After being dismantled and stored near a hangar at John F. Kennedy International Airport, the sculpture was moved to Battery Park in 200212. The move was necessitated by the construction work to restore Battery Park’s lawn1. The sculpture was rededicated at its permanent location in Liberty Park on August 16, 2017
The sculpture you are referring to is likely "The Sphere," which is a large metallic sculpture by artist Fritz Koenig, originally created as a symbol of world peace. It was placed at the World Trade Center complex in New York City and was damaged as a result of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
After the attacks, "The Sphere" was recovered from the debris, and indeed, due to its sentimental and historical importance, it was kept in storage near a hangar at John F. Kennedy International Airport. In 2002, as you mentioned, the sculpture was moved to Battery Park as a temporary memorial for the victims of the September 11 attacks. This move coincided with the need to restore the park's lawn.
Eventually, "The Sphere" found a more permanent home in Liberty Park, a part of the World Trade Center complex. The rededication ceremony on August 16, 2017, marked the continuation of the sculpture's role as a symbol of resilience and peace, as well as a memorial to those who lost their lives in the attacks. Its relocation to Liberty Park positions it close to its original location and within view of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.