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Claim a corner of Lexington: Adopt a storm drain near you

Help keep Lexington’s waterways clean by painting a local storm drain with important pollution prevention messaging.

A storm drain painted light blue with animal stencils and a quote

This storm drain, located by Charles Young Park, was painted by a local youth group. | Photo by LEXtoday

You pass storm drains everyday, maybe even colorful ones, but did you know you have the opportunity to make one your own through Lexington’s Adopt a Storm Drain program?

There are two ways you can make your mark on Lexington’s streets: volunteering to stencil or with an artistic submission.

A storm drain with a waves painted on it in different shades of blue.

You can find this artistic storm drain on National Avenue near the North Ashland Ave. intersection. | Photo by LEXtoday

Stencil

When you volunteer to stencil a storm drain, Live Green Lexington will provide you with a map to choose from the 20,000 options. You’ll also receive a full stencil kit that includes:

  • Spray paint
  • Traffic cones + safety vests
  • Environmental messaging stencils

Artistic approach

You can also flex your artistic muscle by submitting your own design for a storm drain for approval.

  • Art sketches + messaging should be submitted for approval two weeks prior to painting.
  • You must get permission if you’re planning to paint in a neighborhood, in front of a business, or in a city park.

Pro tips

  • Storm drains must be on public property — no parking lots or on UK’s campus.
  • Remember the mission — no pollution in Lexington’s waterways.
  • Don’t paint over yellow markings

Need some inspo? Here’s a map to some colorful concrete creations around town.

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