After a decade of uncertainty, the cleanup of Mount Vernon's Memorial Field is now underway.

There's been controversial battles between political leaders, including past mayors, about the future of the field for more than 10 years. 

The cleanup is the first step in bringing back the historic and iconic symbol of the city, which brought people together dating back to the 1930s.

 Memorial Field faces a yearlong makeover, including cleanup and construction. It will be followed by a new grandstand, multi-use field and an eight-lane competition track. City leaders say a temporary tack will be in place in November.

The city is revitalizing the field for $2.2 million, through a contract with Tully Environmental.