Elected officials and Parks Department members broke ground Tuesday at Whalen Park in Norwood as part of a major overhaul.

Nearly $2 million will go toward new game tables, a playhouse, climbing blocks, a spray shower, new seating and a bicycle rack.

The work means that the park will be closed for the summer, but officials say the much-needed improvements will be worth the wait.

The entire project is expected to be completed in June 2018.