Design play and recreation destinations that improve health, increase physical activity, support inclusion and strengthen community connections.
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.
National Demonstration Sites help communities connect design decisions to public value, then share that story with residents, boards, city leaders, funders and partners.
Your project is recognized nationally as a model for evidence-based play and recreation design.
Use tools and data to understand how your site is being used and how it supports community goals.
Turn research, data and project outcomes into a stronger advocacy story for future investments.
National Demonstration Site reporting helps communities understand physical activity, return visits, time spent on site, satisfaction and other outcomes that matter to public officials.
of visitors report being physically active during their visit.
of visitors say they plan to come back again.
of visitors report being physically active for 30 minutes or more.
of visitors report being satisfied with their experience.
Communities can pursue one or more National Demonstration Site designations based on their goals, priorities and the people they serve.
Create play environments that support people of all ages and abilities.
Design playgrounds that promote active play and improve children’s wellness.
Reconnect children and families with nature through naturalized play environments.
Integrate play elements along trails to encourage exploration, movement and discovery.
Provide accessible outdoor fitness spaces that support lifelong wellness.
Many communities combine pathways, such as inclusion and youth physical activity, to tell a richer impact story.
A new universal playground helped turn a local park improvement into a measurable community destination.
Mount Berry Trailhead Park connects play and community health with greenway access in one compact destination.
Each report helps communities connect design decisions, visitor behavior, community conditions and long-term value.
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.
Available after opening to measure usage patterns, community context, health-related indicators and early estimated impact.
Generated after collecting visitor surveys to capture user experiences, demographics, satisfaction and site-specific outcomes.
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.
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.
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.
Your project is recognized nationally as a model for evidence-based play and recreation design. Benefits include:
National Demonstration Sites receive tools and data that help communities measure and communicate the impact of their investment. You’ll gain access to:
Use real data and research to advocate for your parks and recreation investments. Communities use NDS reports to:
These results demonstrate how well-designed recreation spaces support community health and wellness.
Communities can pursue one or more National Demonstration Site designations based on their goals and priorities.
Each National Demonstration Site receives three customized reports designed to demonstrate the value of your project.
Delivered before opening to help understand who your site will serve.
Available 60+ days after opening to measure usage patterns and estimated health savings.
Generated after collecting visitor surveys to capture user experiences, demographics, and satisfaction.
These reports help communities communicate the real impact of their investment.
