Fence Blocks Famous View of Statue of Liberty in New York

Parks advocate says new security fencing interferes with iconic harbor vista from Battery Park

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:03am

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A new fence installed by the U.S. Park Police in New York's Battery Park is being criticized by a local parks group for blocking the famous view of the Statue of Liberty. The fence, part of a security upgrade, stretches across more of the waterfront promenade than necessary, according to the Battery Conservancy president, making it difficult for visitors to photograph the iconic landmark.

Why it matters

The Statue of Liberty is one of New York City's most famous and visited attractions, and the view from Battery Park is a quintessential photo opportunity for tourists. The new fence, installed as part of security upgrades, is seen by some as an unnecessary obstruction that detracts from the public's ability to freely enjoy and document this iconic vista.

The details

The U.S. Park Police installed the new fencing last month as part of the second phase of a two-year project to rebuild the deteriorating wharf and protect the Battery against rising water levels and storm surges. Previously, during the first phase, a screening facility for Statue of Liberty-bound passengers was located closer to the park's carousel. Now, that screening operation has been moved, requiring the new fencing that Paula Recart, president of the Battery Conservancy, says is too tall and stretches across too much of the waterfront promenade.

  • The new fencing was installed last month.
  • From 2023 until a few months ago, construction crews worked on a section of the dock and the promenade close to the Castle Clinton National Monument, and Statue of Liberty-bound passengers went through a screening facility closer to the carousel in the park.

The players

Paula Recart

The president of the Battery Conservancy, the nonprofit group that manages the 25-acre Battery Park facing New York Harbor.

U.S. Park Police

The law enforcement agency that installed the new security fencing in Battery Park.

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What they’re saying

“It was like looking at the Statue of Liberty from the wrong side of a jail fence.”

— Paula Recart, President, Battery Conservancy

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tension between public access and security concerns when it comes to iconic landmarks and public spaces. While the new fencing may be necessary for safety reasons, its impact on the visitor experience and ability to freely enjoy and document the Statue of Liberty vista is a concern that local officials will likely continue to raise.