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National Demonstration Sites
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.
Transform Your Recreation Space Into a National Demonstration Site
At Struthers Recreation, we believe thoughtfully designed recreation spaces are essential to building healthier, more connected communities. Research shows that when community members are actively involved in planning, evidence-based design is applied, and enriching programs are offered, the results are powerful—healthier lifestyles, increased engagement, and stronger social connections.
By following these proven best practices, your project may qualify for designation as a National Demonstration Site (NDS) through PlayCore. This recognition highlights your commitment to excellence and positions your space as a model for others nationwide.
National Demonstration Sites reflect the highest standards in outdoor recreation design. They support wellness initiatives, encourage inclusive and active play, and offer communities valuable tools to measure and share their impact. PlayCore offers five NDS programs that bring research to life in local parks and public spaces:
Playful Pathways
Nature Play
Youth Physical Activity
Adult Outdoor Fitness
Inclusive Play
You can choose one or combine multiple designations to create a space that truly reflects your community’s needs and values.
Learn more about how your park or playground can become part of this national movement and create lasting impact at playcore.com/nds.
Inclusive Playspaces
NDS
Inclusive Playspaces
Including people with disabilities in play and recreation activities and providing them the same opportunities to participate is the true definition of inclusion. We have partnered with industry-leading experts to help communities design inclusive play and recreation spaces.
Play-On! - Youth Physical Activity
NDS
PlayOn! - Youth Physical Activity
Health issues associated with inactivity is a serious problem in the United States and putting kids at risk for poor health. PlayCore worked with Shape America, the organization that has established standards for developing physically literate students, to develop curriculum promoting youth fitness.
Adult Outdoor Fitness
NDS
Adult Outdoor Fitness
Fitness is a health priority, and creating meaningful outdoor adult fitness spaces that offer a well rounded workout gets people outside and active. We partnered with scholars to create a comprehensive approach to adult fitness.
Nature Trails
NDS
Nature Trails: Nature-Based Play
Health research recognizes everyday outdoor play in nature as a powerful preventative strategy for overall health and well-being. In partnership with The Natural Learning Initiative, we have conducted several studies that support the benefit of playground naturalization and nature play.
Pathways for Play
NDS
Pathways for Play (Trail-Based Play)
Our work around nature play helped us to understand the role of sinuous pathways in the overall play space. We partnered with The Natural Learning Initiative and top trail industry experts to create best practice design principles to get children and families active on trails.
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