Nuggets guard Will Barton gathers Baltimore residents for 'peaceful fun'

Following several days of protests in response to the death of Freddie Gray, Denver Nuggets guard Will Barton encouraged Baltimore residents to gather at a local basketball court for "peaceful" fun.

Following several days of protests in response to the death of Freddie Gray, Denver Nuggets guard Will Barton encouraged Baltimore residents to gather at a local basketball court for "peaceful fun." 

Gray, 25, fractured his neck while in police custody and died a week later. An investigation into his death is ongoing. Protestors took to city's streets after Gray's funeral on Monday and the demonstrations eventually turned violent. Cars and businesses were burned and stores were ransacked by looters. The National Guard was called in to attempt to maintain order. 

Barton is a Baltimore native and encouraged members of the community to near Druid Hill park for a block party. Hundreds of people showed up.

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More positivity! Families hanging out at Cloverdale Basketball Courts playing ball, eating & staying off the streets. pic.twitter.com/bo3qp7zeRd

— Catherine Hawley (@C__Hawley) April 28, 2015

Hundreds of people gathering peacefully in Cloverdale Courts. #Baltimore pic.twitter.com/jURPbfG835

— Jason Nark (@JasonNark) April 28, 2015

Kid after kid offering up prayers for #Baltimore at center court. pic.twitter.com/o05HzOVpcS

— Jason Nark (@JasonNark) April 28, 2015

Lots of people gathering at Cloverdale Basketball court in West Baltimore. pic.twitter.com/2EscI6crVP

— Helen Ubiñas (@NotesFromHeL) April 28, 2015

Baltimore mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake ordered a city-wide curfew for the rest of the week from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Orioles games on Monday and Tuesday were postponed and Wednesday's game will be played in a closed stadium. The series scheduled to take place this weekend at Camden Yards has been moved to Tampa Bay. ​

- Dan Gartland