Storm drains in Bucyrus sport an artistic flair to raise awareness of runoff implications

Artist Kymberlee Wood and Crawford Soil and Water Conservation District Educator Diane Awbrey created three storm drain murals that can be viewed at the Crawford County Courthouse, Schines Park and the Mary Street/Sandusky Avenue intersection.

The City of Bucyrus’ storm drainage system is an important public utility and plays a vital role in public safety by collecting precipitation before it can accumulate and cause flooding. Storm water that moves through the storm drainage system is discharged directly into the Sandusky River.

The painted murals on storm water inlets downtown is intended to help raise awareness of the effect storm water runoff has on water quality. The purpose of the project is to draw attention to the storm drainage system and to educate the public on the connection between storm water runoff and local watercourses. The paintings are intended to bring awareness to potential pollutants such as litter, debris and hazardous chemicals entering the storm drainage system.