Mayor Rahm Emanuel cut the ribbon Thursday to open the new plaground and field at Mary Lyon Elementary School. View Full Caption City of Chicago/Patrick Pyszka

CHICAGO — Mary Lyon Elementary School students and staff welcomed a new playground and field with the help of Mayor Rahm Emanuel at a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday.

The school at 2941 N. McVicker Ave. now has a playground with rubber surfacing, an artificial turf soccer field with nets, new concrete walkways, fence improvements and greater accessibility.

Lyons Principal Cliff Gabor requested the artificial field to stop flooding and overuse problems, according to the Mayor's Office.

"Each playground and turf field will strengthen communities and provide our children with a fun, safe place to play in every neighborhood," said Emanuel in a statement.

The school received an Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity grant for the improvements.