Damages to Roo Plaza appear less than a year into the gathering space

  Roo Plaza has sustained noticeable damage to its road graphics, less than a year after the opening of the gathering space.

  “The damage to the graphic application on the road is unfortunate, particularly this soon, and definitely unexpected,” said Amy Schaefer, project manager of Roo Plaza.

  Schaefer said that although the reason for the degradation is unknown, there are plans to deal with the condition, as “UMKC CFM and the contractor are committed to restoring the graphic.”

  “We are currently working with the contractor who did the installation to determine the cause and best fix to avoid continuation or repeat of the same issue,” said Schaefer. “Roo Plaza is a great amenity for our campus community. We will continue to work to keep it looking its best.” 

  Both students who do and do not utilize the common area have noticed the worsening condition.

  Gracyn Frecks, a second-year biology student, sat at the plaza “almost every day” before the cold weather and thinks regular maintenance is vital for maintaining certain aspects of the space.

  “Something that I was impressed with was that the flower gardens were kept up. I think that was something that could have wore and tore but was kept nicely,” said Frecks.

  Jaylin Jackson, a junior biology and chemistry student, passes by the Roo Plaza daily and has noticed some wear and tear, but has never used the space because it seems “exposed,” as it is in a busy pedestrian area.

  “They could provide some kind of covering, like how gazebo tents look,” said Jackson. “I don’t know how that would last year round, but maybe if it was a seasonal thing that they put out during maybe the summer, maybe the winter.”

  Weather changes were taken into account during the design process, as furniture that is intended to endure all seasons was selected. Schaefer said the team was told weather conditions would not affect the thermoplastic road design.

  Frecks likes the addition of the Roo Plaza to UMKC, but points out a lack of trees or shade and thinks “more comfortable seating” would make it better.

[email protected]