Crestwood Elementary School

Address: 5930 Old Sauk Road, Madison, WI 53705

Total Students Enrolled: 392
TESTING PRIORITY: LOW
ABSTRACT: The school was built in 1902, but the schools garden was not added until 2010. In
1962, a gym was added on the school grounds, and construction could have mobilized lead paint
used in initial construction. Old Sauk Road crosses in front of the school, but no other roads
intersect or come near the grounds. The school already has mitigation techniques in place as it
uses imported topsoil and a thorough composting process. These actions would decrease the
likelihood of lead exposure in any kind of gardening activity. Given the history of the school and
proximity to the road, testing the soil would be beneficial, but not urgent.
GARDEN CHARACTERISTICS

Garden Type: Vegetable

When established: 2010
Size: Unknown
Location on school grounds: The garden is located in front of the school which is technically the
south side of the building. The gardens edge begins about 25 feet away from the road, which
would be the most likely cause of possible lead contamination.
Mitigation used: Raised beds with imported soil composed of peat, composted manure, leaf litter
and chicken manure.
Has soil been tested: Unknown
NEARBY LAND USE
Major Roads: Old Sauk Rd.
The school site is surrounded by forested areas and single-family residential homes. There is
little to no industrial areas near the school.
PAST SITE USE
Crestwood Elementary is over 110 years old. Because of this past use was mostly agricultural or
vacant rural lots. Today, it is surrounded by empty recreational plots and some suburban
residential neighborhoods. However, its age means lead paint could have been used in its initial
construction. Construction of the gym in 1962 could have stirred up more lead based material as
well. Lastly, the garden itself is located 25 feet away from the road, so contamination from
leaded gasoline which was used until the 1970s could still remain in the soil beneath the garden.

CONSTRUCTION & RENOVATION

Initial Construction: 1901
Renovation: A larger gym was built in 1962
BUILDING MATERIALS
Paint: Unknown
Other Materials: Brick