Article by 

Carter Clark

Yellow-and-blue playground featuring an elevated rope tunnel and angled cargo-net climb on blue rubber surfacing

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. 

playground

Playgrounds that demonstrate these standards see many benefits for their park space and overall design including:

  • National Recognition. Every playground built to NDS standards earns a plaque to showcase the leadership exemplified in the park design, giving local communities trust in the quality of the design and play in the park. NDS playgrounds are also listed publicly on the NDS website.
  • Demonstrated Leadership. Playgrounds following NDS standards are proven to be leaders in the industry, following best practice design specifications to encourage safe play that facilitates growth.
  • Best in Class Equipment. In meeting the NDS requirements, these playgrounds are using market leading equipment to encourage movement for all ages, all abilities, demonstrating a clear commitment to helping communities have more fun together.

We’ve helped communities in towns and cities 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.

Connect with us to learn more about the NDS program or get started on your nationally recognized design.

Article by 

Carter Clark

Partner
 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.