for our urbanizing community and we look forward to his leadership as we navigate unprecedented opportunities ahead here in our city.”

Mr. Palko comes to Fairfax after serving since June 2017 as the city manager of Manassas Park, Va. In Manassas Park, Mr. Palko was responsible for overseeing the day-to-day and strategic executive management of city departments and developing and recommending policies, strategies, annual budget, and ordinances for the governing body’s approval, as well as managing the execution of the city budget and capital improvement program. Manassas Park was in fiscal distress watch when he arrived, and he helped lead its financial turnaround from a negative fund balance and no credit rating to a $16M+ fund balance (25%+ of operating revenues) and a AA credit rating.

Prior to joining Manassas Park, Mr. Palko had more than 10 years of public and private sector management experience including previously serving as the Town Manager of Lovettsville, Va., as a financial consultant for IBM, and as a management consultant for Booz Allen Hamilton. Mr. Palko began his career serving as an Army officer from 2005-2010. He earned the rank of captain and was awarded the Bronze Star serving two tours of duty in Afghanistan as part of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division.

Find out what's happening in Fairfax Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"I am honored and grateful to the Fairfax City Council for giving me the opportunity to serve as city manager for such a wonderful community with such a great and talented team of professionals on city staff,” said Mr. Palko. “I look forward to working for the city council and helping them achieve their goals for the community. I am eager to engage with and provide high quality service to city residents and cannot wait to provide my support to an amazing city staff as we work collectively to accomplish our shared mission to serve our great city."

Council Member Jeff Greenfield, the longest serving member of the Fairfax City Council, is enthusiastic about the skills and experience Mr. Palko brings to the position. “He’s got a passion for the budget process that is impressive, and he is the first bilingual city manager we have hired. His fluent Spanish will be valued in our community and he is committed to being out in our city meeting people where they are.”

Mr. Palko earned a master’s degree in public policy from Harvard University where he concentrated on local government administration.

Fairfax City Deputy City Manager Valmarie Turner has been named acting city manager until Mr. Palko steps into his new role.

This press release was produced by the City of Fairfax. The views expressed here are the author’s own.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

Town-By-Town NoVA, DC Snowfall Totals Jan. 16 As Bitter Cold Moves In

Snowfall amounts ranged from 2 inches in Washington, D.C., to 5 inches in the Reston area. See Jan. 16 snow totals across DC, Northern VA.Deb Belt, Patch StaffNORTHERN VIRGINIA — Winter weather returned to Northern Virginia and DC with the biggest snowfall in more than two years that left many cities covered in 4 to 5 inches of snow by Tuesday morning, and bitter cold will soon follow the storm into the state.Low tempe...

Snowfall amounts ranged from 2 inches in Washington, D.C., to 5 inches in the Reston area. See Jan. 16 snow totals across DC, Northern VA.

Deb Belt, Patch Staff

NORTHERN VIRGINIA — Winter weather returned to Northern Virginia and DC with the biggest snowfall in more than two years that left many cities covered in 4 to 5 inches of snow by Tuesday morning, and bitter cold will soon follow the storm into the state.

Low temperatures will drop into the teens the next two nights, the National Weather Service said. A warmup Friday will bring more snow, followed by another drop in temperatures with overnight lows in the teens this weekend.

Many school districts in Northern Virginia canceled classes Tuesday.

Find out what's happening in Manassaswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

City of Alexandria (three locations) Alexandria 4.0 Alexandria 3.6 Alexandria 3.2 National Harbor 1.8

City of Fairfax Fairfax 4.0

City of Falls Church Falls Church 3.5

City of Fredericksburg

Dunavant 3.0 Fredericksburg 2.2

City of Manassas Manassas 3.0

Fairfax County Centreville 5.0 Reston 5.0 Chantilly 4.9 Herndon 4.8 Vienna 4.1 McLean 4.1 Falls Church 4.0 Oakton 3.9 West Springfield 3.5 Annandale 3.5 Mount Vernon 3.5 Alexandria 2.8 Lorton 2.8

Fauquier County Broken Hill 4.0 Broad Run 3.2 Warrenton 3.0

Loudoun County Ashburn 4.5 Dulles International 4.4 Leesburg 4.0 Purcellville 4.0

Prince William County

Gainesville 4.0 Haymarket 4.0 Manassas Park 4.0 Manassas 3.4 Dale City 2.8 Dumfries 2.8

Spotsylvania County Fredericksburg 2.3 Spotsylvania Court 2.0

Stafford County

Fredericksburg 2.3 Stafford 2.3

District of Columbia Washington NE 4.1 National Arboretum 3.0 Adams Morgan 3.0 Anacostia 2.0

Here's the latest forecast for Northern Virginia and DC from the National Weather Service:

Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming clear, with a low around 13. Northwest wind 8 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 29. West wind 7 to 13 mph.

