National Demonstration Site Network

Recognizing Communities for Turning Research Into Practice

High-quality outdoor play and recreation environments are essential to community health and wellness. Research indicates that when evidence-based design best practices are implemented with the built environment, then positive and measurable outcomes occur. PlayCore's National Demonstration Site program helps communities take advantage of this research to build meaningful environments, then measure their positive effect through data reporting and translation to help defend budgets and elevate outdoor recreation spaces as essential services.

PlayCore’s Center for Outreach, Research, and Education (CORE) leads the National Demonstration Site (NDS) Network as an important effort to raise national awareness, recognize projects of excellence, and help local communities demonstrate the positive impact they are making on Community Vitality. National Demonstration Sites are built using comprehensive and validated research to provide a unique way to gather data, then organize and report the indicators of a vital community.

There are five design best practice programs that help communities turn research into practice. Choose one or a combination of NDS designations to align with inclusive play, youth physical activity, adult outdoor fitness, nature play, and/or playful pathways.

National Demonstration Site design criteria ensures that your community can maximize the value of your investment by implementing scholarly best practice research to activate play and recreation destinations. National Demonstration Sites receive recognition, demonstrate impact through data services, and receive site-specific reports to share and showcase their impact on community health and wellness.

PlayCore National Demonstration Site Our Unique Approach


Receive Recognition, Demonstrate Impact, Share & Showcase

Learn more about the National Demonstration Site Network Designations and Benefits

Download the Brochure

Check out the map below to locate National Demonstration Sites near you!

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Contact us to learn more about the Network and Turning Research Into Practice

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NDS Brochure

Download the brochure to share with your team on the benefits of being a part of the network

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Already a member?

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Explore the Research

Learn about our Research Institute and the scholars that inform our work

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