COLUMBUS, Miss. (WTVA) – A new facility will blend student health and community safety.

Ground was broken on a new gymnasium at Stokes-Beard Elementary in Columbus on Thursday.

The $5.2 million project will give students more opportunities while also providing a resource the community can use when dangerous weather moves through the area.

It will host gymnastics classes for pre-K to first grade students, along with art and music classes.

“It’s just providing opportunities for generations to come. Not only that, with it being a storm shelter, we know that Columbus is no stranger to tornadoes,” said Dr. Craig Chapman, the Columbus Municipal School District superintendent. “This is a great safe place for the people in this community and people of Columbus.”

The gym is part of a $36 million bond project approved by Columbus voters to fund improvements across the district.

Other projects include parking lot improvements, fire suppression systems at several schools, and bathroom upgrades.