Testosterone Replacement Therapy in Manassas Park, VA

phone-number (703) 822-5003

As their primary androgen, testosterone helps men develop common male characteristics and is essential in the production of sperm. Controlled by your body's pituitary gland and hypothalamus, testosterone helps develop and maintain:

Muscle Mass

Muscle Mass

Facial and Body Hair

Facial and Body Hair

Sex Organs

Sex Organs

Healthy Libido

Healthy Libido

Healthy Libido

Bone Density

Healthy Libido

Sexual Function

Healthy Libido

Healthy Red Blood Cell Levels

Book Appointment phone-number (703) 822-5003

When low testosterone or hypogonadism occurs, however, males begin to notice concerning symptoms that often affect their everyday lives and romantic relationships.

Muscle Mass Manassas Park, VA

When men lose significant amounts of testosterone, it alters their body's levels of testosterone and estrogen. Lower T levels usually result in abdominal fat, which in turn causes estrogen synthetize levels to increase, creating even higher levels of estrogen in the body. With more estrogen and less testosterone, a number of concerning issues begin to surface. Some of the symptoms of low testosterone include:

  • Erectile Dysfunction
  • Lowered Libido
  • Lowered Sperm Count
  • More Body Fat
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Issues with Concentration
  • Male Breast Development
  • Less Muscle Mass
  • Motivation Issues

If you're a man struggling with one or more of the symptoms above, it could be because you have low testosterone. But the only way you can find out for sure is to have your testosterone levels tested by a wellness center like Proactive Wellness. If your testosterone levels are low, TRT in Manassas Park, VA, may be the answer to your low-T problems.

Book Appointment phone-number (703) 822-5003
Facial And Body Hair Manassas Park, VA

Understanding The Symptoms of Low Testosterone

Are you starting to notice that you don't feel like "you" when you're at home or at work? Do you feel tired and lethargic all the time, even in your free time away from the office? Many men mistake these symptoms for being too sleepy or too busy. But the truth is, they're suffering from low testosterone. Since no two males will have the same symptoms of low T, it's prudent to recognize and understand some of the most common signs:

Book Appointment phone-number (703) 822-5003
Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile Dysfunction

If there were two words that all men wish to avoid, it's these two. Being unable to perform in the most intimate moments isn't just embarrassing - it can affect long-term relationships and mental health. It's a difficult topic to talk about. But it doesn't have to be. Our experts are ready to help you re-light that special spark.

Low Libido

Low Libido

When you have low testosterone, sometimes the thought of having sex just isn't appealing. If you're one of the many men in the U.S. who lacks sex drive, it might not be you. I could be low testosterone. Don't settle for a mediocre sex drive - reclaim your vigor at Proactive Wellness Centers.

Lack of Sleep

Lack of Sleep

Do you work hard every day and come home exhausted, only to find that you toss and turn all night long? Whether you have undiagnosed insomnia or another sleep disorder, it could be linked to low T.

Book Appointment phone-number (703) 822-5003
Sex Organs Manassas Park, VA
Healthy Libido Manassas Park, VA
Less Strength and Muscle Mass

Less Strength and Muscle Mass

When testosterone levels deplete as we age, men lose their ability to lift heavy items, even with weightlifting routines in the gym. If you're making a concerted effort to maintain your muscle mass and strength but aren't making gains, it could be due to low T.

Depression

Depression

Your brain is home to many testosterone receptors, but when your body has low T, it can affect your mood. With time, poor spirits can lead to serious psychological issues, like depression. However, studies show that TRT in Manassas Park, VA, can rebalance your hormones, which can help relieve depression and improve your mood.

Lack of Concentration

Lack of Concentration

Do you find it hard to complete normal tasks when you're at work? Does it seem like your memory is fading? Does your spouse or significant other complain that you're not paying attention to them? The effects of low testosterone don't just affect your body - they can affect your mind and memory, too. When your testosterone levels are within normal range, brain fog and other concentration issues have been shown to go away.