Wednesday Night: Increasing clouds, with a low around 18. Southwest wind 3 to 6 mph.

Thursday: Cloudy, with a high near 38. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the afternoon.

Thursday Night: A chance of snow after 1am. Cloudy, with a low around 30. Northeast wind 3 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Friday: Snow, mainly before 1pm. High near 33. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 19.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 26. Blustery.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 17.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 32.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 18.

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 40.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

Regional leaders break ground on Manassas Park VRE garage, a linchpin of new downtown development

Virginia’s "newest downtown" is getting its much sought-after parking garage.Officials broke ground Thursday on Manassas Park’s Virginia Railway Express station parking garage, a 540-space structure adjacent to the train stop that will serve commuters as well as business patrons in the city’s growing downtown. It’s expected to open in 2025.The fanfare Thursday morning – a full groundbreaking ceremony with speakers from across the region's transportation body – was beyond what one mi...

Virginia’s "newest downtown" is getting its much sought-after parking garage.

Officials broke ground Thursday on Manassas Park’s Virginia Railway Express station parking garage, a 540-space structure adjacent to the train stop that will serve commuters as well as business patrons in the city’s growing downtown. It’s expected to open in 2025.

The fanfare Thursday morning – a full groundbreaking ceremony with speakers from across the region's transportation body – was beyond what one might expect for a parking garage, but city officials say the new lot will be a linchpin for its downtown development, what’s being dubbed Park Central.

With the new city hall and library building complete, and as the 300 new Stanley Martin townhomes go up nearby, developer Norton Scott is waiting for work on the garage to gain steam before building its eight-screen movie theater next door to serve as an entertainment anchor for the area. Once the theater is completed, coffeeshop Jirani’s and Mexican restaurant La Finca are expected to open their new locations in the city hall building.

“That’s how you get the right parking numbers for the theater and all the restaurants, is through the garage,” City Manager Laszlo Palko told InsideNoVa. “The theater is the most important part from an anchor standpoint, but they need each other. The theater needs the garage to be able to make it here.”

The 540 spots in the garage will be complemented by another roughly 200 spots on surface lots nearby, doubling in use for both rail commuters and nearby business patrons, satisfying a need that Palko said hobbled earlier retail and restaurant hopes for prior iterations of the city center plan.

But while much of the attention Thursday morning was on what the garage would do for the downtown development, transportation officials are also hoping it will achieve its stated goal: adding parking capacity for rail commuters when more ridership returns.

The garage and attached pedestrian bridge over the train tracks will cost over $34.6 million, with funding from the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, the city, I-66 Outside the Beltway concessionaire payments, the I-66 Commuter Choice program from the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission and the Virginia Department of Rail and Transportation.

VRE ridership has continued to bounce back from its losses during the pandemic, but still remains well below pre-COVID levels. Average daily ridership has remained steady at over 6,000 throughout the year, a significant year-over-year jump but still only about one-third of the system’s 2019 ridership.

“The folks that commute on VRE, they love VRE. It’s consistent, it’s clean, it’s convenient, it’s a great option to help meet your transportation needs,” DRPT Director Jennifer DeBruhl said Thursday morning. “And here in Manassas Park, … the parking expansion is a big step forward into the future. It will help us increase ridership and add to the many reasons why people do love the VRE.”

Transportation officials around the region are hopeful that trains will keep filling up as more workers return to offices and that ridership will really take off as evening, weekend and bi-directional service begins as part of the Transforming Rail in Virginia project.

Manassas Park leaders, meanwhile, hope that the increased service will make their city more attractive to live and play in, and that the new garage will fix a pre-COVID problem, when cars would park along side streets and pathways when the lot would fill up.

“We are now at the beginning of what we hope will be more transportation options for folks to choose from. At some future date, the downtown will become 100% transit-oriented, when the VRE service is bi-directional and when increased bus service adds to the connectivity across more communities,” Mayor Jeanette Rishell said.

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.