‘Occupy Wall Street’ protesters allowed back into Zuccotti Park.

CBS New York - Several hundred Occupy Wall Street protesters joyfully returned to Zuccotti Park Tuesday.

By sunrise Wednesday, though, they were down to just a handful remaining in the park.

The return of the protesters took place after police removed barriers erected there following the ouster of the protesters back in November.

The barriers came down after the New York Civil Liberties Union sent a letter saying the barriers were essentially illegal and in violation of zoning laws.

Police spokesman Paul Browne said the NYPD and Brookfield Office Properties, which owns the park, had been discussing removing the barriers last week. They decided to remove them Tuesday, Browne said, because they felt they were no longer necessary.

One man told 1010 WINS’ Gary Baumgarten that returning to the park felt liberating.

 “It just feels wonderful, we feel liberated, and the community here is vibrant,” he said.

Three people were arrested at the park after the barriers came down, apparently lying down, which is in violation of the park’s rules.