Watts Neighborhood Celebrates Playground Opening With Red Hot Chili Peppers Concert

Watts residents came together in late summer to cut the ribbon on a new playground at Nickerson Gardens. 

Design studio ESI, founded by world-renowned architect Edwin Schlossberg, designed the modern play structure and worked with a team of individuals — including Watts Gang Task Force president Donny Joubert and Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea — to raise funds for this important community project overseen by the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA). Longtime community supporter and GRoW founder Gregory Annenberg Weingarten also funded the project and attended the grand opening. 

The festivities in the historic Los Angeles neighborhood concluded with a concert by the Chili Peppers, who were joined onstage by hip-hop artist Jay Rock (who grew up in Nickerson Gardens) and dozens of thrilled children who danced to the hit-packed performances. 

"This playground represents more than just a place to play," said Joubert in a statement. "Our children in Watts need to know that they matter. And Flea's investment in this community is a reminder that they haven't been forgotten."