When the new Yankee Stadium was built, it swallowed up acres and acres of parkland. The city promised to replace the lost parks with new parks and playgrounds in the area, and while their construction has been delayed, local residents are beginning to see the results.

On River Avenue at 157th Street, a new skate park opened this spring, on what was formerly a parking lot. It features bowls, benches, grind rails, quarter pipes, ledges, and outdoor fitness equipment, and is already popular with local children and teenagers.

Across the street, a new playground – River Avenue Playground – is being built on another parking lot, next to an old mural of famous Yankee players. When finished, the playground will sport monkey bars, swings, and also some green features, including lights, spray showers, green space, and benches. The lights and spray showers will be activated by the noise and vibrations of the 4-train, which passes overhead, according to a billboard attached to the playground’s fence.

But while local residents are excited about the skate park and new playground, they have been critical of the choice of location. Being so close to the train, noise pollution may repel rather than attract children and teens.

“These parks should be built where trains and traffic won’t pass by,” said Grand Concourse resident Luz Minier.

“It’ll make a lot of noise when the trains pass by,” said potential playground goer Dewin Done, 8.

The roar of the train could have lasting implications. A 2009 study in American Journal of Public Health shows that exposure to New York City trains can cause prolonged hearing loss.

But Parks Department spokesperson Vickie Karp said that New York City is loud and it is inevitable that some parks will be located near a subway. “This is not a Parks issue. It is a New York City issue,” she said.