It's always wonderful to hear about stars raising money for good causes, but it's even more awesome to actually see them out and about, taking action and making things happen! Nicole Richie and Joel Madden, parents to two tiny tots of their own, recently begun construction on a new playground in one of the most impoverished areas of Downtown Los Angeles.

The duo have been raising money for the past year through the Richie Madden Foundation, and this week, they were finally able to break ground Beyond Shelter's Broadway Village 2. Several of the kids at the homeless shelter even came down to witness the event.

"It's so rewarding to see the smile on these kids faces," Richie, 28, told PEOPLE.
"I spend tons of time here," says Richie. "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."

When asked if Joel and Nicole's own toddler Harlow would be coming down to enjoy the new playground, Joel, 30, replied, "Absolutely. Now that she's playground age, she can!"

Nicole added, "We started [the Richie-Madden Children's Foundation] so it could be something that our siblings, parents and our kids could all do together. It's something we talk to her about all the time."

How awesome for those kids, who will now have a safe, fun environment to play in! Visit richiemaddenfoundation.com to find out more.

via People