Turn research into results.
Design play and recreation destinations that improve health, increase physical activity, support inclusion and strengthen community connections.
Research-based parks with stories communities can prove.
A National Demonstration Site is a play or recreation environment intentionally designed around evidence-based best practices.
The NDS Network, led by PlayCore’s Center for Outreach, Research & Education, recognizes communities that turn research into practice and create meaningful ways to gather data about a site’s impact.
- Apply evidence-based design to local parks, playgrounds and recreation spaces.
- Support health-related goals such as physical activity, inclusion and wellness.
- Receive recognition as a model project for your community and region.
- Use reports and visitor insights to communicate the value of your investment.
Recognition is only the beginning.
National Demonstration Sites help communities connect design decisions to public value, then share that story with residents, boards, city leaders, funders and partners.
Recognition
Your project is recognized nationally as a model for evidence-based play and recreation design.
- National Demonstration Site map listing
- Project of Excellence award
- Welcome kit and marketing resources
Demonstrate Impact
Use tools and data to understand how your site is being used and how it supports community goals.
- Site-specific data reports
- Visitor engagement insights
- Community health indicators
Share & Showcase
Turn research, data and project outcomes into a stronger advocacy story for future investments.
- Communicate outcomes to stakeholders
- Support funding and grant applications
- Demonstrate measurable community benefits
Well-designed recreation spaces create measurable outcomes.
National Demonstration Site reporting helps communities understand physical activity, return visits, time spent on site, satisfaction and other outcomes that matter to public officials.
Physically Active
of visitors report being physically active during their visit.
Plan to Return
of visitors say they plan to come back again.
30+ Minutes
of visitors report being physically active for 30 minutes or more.
Satisfied Visit
of visitors report being satisfied with their experience.
Choose one designation or combine several.
Communities can pursue one or more National Demonstration Site designations based on their goals, priorities and the people they serve.
Inclusive Playspaces
Create play environments that support people of all ages and abilities.
Youth Physical Activity
Design playgrounds that promote active play and improve children’s wellness.
Nature-Based Play
Reconnect children and families with nature through naturalized play environments.
Playful Pathways
Integrate play elements along trails to encourage exploration, movement and discovery.
Adult Outdoor Fitness
Provide accessible outdoor fitness spaces that support lifelong wellness.
Combine Designations
Many communities combine pathways, such as inclusion and youth physical activity, to tell a richer impact story.
See National Demonstration Sites across the country.
The National Demonstration Site map shows communities putting evidence-based design into practice in parks, playgrounds, fitness spaces and recreation destinations.
Use the interactive map to explore recognized National Demonstration Sites throughout the country.
Jamestown Park shows what an impact story can look like.
In Jamestown, North Carolina, a new universal playground helped turn a local park improvement into a measurable community destination.
After the inclusive playground, nature trail and basketball court opened, the town reported significant increases in park usage, regional draw and local business activity.
Every National Demonstration Site receives reports designed for advocacy.
Each report helps communities connect design decisions, visitor behavior, community conditions and long-term value.
Initial Impact Report
Delivered before opening to help understand who your site will serve, how the project connects to local needs and what story the investment can begin to tell.
Baseline Outcomes Report
Available after opening to measure usage patterns, community context, health-related indicators and early estimated impact.
Visitor Outcomes Report
Generated after collecting visitor surveys to capture user experiences, demographics, satisfaction and site-specific outcomes.
Download the National Demonstration Site Network brochure.
Learn how the NDS program helps communities turn evidence-based design into measurable outcomes, national recognition and stronger impact stories.
Use the brochure to start conversations with park boards, city managers, school leaders, donors and community partners.
Ready to create a park project with measurable impact?
GameTime can help you plan a research-based play or recreation destination, pursue National Demonstration Site recognition and collect the kind of outcomes data that keeps the story moving long after opening day.
National Demonstration Sites for Play & Recreation
Turn research into results by designing play and recreation destinations that improve health, increase physical activity, and strengthen community connections.
Become a National Demonstration Site
The National Demonstration Site (NDS) Network, led by PlayCore’s Center for Outreach, Research & Education (CORE), recognizes projects that implement evidence-based design to create exceptional play and recreation environments.
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.
Why Communities Become National Demonstration Sites
Recognition
Your project is recognized nationally as a model for evidence-based play and recreation design. Benefits include:
- Listing on the National Demonstration Site Map
- National Demonstration Site Project of Excellence Award
- Welcome Kit and marketing resources to promote your project
Demonstrate Impact
National Demonstration Sites receive tools and data that help communities measure and communicate the impact of their investment. You’ll gain access to:
- Site-specific data reports
- Visitor engagement insights
- Community health indicators
- Usage and activity trends
Share & Showcase
Use real data and research to advocate for your parks and recreation investments. Communities use NDS reports to:
- Communicate outcomes to stakeholders
- Support funding and grant applications
- Demonstrate measurable community benefits
Proven Results
of visitors are physically active
say they plan to return
physically active for 30+ minutes
satisfied with their visit
These results demonstrate how well-designed recreation spaces support community health and wellness.
Five Research-Based Design Pathways
Communities can pursue one or more National Demonstration Site designations based on their goals and priorities.
Learn More About National Demonstration Sites
View the National Demonstration Site Network Brochure
Data That Tells Your Story
Each National Demonstration Site receives three customized reports designed to demonstrate the value of your project.
Initial Impact Report
Delivered before opening to help understand who your site will serve.
Baseline Outcomes Report
Available 60+ days after opening to measure usage patterns and estimated health savings.
Visitor Outcomes Report
Generated after collecting visitor surveys to capture user experiences, demographics, and satisfaction.
These reports help communities communicate the real impact of their investment.