In 1955, architect Paul Revere Williams completed Nickerson Gardens, a public housing development in Watts, Los Angeles, California, using principles commonly found in his residential designs, including flat roofs with overhangs, light colors, and open floor plans.
To date, Nickerson Gardens is the largest public housing project west of the Mississippi and has faced its share of hardships: It’s known for being the location of the 1965 Watts riots between police and the neighborhood, an uprising which followed the attempted arrest of Marquette Frye.
Last week, the unveiling of a newly renovated playground within the housing development offers residents an overdue and “much-deserved” place to play, exercise, and gather. The upgrade was patroned by Flea, the lead bassist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who fundraised for the project and has been active in the area. During the pandemic, the musician gave out food and face masks to the community.
The 17,656-square-foot Nickerson Gardens Playground was designed pro bono by NBBJ and its experience design studio ESI Design. The endeavor also involved the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA), the Watts Community Group, Kompan, KPFF Consulting Engineers, SWA/Balsley, and Terracon Consultants.
“We’re grateful to support the Watts community with the design of a playground that can bring joy, fun, and entertainment to families throughout the year,” said NBBJ Managing Partner Robert Mankin in a press release. “We’re honored to be among the many organizations that came together to provide much-deserved recreational space for this historically underserved community.”
For the young at heart, at the new playground there are seven swings, several slides, climbing nets, and a carousel, and a fitness center on site for adults. The new playground equipment is from Kompan. The ground is made from recycled court surfaces that are easy to clean and repair. Misting poles and canopies located throughout the playground provide cooling opportunities on hot days.
At the ribbon cutting event last week, residents and the community were treated to a concert from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and rapper Jay Rock, who grew up in Nickerson Gardens. In 2016, Jay Rock invited Kendrick Lamar, Schoolboy Q, SZA, and Ab-Soul to perform there; and remains a staple in the community.
“This playground represents more than just a place to play,” added Donny Joubert, president of Watts Gang Task Force, a community group whose goal is to reduce gang-related crime in the city. “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.”