Book Appointment phone-number (703) 822-5003
Bone Density Manassas Park, VA

What are the Risks of Living with Low Testosterone?

At Proactive Wellness Centers, we understand what men must go through daily when they have low testosterone. They suffer from fatigue and lack motivation and often don't feel like their usual selves. But as bad as those symptoms sound, living with low T can have more severe health risks that that put vital organs at risk. Some of the most concerning health risks you should be aware of include the following:

Book Appointment phone-number (703) 822-5003

Some of the most concerning health risks you should be aware of include the following:

Sexual Function Manassas Park, VA
Book Appointment phone-number (703) 822-5003
heart-health

Heart Health

If you've been told by a doctor that you have high blood pressure, you're probably wondering what it stems from. Is it aging? Is it hereditary? Is it something else? According to academic research, men with low T have a higher chance of developing cardiovascular illnesses. When testosterone levels are low, red blood cell reproduction suffers. When that happens, plaque buildup in your arteries may be accelerated. With time, plaque building can lead to very serious problems like strokes and heart attacks.

Anemia

Anemia

When you have anemia, your body has a lack of or dysfunctional red blood cells, meaning your organs have less oxygen with which to function. Because testosterone has a role in healthy red blood cell production, it makes sense that men with low t have a higher risk of anemia. In fact, a 2009 study found that older men with low T are 5x more likely to be anemic than men with healthy levels of testosterone. While TRT in Manassas Park, VA, isn't a cure for anemia, it will help produce more red blood cells in your body, which can prevent anemia.

Diabetes

Diabetes

If you have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes or diabetes, and you're trying to figure out why, it may be linked to your T levels. That's because men with low testosterone have a greater chance of developing diabetes as they age. Similarly, men with diabetes are much more likely to have low testosterone, establishing a relationship between diabetes and testosterone. This relationship is further solidified by the fact that men with low T have a more challenging time resisting insulin. Though TRT won't cure diabetes, studies show that men with healthy testosterone levels also have healthier blood sugar levels and are often less obese.

Obesity

Obesity

If you look in the mirror in the morning and can't stand how much body fat you've gained since getting older, you're not alone. Many aging men have problems with their waistlines. If you eat well and exercise regularly but still can't get rid of that unsightly stomach or body fat, the culprit may be low testosterone. Multiple studies have shown the link between obesity and low T. In fact, testosterone plays an important role in food metabolism by regulating insulin, glucose, and fat. Fortunately, when combined with diet and exercise, men who undergo TRT can often lose weight and enjoy improved blood glucose and low-density cholesterol levels.

Enjoy Life to the Fullest with TRT in Manassas Park, VA

Healthy Red Blood Cell Levels Manassas Park, VA

Testosterone replacement therapy does precisely what it sounds like: It is a science-backed therapy that replaces low testosterone levels in men. The ultimate goal of TRT is to improve your life and well-being by balancing your hormones. Also referred to as androgen replacement therapy, TRT helps many men deal with and overcome the debilitating side effects of low T.

Originally developed by scientists in the 1930s, TRT has grown substantially in popularity over the years. Today, it is one of the most common and promising treatments for males with low testosterone.

How Does TRT Work?

Without getting too scientific, TRT works by providing your body with the testosterone it needs to function properly. Without healthy levels of testosterone, the male body can't maintain the natural processes it needs for overall health. In fact, men with low testosterone levels are more prone to serious health problems like type-2 diabetes and even heart disease. Until their T levels are restored to normal, most men suffer until they find a solution.

That's where TRT comes into play. With balanced hormones, your body can finally begin to heal, causing most symptoms of low t to diminish greatly.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy Manassas Park, VA

Make an Appointment

Book Appointment phone-number (703) 822-5003

The Proactive Wellness Approach to TRT in Manassas Park, VA

At Proactive Wellness Centers, our team utilizes a three-pronged approach to healing and treatment:

01

Patient Education. We equip you with the knowledge needed to take charge of your health and achieve optimal well-being in your life.

