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Research

Grounded in Research

We partner with the foremost authorities to study, translate, and share.

Our Research Institute is composed of leading scholar experts, universities, and research centers who are committed to help us investigate, translate, and disseminate information that informs all of our services. Through our trusted partnerships, we publish field-tested best practices in design, advocacy, and programming across a variety of play and recreation disciplines.

Our Scholar Network

Rooted in Facts, Not Opinion

The scholars in our Scholar Network help ensure that we’re a trusted and reputable source of evidence-based information as we expand the impact of academic research on play and recreation settings. They have centuries of combined experience in what makes play and recreation equitable, engaging, and educational, and using quantitative and qualitative methodologies, have worked with us to translate the latest research into best practices across a variety of tools. These evidence-based practices can be used to design and implement unique and meaningful play and recreation destinations to help build healthy communities.

Full scholar network map of the united state of America with images of scholars on various states and university logos sprinkled throughout

Building Vital Communities

Expertise from the Research Institute has informed PlayCore’s unique Community Vitality Framework to help guide our comprehensive resources and organize the many ways we help advocate for the essential role the built environment can have on overall community health and well-being. The seven indicators of Community Vitality were independently validated by scholars and practitioners and are applied across our Resource Library, Professional Development Hub, and Data Service Lab offerings. Our goal is to help communities turn research into practice and the Community Vitality indicators are a great way to align our resources to each community’s goals. 

Community Vitality Wheel
NDS-Map-Screenshot
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Put Research Into Practice and Receive Personalized Data

National Demonstration Sites (NDS) are play and/or fitness sites that have been designed and built using comprehensive, validated research to help ensure active usage and community engagement. They receive recognition, demonstrate impact through data outcomes, and receive site-specific data reports to share and showcase their impact on community health and wellness.

$ 306,535

Health savings reduced from reduced absenteeism & health cost savings

95 %

Survey respondents reported being physically active

"This National Demonstration Site has so many activities to keep everyone engaged and happy!"

Park User

Research Survey

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