Nicole Richie & Joel Madden Build Playground For Underprivileged Kids

Nicole Richie and Joel Madden were on hand yesterday (October 22) to personally kick off the construction of a new playground at a homeless shelter in downtown LA.

It's a project that, after 13 months spent fundraising, is near and dear to the couple's heart.

"I spend tons of time here," Nicole tells People. "When I found out the kids play on a concrete slab or play inside all day, it hit me. Kids need to have an imagination, to be outside and to be free."

Joel adds that they'll be bringing their daughter Harlow, 21 months, down once the playground is finished, saying, "Absolutely. Now that she's playground age, she can!"

The playground is just the latest of several great initiatives undertaken by the Richie-Madden Children's Foundation, which the couple founded shortly before Harlow's birth.

"We started [the Foundation] so it could be something that our siblings, parents and our kids could all do together," the former Simple Life star says. "It's something we talk to [Harlow] about all the time."

Nicole and Joel's 1-month-old son Sparrow isn't ready for a playground just yet, but the Good Charlotte rocker says that like his big sister he's sure to inspire plenty of projects.

"Sparrow's going to get an awesome club," he jokes. "Because he's awesome."

The couple are already working on their next project: An online baby registry for moms in need.