A massive cleanup has begun at Liberty State Park in Jersey City, a park that attracts millions of visitors a year.

The Murphy administration broke ground Wednesday on the cleanup of legacy pollution that has left approximately 235 acres of Liberty State Park inaccessible to the public, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

The state plans to add new parts to the park like athletic facilities and community spaces. Advocates have feared the area would become commercialized. However, the state has said that won't happen.

“Liberty State Park will remain the crown jewel of our state’s treasured park system as a result of our administration’s responsible cleanup and visionary revitalization,” acting Gov. Tahesha Way said in a statement.

The NJDEP says cleanup and restoration activities will unfold over the next several years, with land clearing activities beginning this fall and continuing through spring 2024.