Roo Plaza’s first full year is here

  The recently opened Roo Plaza has received mixed reviews in the new school year. Many students and community members are enjoying it, but not everyone is happy. 

  The area, a recently closed-to-cars stretch of East 51st Street, is one of the busiest on campus, but most students still remain on the pre-existing sidewalk. Few use the tables and chairs that define the space. 

Ruby Munoz, a freshman biology major, mentioned that she used the plaza’s seating on the first day of class, but had forgotten the chairs were there. Despite walking past the area every day. 

  Some students are also bothered by the distance that now exists between buildings and the student union facilities due to the closing of the Atterbury Student Success Center.

 “I would say [there should be] some sort of little food area,” said Munoz.“That you could stop by quickly before your classes so you don’t have to walk all the way down and then come back.” 

The distance also doesn’t help for Meika Steinkemeyer, another Freshman Biology major. She said that even though she sits outside almost every day, she doesn’t use the plaza, opting instead to sit on the lawns of the buildings her classes are in. 

  Distance isn’t the only problem students face.

“It’s too hot, they have no shade anywhere,” said Munoz, going on to say that she would be more likely to use all the outdoor spaces on campus if there was more shade.

  Still, some students are enjoying the sunshine and seating the plaza offers, even more than other options around campus. For instance, Brannan Barnes, a freshman majoring in jazz studies said he likes the Roo Plaza, noting the colors specifically. Barnes also mentioned that he used the space every week, and hadn’t tried any of the other outdoor options, like the quad. 

  When it comes to non-student community members, many are embracing the change. 

“The campus looks better than it ever has in my entire life,” said Linda Collier, former debate director at UMKC. “I haven’t been inside the buildings, but from the outside they look amazing.”

  There are ideas for how to improve campus infrastructure.  For instance, Munoz said she would like to see more scooters, like the electric ones that are scattered throughout the city. 

  Another issue Steinkenmeyer brought up was the parking, a common complaint that Collier remembered hearing often in her time on campus. Even Barnes noted that despite his enjoyment of the plaza, he would like to see more plants there. 

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