When communities invest in parks, playgrounds, trails, and outdoor recreation spaces, they want to know those investments are making a difference. Are people using the space? Is it encouraging physical activity? Does it create opportunities for inclusion and community connection?
That's where the PlayCore/GameTime National Demonstration Site (NDS) program comes in.
A National Demonstration Site is more than a designation, it's a recognition that a play or recreation environment has been intentionally designed using evidence-based best practices to support meaningful community outcomes. Led by PlayCore's Center for Outreach, Research & Education (CORE), the NDS program helps communities turn research into action while measuring the real impact of their investments.
A National Demonstration Site (NDS) is a parks and recreation designation that recognizes playgrounds, parks, fitness areas, and trails designed using research-based best practices to improve physical activity, inclusion, and community engagement while measuring real-world outcomes.
National Demonstration Site recognition provides communities with more than a plaque or sign. It offers a framework for demonstrating the value of recreation investments through real-world data and outcomes reporting.
Communities that achieve NDS status receive benefits including:
NDS projects are recognized as models of excellence in evidence-based recreation design. Sites are featured on the National Demonstration Site map and receive resources to help promote their success.
One of the most valuable aspects of the program is the ability to measure outcomes. Communities receive site-specific reports that help track usage patterns, visitor engagement, physical activity levels, and overall satisfaction.
Data helps tell the story. NDS reporting gives communities meaningful information they can share with stakeholders, elected officials, donors, and grant providers. These reports can support future funding requests and demonstrate measurable community benefits.
The NDS program is built on a simple idea: when research-based design principles are applied to recreation environments, positive outcomes follow. Communities aren't guessing what works—they're implementing strategies backed by years of study and proven best practices.
For example, playgrounds pursuing NDS recognition for Inclusive Play are designed around established principles that help ensure people of all ages and abilities can participate. Similarly, Youth Physical Activity sites incorporate elements that encourage movement, fitness, and active play.
National Demonstration Site reporting consistently shows the positive impact these spaces can have on communities. According to NDS data:
These numbers highlight what many communities already know: thoughtfully designed recreation spaces create healthier, more connected communities.
The process begins during project planning. Communities work with recreation professionals to identify which NDS designation, or combination of designations, aligns with their goals.
Designs are then developed using established best practices and research-based guidelines. After the project is completed, communities can participate in the outcomes reporting process that measures and documents the site's impact over time.
A playground, fitness park, or trail can provide enjoyment for years to come. But a National Demonstration Site does something more. It creates a lasting legacy supported by data, research, and measurable outcomes.
By combining thoughtful design with proven best practices, communities can create recreation destinations that encourage active lifestyles, welcome people of all abilities, strengthen social connections, and demonstrate their value for generations to come.
At Cunningham Recreation, we're proud to help communities create parks and playgrounds that not only inspire play but also deliver meaningful, measurable results. If you're interested in learning how your next project could become a PlayCore/GameTime National Demonstration Site, our team is here to help guide the process. Contact us today!