Rockin’ at the rec complex

Thursdays at the MU Student Recreation Complex are going wild. In an effort to boost attendance on what historically has been a slow night, the rec complex is offering a host of free services and new activities.

MU freshman Zach “DJ Z” Moss spins mixes of songs such as “SexyBack” and “Yeah” to fast beats that keep your heart pumping. Inner tubes spinning in the Tiger Grotto whirlpool invite visitors to relax, as do the free five-minute massages available in the spa. Then there’s the free sandwiches offered at the Red Hall Beverage Co.

Suddenly, the rec complex seems like the place to be on a Thursday night. Diane Dahlmann, MU director of Recreation Services and Facilities, said that after only three weeks the new programming has boosted the number of Thursday visitors by 12 percent to more than 5,000.

Dahlmann said the complex’s staff is working to create different combinations of experiences to surprise students and give them a break from their routines.

“We’re trying to offer different features of the facility without barriers such as cost,” Dahlmann said. “We thought, ‘Let’s open-house some of our special-event activities that we’ve had before but mix them up and offer them on a Thursday night.’ This is just an experiment to break the routine and introduce a little serendipity into the experience.”

Laura Salerno, assistant director of membership services, said Thursday nights will highlight various programs and activities that the rec complex offers throughout the semester.

“We’re definitely more than just a fitness facility,” Salerno said. “We’re looking for students to spend their leisure time at the complex.”

Since Jan. 18, students on Thursday nights have been able to get free low-level tanning, play volleyball in the Tiger Grotto and get a free five-minute chair massage. Those with appointments can get a free Bod Pod screening, which measures the ratio of someone’s lean and fat tissue. On every other night, tanning is $9, massages are $15 for 15 minutes and Bod Pod readings are about $45.

What the rec complex will offer on future Thursdays remains a secret. Dahlmann hopes to keep the students guessing and coming back for more.

“Maybe we’ll have free Shakespeare’s pizza one Thursday, maybe we’ll have the DJ, maybe we’ll have a competition, water polo, subs, free massages,” Dahlmann said. “We’re trying a mix of things that we offer on our campus in small, noncommittal ways. Everything is a little different. We want a different energy every Thursday. The element of surprise is attractive to students, and they have responded most favorably.”

Perhaps the most notable change thus far has been DJ Z in the Jungle Gym. He takes the stage from 8 to 11 p.m.

“The DJ has really caught on; our members and guests have really enjoyed it,” said Cindy Strine, the rec complex’s associate director for programs. “It’s funny when you walk in and everyone is walking and running and climbing to the beat of the music.”