ALBANY — Occupy Albany returned to Academy Park Saturday, drawing more than 200 people to a rally and march.

They symbolically took back the park, from which the city evicted them Dec. 22.

"Today, the most important message is Occupy Albany is not going anywhere," said Emma Potik, a 35-year-old city resident who's taken part since the local group began.

"It's as strong as ever. We're just getting stronger," said Potick, standing in the park.

Occupy Albany and Albany are engaged in a court struggle over the eviction of the group's encampment from the park. The city's position is that the protesters may be in the park, but their tents cannot be in the public space.

Small tents were set up by some, and others wore tents as part of Saturday's return to the park. Occupy Albany says it currently has no plans to camp overnight in the park.

Participants recalled that some protesters were pepper-sprayed by a mounted police officer during the Dec. 22 eviction. City police said the officer acted in self-defense and to protect his horse.

The occupiers looked ahead Saturday as they drew support from organized labor, various citizens groups and progressive organizations.

"Today is really what defines us," said Colin Donnaruma, a member of Occupy Albany's Legal Working Group.

Economic justice and restoring democracy were among the themes stressed by rally participants.

Albany County Legislator Doug Bullock, a city Democrat, said Occupy Albany influenced Gov. Andrew Cuomo's income tax reform that led to taxing millionaires, but that it did not go far enough in taxing the wealthy.

Collin Thomas, 29, of Albany, said Occupy Albany is in a unique position due to being in the state capital. It can leverage that geographic location to exert influence and help other groups.

The occupiers are moving from the park to carry their message into the halls of government, Thomas said.

While no longer camped out in the park, the group has space at 306 Hudson Ave. to continue its mission.

"I am out here for equality. There is the continued issue in the gap between the 1 percent and the rest of us," said Tim Fake, 31, of Albany, who stood along Washington Avenue waving a "Tax the 1%" sign.

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Rachel Dash, 29, of Albany, spoke to the crowd about women's rights and issues.

She said the organization's process of consensus-based decision making helped empower women and brought their issues forward.

Bearing an "Organize Schenectady" sign, Dyette Putnam, 44, of Schenectady, drew energy from the rally.

"It's a great crowd. I'm invigorated," she said.

Occupy Schenectady draws about 20 people to its general assembly meetings, Putnam said.

"Politicians should stand up and listen to the people," said Tom Heckman, 67, of Schodack.

After listening to calls to action, many of those attending the rallied marched uptown to Lark Street then returned to the park for a candlelight vigil.

Albany police escorted the marchers, but stayed away from the gathering in the park.

Reach Crowe at 454-5084 or kcrowe@timesunion.com.