SAN DIEGO -- A towering fence along the border isn't keeping families from communicating at Friendship Park, 10News' Marissa Cabrera reported Saturday.

Saturday, organizers used two parabolic dishes and a lot of foil to have a conversation with friends on the other side of the border.

"Since we put up the wall we've had to get more creative," said Dan Watman of the group Border Encuentro.

Some have said the experiment shows how community members who want the park to re-open are willing to try anything to show local, state and federal officials the importance of a meeting spot.

For four generations, families separated by immigrations status reunited at the park with only a chain link fence separating them. But in January, the U.S government started construction on a towering fence that ended those visits.

Tony Swan, who was visiting from Oregon, was able to talk to a woman who was positioned near the dish on the Mexican side of the border.

"It's kind of ridiculous that we have to go through this length in order to communicate with our neighbors," Swan said.

But border officials have said the border fence is designed to protect national security. Officials said the new larger fence will curb illegal immigration, smuggling and drug violence along the border.

According to a statement from the Department of Homeland Security, a recent assessment determined that allowing access to Friendship Park affects the ability to enforce the law and protect Americans in the area.

Watman said community leaders have been in communication with border officials about establishing public access at the park. If public access continues to be denied Watman hopes to continue using sound travel to facilitate communication across the border.