NLE Choppa’s ‘Dream Court’ in Raleigh damaged by fireworks

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - Less than two weeks after it was revealed to the public, the “Dream Court” in Raleigh is damaged.

The court has been cordoned off by police tape after it was damaged by fireworks.

“We’ll do everything we can as a city to make this right,” said Memphis Parks director Nick Walker.

Memphis Fire Department says firefighters were called to the scene just after 7 a.m. Sunday where the court was engulfed in flames.

The cause of the fire was determined by MFD to be fireworks that were ignited in the center of the court.

Local rapper NLE Choppa unveiled the court at Raleigh Community Center less than two weeks ago, hoping it could be a safe space for Memphis children to play basketball and build friendships.

“I feel like Memphis is in need of things of this nature that represents a positive light,” the Memphis rapper said on May 25.

Angelita Potts, Choppa’s mom and manager, says her son was devastated about the Dream Court’s damage, but he and his team are already working to bring it back.

“We’re working with the city and city council to try and see what we can do,” said Potts. “But with him being himself, he’s just thanking God nobody was hurt. It could’ve been worse.”

“That’s why we can’t have nice things,” said Cedric Payne, a Raleigh resident. “That’s very disrespectful. It was beautiful. It was a nice situation. The kids was happy. Adults was happy. There’s been so much violence going on and we could finally come back outside and play basketball again.”

No arrests have been made.

Those with information are asked to call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.

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