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National Demonstration Sites

Recognizing Communities for Turning Research Into Practice

Leading the Way for Play

We believe high-quality recreation environments play a critical role in promoting community health. Research indicates that when stakeholders are engaged in the planning process, evidence-based design principles are implemented with the built environment, and supplemental programming is offered to further enhance user experiences, then positive outcomes occur. When you design a playground around these best practices, your project is eligible for recognition by PlayCore as a National Demonstration Site. 

 

National Demonstration Sites (NDS) exemplify evidence-based best practices in design and implementation, support health-related initiatives, and provide meaningful ways for community stakeholders to gather data about the sites’ impact on the community. There are five NDS programs that help communities turn research into practice in local park destinations. Choose to utilize one or a combination of NDS designations to thoughtfully support playful pathways, nature play, adult fitness, youth physical activity, and inclusion in outdoor play and recreation settings. 

 

To learn more about National Demonstration Sites and how your community can participate in a nationwide effort to collect and report outcomes-based data that make a lasting impact for generations to come, visit playcore.com/nds.

Types of National Demonstration Sites

 

Including people with disabilities in play and recreation activities and providing them the same opportunities to participate is true definition of inclusion. We have partnered with industry leading experts to help communities design inclusive play and recreation spaces.

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Health issues associated with inactivity is a serious problem in the United States and putting kids at risk for poor health. PlayCore worked with Shape America, the organization that has established standards for developing physically literate students, to develop curriculum promoting youth fitness.

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Health research recognizes everyday outdoor play in nature as a powerful preventative strategy for overall health and well-being. In partnership with The Natural Learning Initiative, we have conducted several studies that support the benefit of playground naturalization and nature play.

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Our work around nature play helped us to understand the role of sinuous pathways in the overall play space. We partnered with The Natural Learning Initiative and top trail industry experts to create best practice design principles to get children and families active on trails.

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Fitness is a health priority, and creating meaningful outdoor adult fitness spaces that offer a well rounded workout gets people outside and active. We partnered with scholars to create a comprehensive approach to adult fitness.

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Learn More About National Demonstration Sites

View the National Demonstration Site Network Brochure

View One State's Commitment to Best Practice Design