near Allison Street Post O ce What’s that smell?

Arvada residents complain of foul odor near Lake Arbor

BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

You’re not having a stroke; it really smells like rotten eggs by Lake Arbor Park. Many north Arvada residents have complained about a foul smell emanating from the nearby park in recent weeks, and city o cials say they’re working to mitigate the problem.

e city is working on a project to improve public safety at the park by stabilizing the banks of the lake. In order to complete the renovation work, the city has to drain the lake two and a half feet — which should be done in a matter of weeks, according to Arvada’s Communications Manager for Infrastructure Katie Patterson.

Marco Antonio Garcia selected by Arvada Arts and Culture Commission to paint mural

BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Marco Antonio Garcia has completed a mural on a retaining wall adjacent to the Allison Street Post O ce in Arvada which celebrates the connection of loved ones near and far. ‘La Letra’ was commissioned by the Arvada Arts and

Culture Commission to beautify the structure.

Garcia, a Colorado-based artist with roots in Mexican culture, was selected out of over 70 applicants.

Garcia’s work includes murals and other public art installations, in addition to work in other styles.

According to Garcia, the mural represents the connection he maintained with his family in Mexico while living far away.

“I wanted to connect it to the Post O ce, but I also wanted it to have an important story,” Garcia said.

“When I was younger, my mom used to send letters to my grandmother in Guadalajara, (Mexico). It’s hard to be away from your family, and if the only connection you have is this letter, then it’s really important.”

Garcia continued that it’s also important for people to have art in their lives because it’s an inspiring energy.

“It’s necessary for our well-being,” he said. “It’s also letting the community know that we care about you. is is for you, it’s a gift for you.”

AACC member Kimberly Wagner praised the nished mural.

“ e blank wall here before could really only be improved upon,” Wagner said. “Looking at it (now), I love how dynamic and vibrant it is.” e Allison Street Post O ce is located at 5885 Allison St. in Arvada.

Stormwater Administrator Jacob Moyer said that crews became aware of the pungent smell when they began draining the lake, and stopped work to try to mitigate the stench. Moyer said the mitigation e orts have helped, but not eliminated the smell, but added that none of the renovation work would have any negative public health e ects for neighborhood residents.

“ is is naturally occurring hydrogen sul de,” Moyer said. “ is is produced when bacteria break down plant and animal material, often in stagnant waters with low oxygen content… Unfortunately, with the additional layer of ice on the water, the water does not have as much oxygen aerating the water.

“ is makes the smells in the

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