CORE Research Institute
We partner with the foremost authorities to study, translate, and share.
Research
Our Research Institute is comprised of leading experts, universities, and research centers who are committed to help us investigate, discover, and translate information that informs all of our services. Through our trusted partnerships, we publish field-tested best practices across a variety of play and recreation disciplines.
Our Scholar Network
Our work is rooted in facts, not opinion. Our Scholar Network helps us ensure that we are a trusted and reputable source of evidence-based information, expanding the impact of academic research on play and recreation settings.
Click here to Meet the Scholars.
Explore the Research:
Inclusion
Building an inclusive recreation space is one of the best things a community can do for people. Inclusive play and recreation simply means no one is left out, and everyone of all ages and abilities can play to the greatest extent possible.
Explore Inclusive Play Resources
Nature Play
Learn how our research has created opportunities for designing nature back into children’s lives, for richer play experiences and greater psychological well-being for people of all ages.
Explore Nature Play Resources
Playful Trails
Innovative pathway designs infused with play is a paradigm change that could increase family walking and biking by creating a network of intriguing linear play and recreation environments.
Explore Playful Trails Resources
Youth Physical Activity
Physical activity in play is critical for healthy lifestyles and the development of the mind, body, and spirit. Learn how including six elements of play can increase physical activity through design and thoughtful programming to address childhood obesity and estalblish healthy habits.
Explore Youth Physical Activity Resources
Outdoor Adult Fitness
Outdoor adult fitness spaces are a growing way to help get adults actively engaged in healthy activity. Creating a meaningful outdoor fitness space can be a challenge without the right information to help guide your choices to ensure a well-rounded workout.
Explore Outdoor Adult Fitness Parks Resources
Intergenerational Play
Intergenerational play and recreation fosters inclusion and brings people together to improve life for people of all ages. Learn more about the return to family recreation and how to create meaningful destinations for intergenerational fun.
Explore Intergenerational Play Resources
Dog Parks
With pet ownership on the rise in the United States, many communities have started introducing special amenities and advertising themselves as “pet friendly” to build community capital and attract new residents to the area.
Explore Dog Park Resources
Spectator Seating
Spectator seating is an important asset within a city or region. Learn how to maximize the allotted space, engaging people while ensuring comfort, and planning for storage, press boxes, team accommodations, eating spaces to promote venue success.
Explore Spectator Seating Resources
Aquatics
The public pool is where kids learn to swim, families make summer memories, and others go to promote fitness, health, and movement. Learn more about how the pool offers a wealth of health advancements not found in other recreation environments.
Explore Aquatics Resources
Surfacing
Surfacing is the finishing touch for many recreation environments. While it's essential in playgrounds, it can provide comfort, aesthetics, and maintenance relief in many types of spaces. We can provide guidance on planning, purchasing, and protecting your surfacing investment.
Explore Surfacing Resources
Bicycling
Research supports the bike-friendly community as a healthy option in a variety of ways. Our scholarly partnerships, research, and product options around bicycle infrastructure can help communities invest in active transportation, and build more bicycle-inclusive communities.
Explore Bicycling Resources
Outdoor Music
Perhaps nothing has been as fundamental to the shared human experience throughout history as much as music. In addition to being enjoyable; research shows how music has positive effects on learning, memory, and our ability to experience pleasure.
Explore Outdoor Music Resources
Green Schoolyards
PlayCore has joined forces with the Children & Nature Network to raise awareness and overcome barriers in the implementation of green schoolyards. Together, we will survey and engage school staff and other partners, share best practices, create model environments, and share benefits, impact, and out
Explore Green Schoolyards Resources