Article by 

Carter Clark

PlayCore National Demonstration Site badge promoting recreation through research-based best practices
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Playcore’s Center for Outreach, Research and Education leads the National Demonstration Site (NDS) network, a collective of playgrounds that demonstrate the best in class standards that meet the requirements necessary to earn one of the five National Demonstration Site designations. 

We’ve helped communities across Canada build playgrounds that ‘lead the way to play’, by adhering to these established standards in Inclusive Play, Nature Based Play, Trail Based Play, Youth Fitness and Activity and Adult Fitness. Playgrounds that meet these standards are awarded a plaque to visibly demonstrate to the public the commitment to creating stronger communities through play and recreation.

Find a playground near you that has earned this designation with this NDS Site Locator or connect with us to start building your own high standard playground today.

Article by 

Carter Clark

Co-Owner
 at 
Park N Play Design

Carter Clark is the Marketing Director and Co-Owner of Park N Play Design, one of Canada’s leading firms specializing in the design and construction of inclusive and accessible playgrounds and parks. With more than two decades of company experience behind the organization, Carter works closely with designers, manufacturers, and community partners to help municipalities, schools, and organizations plan play spaces that serve entire communities.

Through his work with Park N Play Design, Carter has contributed to the planning and development of thousands of play environments across Canada, ranging from traditional playgrounds and natural play spaces to splash parks, skateparks, pump tracks, and outdoor fitness areas. His focus is on helping communities create spaces that are safe, inclusive, developmentally meaningful, and built to perform for decades.

Carter regularly writes about playground planning, inclusive design, community engagement, and best practices for developing successful park and recreation projects. His work helps community leaders better understand the planning, funding, and design decisions that lead to successful play environments.