Filed under 'Joel Madden'

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.

Nicole Richie and Joel Madden took a break from the kids last night to attend the Noble Humanitarian Awards in Beverly Hills (October 18). However, it sounds like Harlow, 21 months, and Sparrow, 1 month, weren't too far from the doting parents' minds.

"I love kids, I love working with kids, I love being around kids," the Good Charlotte rocker tells People, adding that fatherhood is proving a bit easier the second time around.

"Well, one, it's a boy – so you're not as precious," he says, "so he's going to be a little tougher."

As for big sister Harlow, Joel reports that she's welcomed the new addition to the family with open arms.

"She loves it. She's so happy, she's just psyched. She totally gets it. It fit in perfectly there – hasn't been a hitch."

Joel was presented with an award - by none other than Nicole and her dad Lionel Richie - for his work with The Art of Elysium, an LA-based organization that enlists celebs to lend their time and talent to kids who are battling serious medical conditions.

Proud papa Joel Madden took his adorable 20-month-old daughter Harlow, to the farmer's market in Los Angeles this afternoon (September 20). The little princess rode in a red Radio Flyer wagon wearing a pretty pink dress and the most adorable flower hairband!

Harlow just recently became a big sister when her mother Nicole Richie gave birth to her brother Sparrow on September 9th.

Proud parents Nicole Richie and Joel Madden took time out today to Tweet about their brand new baby boy Sparrow James Midnight.

"What a great day to come back on Twitter. Thank you everyone for your well wishes. I love my family!!" writes Nicole, who gave birth to the couple's son early yesterday morning.

Meanwhile, Joel boasts that little Sparrow is already a trendsetter: "1st day of his life & my son is already a trending topic on twitter. That's right son, ur just like your old man."

Congratulations again to Nicole, Joel and new big sister Harlow!