02

Prevention. We focus on preventing diseases by providing you with a thorough evaluation, which includes comprehensive diagnostics and the information you provide on your health history form.

03

Rejuvenation. Lastly, we work closely with you to implement a rejuvenation program consisting of several science-based treatments that aim to promote tissue regeneration, reduce cellular degeneration, foster healing, and slow your aging process.

Because no two patients ever have the exact same needs and treatment, your journey to journey to optimal health will be unique and tailored to your body.
However, to give you a brief snapshot of the average patient's TRT timeline may look like this:

Getting Started:

You contact our TRT clinic in Virginia. Based on your schedule, we'll arrange for a time for you to come in for your initial assessment.

Diagnostics and Evaluation:

One of our diagnostic experts will complete comprehensive testing to discover your testosterone and related hormone levels and your best treatment options.

Review Testing:

We'll sit with you one-on-one to discuss the results of your lab tests. During this session, a medical practitioner will also answer any questions you have about low T and testosterone replacement therapy.

Begin Your Custom TRT Regimen:

Based on your lifestyle, goals, and test results, we'll craft a custom TRT plan exclusively for you.

Success Coaching:

When you undergo TRT at Proactive Wellness Centers, you're never alone. We'll be by your side the entire way to ensure your treatment is going well and you're hitting your benchmarks. We'll keep track of your progress, and if there are areas that need improvement, we'll work with you to accomplish the goals you haven't achieved yet. Because, at the end of the day, a little bit of encouragement can go a long way.

Enjoy the Results:

This is the best part! With time and care, you'll begin to notice the effects of TRT and will be well on your way to enjoying balanced hormones.

Book Appointment phone-number (703) 822-5003
Muscle Mass Manassas Park, VA

Trust The Proactive Wellness Difference

Did you know that 13 million males suffer from low T, but a whopping 90% go untreated by doctors? The reason is that conventional doctors believe that unless your Testosterone level is below the low lab reference range level, that your are "OK". At Proactive Wellness, we help you to optimize and be the best you can be, not just OK. Why be OK, when with the help of the right Testosterone dose, you can feel better, be healthier, stronger and more vibrant. If you believe that your testosterone levels are at unhealthy levels, it's time to contact Proactive Wellness Centers for testing. Living with low testosterone is a risk, but with personalized TRT in Manassas Park, VA, you can minimize the harmful effects on your body.

Unlike other TRT clinics, we utilize a more complete and personalized approach to Testosterone Replacement Therapy. Our approach considers the role of DHEA, another very important hormone that needs to be balanced. And we look at Estradiol conversion, the unwanted effect where some men convert too much Testosterone to estradiol. In this case, these men (about 10%) need a medication to block this conversion, called an aromatase inhibitor. But notice that I mentioned that only 10% of men need this, but at many men's clinics, all men automatically get an aromatase inhibitor whether they need it or not. This drives Estradiol too low, causing other issues. Yes, Men need Estradiol also, but they need it in the proper proportion. Bottom line, our personalized approach ensures that you get exactly what you need, no more and no less.

Further, Proactive Wellness offers the widest range of Testosterone Replacement options so that men can choose the best for their particular lifestyle. Choose from pellets that are inserted just under the skin and last for 4-5 months, or the most popular option, Test Cypionate injections that are typically done weekly, or specialized transdermal cream or even a specialized intranasal application that mimics natural testosterone levels. Any of these methods are available at Proactive Wellness Centers so that you can get the option that is right for you.

Is testosterone replacement therapy enough? Maybe, it all depends on your goals and your lab results. Many men are also deficient in growth hormone (GH) and this hormone can also contribute to you not being your best. If this one is low, Proactive Wellness offers a range of Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH) peptides to increase your GH levels. Many men combine this with TRT to feel their absolute best.

If you're ready to reclaim your confidence and return to loving life on your own terms, our physicians and medical team are ready to help. Don't be one of those men who constantly complain about their health but don't do anything about it. Contact Proactive Wellness Centers today to make a difference in your life!

phone-number (703) 822-5003

Book an Appointment

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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