DANBURY, Connecticut — In response to community priorities identified in the 2023 Plan of Conservation and Development, the City of Danbury Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Western Connecticut State University Department of Health Promotion and Exercise Sciences (HPX) have partnered to develop the Wolf Tracks Walking Path, an affordable and accessible physical activity program in downtown Danbury launching this month.
Professor and Chair of the WestConn HPX Department Dr. Emily Stevens said, “We have developed a strong collaborative partnership with Fernanda and her team at DHHS. After working together to identify the need, we are excited to launch this community health initiative to make walking an accessible form of physical activity in Danbury. It’s a wonderful opportunity to bridge WestConn and the HPX Department to the Danbury community.”
The initiative directly answers residents’ calls for greater mobility and exercise options throughout the city and reflects a shared commitment to improving the health and well-being of all Danbury residents.
DHHS Director Fernanda Carvalho said, “The Wolf Tracks Walking Path is a reflection of our commitment to meeting Danbury residents where they are and creating health opportunities that are accessible to everyone. By partnering with WestConn and centering community voices in this process, we are taking a meaningful step toward building a healthier, more active Danbury for generations to come.”
Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves added, “Danbury is one of the most diverse and vibrant cities in the country, and our residents deserve access to programs that support their health and quality of life. The Wolf Tracks Walking Path is exactly the kind of community-driven initiative that reflects our city’s vision, bringing people together, making healthy living accessible for everyone, and investing in the neighborhoods that make Danbury great. I am proud to support this partnership between the city and Western Connecticut State University, and encourage all residents to make their voices heard by completing the survey
Before the program launches, the city and WestConn are asking Danbury residents to share their voices. Community surveys are now available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese and can be completed by individuals 18 years of age or older. The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete and asks questions about weekly physical activity habits, personal health goals, and the environmental conditions in Danbury that support or hinder walking, along with a few brief demographic questions.
This collaborative effort is built on a foundation of shared ownership among community members, local organizations, the city, and the university, ensuring that the Wolf Tracks Walking Path is designed by and for the people it serves.
Eligible participants can access the survey online at https://wcsu.iad1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1Sbb2O81ZFRUHA2
The survey will remain open through June 15, 2026. All responses are confidential and will be used solely to inform program development.
For more information, contact Dr. Emily Stevens at stevense@wcsu.edu.
Western Connecticut State University changes lives by providing all students with a high-quality education that fosters their growth as individuals, scholars, professionals, and leaders in a global society. Our vision: To be widely recognized as a premier public university with outstanding teachers and scholars who prepare students to contribute to the world in a meaningful way.