Work begins to redevelop a school playground local officials have previously called "unsafe".

Community leaders and students came together for the groundbreaking of M.S. 72's new playground Tuesday.

The new $2.5 million playground will feature a 3 course track lane, a basketball court, exercise equipment and an outdoor instructional classroom with wireless technology. Officials say the park previously lacked safety measures and maintenance.

Council Member Ruben Wills helped allocate money for the redevelopment. A spokesperson for his office says the new playground will contribute to the school's diverse learning system.

“[It’s] a place where all youths can come and learn from different things,” said Council Member Wills’s spokesperson, Kenlyn Parsons. “That's why they incorporated the outdoor classroom with the amphitheater, so that they can have a diverse learning system rather than always being inside.”

The playground will also be open to the public. It's projected to be completed by no later than April 2017.