Grace College students Lauren Scavo, Kelsey Kirkendall, Katherine Barr, Chantel Shetler, Jessica Blaze and Katlyn Knuver paint a mural titled, “Lily Pad Hopscotch” on the sidewalk outside the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce building. (Photo by Amanda McFarland)

WARSAW — Grace College students are painting the town this month to raise awareness of issues surrounding the local lakes and streams.

The idea behind the murals, senior Gabe Shennum said, is to raise awareness about storm drain pollution and other issues pertaining to local lakes and streams.

“Water that goes down a storm drain goes directly into a lake or stream,” Shennum said.

Though intended for all ages, the designs are made to be kid-friendly, like the Lily Pad Hopscotch mural on the sidewalk beside the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce. Kelsey Kirkendal designed the mural to be both whimsical and attention-getting. Made up of blue circles representing water and green circles representing lily pads, it appears to flow down the sidewalk, down the curb and towards the storm drain.

The project is expected to continue for the next three weeks and, when complete, will consist of eight murals depicting different lake-and-stream-related issues. The plan, Kirkendal said, is for the murals to be done in time for May First Fridays. A kickoff ceremony is set for 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 6.