On August 28, The Maneater chose to publish a column titled [“Watch your Step at the Rec.”](https://www.themaneater.com/stories/2013/8/28/watch-your-step-rec/) The opening lines of the article suggested the recreation facility was not “as squeaky clean” as one might think. Therefore, I would like to provide some perspective to the content of The Maneater column.
Each month the recreation complex is treated for pests as a preventative measure. This is a reasonable and prudent approach to pest control in a large scale facility of nearly 300,00 gross square feet with 1,100,000 visitors annually. Considering that a majority of users enter the Rec with a bag of some sort, it is not only possible but probable that pests in the facility are as likely to be “travelers” as they would be “residents.” Regardless of the origin, the team at MizzouRec works diligently to maintain the cleanest and most sanitary environment possible.
The alleged “cockroach” being scooped up by a member of the MizzouRec custodial team was not a typical cockroach. It was a water bug, which is a member of the extended cockroach family, common in facilities with lots of showers and swimming pools. The bug in question was dead which is a good thing as it means the monthly treatments are effective. And a hearty “well done” and “good detail” on the part of the staff member who spotted the deceased water bug and discarded it.
On a more personal note, I was disappointed by the Maneater’s choice to publish a column focusing on a single bug in a large and well-used facility. In the same time period, MizzouRec hosted the Grand Re-Opening of Stankowski Track following an all summer closure for the $1.2M renovation funded by the student rec fee. The project finished on time, under budget and has received rave reviews from Mizzou students. The Maneater did not attend the reopening and did not cover the story.
Other possible topics of interest to students specific to MizzouRec are numerous this time of year. The newly launched MizzouRec.com website, the totally green installation of the irrigation system with its wise-water system recycling ground water (and not domestic water) and the Mizzou Club Sports Federation info fair — all strong examples of helpful news that could be useful to the campus community, especially students.
_—Laura Salerno,_
_Associate Director for Facilities & Programs, MizzouRec Services & Facilities_
