New storm drain mural unveiled at Country View Elementary in Verona

“There’s a new storm drain mural in Verona,” said a city staff member, announcing the installation at Country View Elementary.

The City of Verona partnered with the Madison Area Municipal Stormwater Partnership and the Dane County Land and Water Resources Department to create the fifth storm drain mural in the city, officials said. Artist Rodrigo Carapia worked with second-grade students from Country View Elementary to design and paint the mural, which is located at the corner of Lone Pine Way near the school entrance.

Organizers said the project uses storm drains as a canvas to educate the community about stormwater pollution. A staff member explained that stormwater runoff can carry trash, chemicals and sediment into rivers and streams, naming Badger Mill Creek as a local waterway at risk. “This mural raises awareness and encourages everyone to help protect our lakes and rivers,” the staff member said.

The speaker noted that the Country View installation joins four other storm drain murals in Verona, near Glacier Edge Elementary, New Century School, the Verona Public Library and the corner of Main Street and Verona Avenue. Residents and families are invited to view the mural during regular visits to the school; the staff member added, “Next time you visit the school, take a moment to check out the storm drain mural. And remember, keep it clean.”

The mural is presented as an educational outreach effort rather than a regulatory action; no permitting, funding amounts or formal enforcement measures were described in the transcript. The project is framed as community engagement to reduce pollution entering local streams and lakes.

Stormwater drains into local waterways, organizers emphasized, and the mural aims to give students and the public a visual reminder of everyday actions that affect water quality.