Boy dreams of training at Gratigny Plateau Park to become a professional basketball player

Jahwaun Burrowes is one of the many boys in the Pinewood neighborhood who dream of joining the NBA and play with the Miami Heat like Dwyane Wade

MIAMI-DADE, Fla. – Jahwaun Burrowes is one of the many kids in the North Miami-Dade Pinewood area who dream of playing like the Miami Heat's Dwyane Wade.

The ten-year-old said he prefers to play outdoors. Bouncing his basketball and riding his bicycle beat playing video games or watching cartoons any day, Jahwaun said.

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This is why he was so excited that the new Gratigny Plateau Park, 885 NW 117th St., is only steps away from his grandmother's house, where he spends most of his free time. 

"I want to play basketball when I grow up, so I have to be strong," Jahwaun said.

Due to lack of funding, Miami-Dade County had not been able to develop the park for years until Local 10 News stepped in.

The One and Only Local 10 News focused on crowd sourcing. A team of volunteers and donors turned the once magnet for parked cars and garbage into a space that Jahwaun will be able to use.

"I saw it when it was empty. I watched the construction," Jahwaun said.  "I can tell they are turning it into the park that is going to help me stay strong."

SPECIAL SECTION: Complete coverage of Gratigny Plateau Park

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