Congrats on your tub! I have a 2007 Sundance Cameo, and absolutely love it. Had it almost 2.5 years and haven't had any issues at all (knock on wood).
Anyway, unless they changed the configuration of the tub, the control panel is indeed above the access panel and the lounge seat. However, there are two corner seats (on each side of the waterfall) across from the control panel. People in those seats would be looking right at that fence. Unless you mean the control panel which is the dimmer for the lights. That panel is to the right of the cool-down seat.