by Erin Edwards
In the heart of Watts, a powerful moment unfolded — one that planted more than shovels into the ground. It was hope into a community.
The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF), in partnership with the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) and Kershaw’s Challenge, officially broke ground on Dodgers Dreamfield No. 68 at Nickerson Gardens on June 20. It is the largest public housing development west of the Mississippi.
This $1.1 million project will soon become a beacon of hope, resilience and opportunity for thousands of young Angelenos.
For Dalton Rushing, Dodger catcher and Dodgers Dreamfield special guest, the moment was about impact beyond the game: “Baseball taught me confidence, discipline and teamwork. I hope this field does the same for every kid who steps on it.”
But it was the words of local leaders that revealed what this field truly means.
“This groundbreaking symbolizes that our children matter, families matter, our burgeoning athletes who are going to round themselves out as scholars and athletes matter here in this community in Watts — and very specifically in Nickerson Gardens.” said Councilmember Tim McOsker.
Lourdes Castro Ramirez, President and Chief Executive Officer of HACLA, is looking forward to the community impact of Dodgers Dreamfield №68.
“Forty percent of Nickerson Gardens’ population is under 17, (about) 1,200 children. Investing in them is investing in our future.” Ramirez said.
The energy was undeniable — as leaders, partners and advocates stood together envisioning what the space will soon become.
With a solar-powered scoreboard inspired by Dodger Stadium, new fencing, and modern irrigation, Dodgers Dreamfield №68 will be both a physical transformation and a powerful symbol of what’s possible when investment meets intention.
This field will soon welcome the sounds of cleats on dirt, laughter in the dugouts and dreams taking shape under the Watts sun.
But the field is only the beginning.
Starting in 2026, Nickerson Gardens will become a Dodgers Dreamteam affiliate, offering free, organized baseball and softball programming for youth ages 5–12.
“Dreamfield 68 is more than a field — it’s a promise,” said LADF CEO Nichol Whiteman. “A promise that every child, no matter where they live, deserves a safe, beautiful place to play, grow, and dream big.”
Since launching the Dodgers Dreamfields program in 2003, LADF has built and refurbished 67 fields, reaching over 1.8 million youth and families. At Nickerson Gardens — where architectural legend Paul R. Williams once envisioned homes for dignity — Dodgers Dreamfield #68 is the next chapter in a story of access, equity and possibility.
To learn more about Dodgers Dreamfields or make a gift in support of this project, visit Dodgers.com/DodgersDreamfields.
More than a field: Dodgers Dreamfield №68 breaks ground at Nickerson Gardens was originally published in Dodger Insider on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.