• Subscribe
  • E-Newsletter
  • Media Kit
  • Contact Us
  • Login
Community Rec
  • Topics
    • Community
    • Facility Development
    • Programming
    • Operations
  • Magazine
    • Current Issue
    • Past Issues
    • Subscribe
    • E-Newsletter
    • Media Kit
    • Contact Us
  • On-Demand
  • Continuing Education
    • Community Rec Leadership Summit
    • Webinars
    • Pickleball Innovators
  • Supplier Insights
    • Brand Voice
    • Supplier News
    • Supplier Voice
    • Case Studies
  • Podcast
  • Buyer’s Guide
No Result
View All Result
  • Topics
    • Community
    • Facility Development
    • Programming
    • Operations
  • Magazine
    • Current Issue
    • Past Issues
    • Subscribe
    • E-Newsletter
    • Media Kit
    • Contact Us
  • On-Demand
  • Continuing Education
    • Community Rec Leadership Summit
    • Webinars
    • Pickleball Innovators
  • Supplier Insights
    • Brand Voice
    • Supplier News
    • Supplier Voice
    • Case Studies
  • Podcast
  • Buyer’s Guide
No Result
View All Result
Community Rec
No Result
View All Result
Home Facility Development

Front Lobby Design Basics for Optimal Member Experience

Brittany Howard by Brittany Howard
July 18, 2019
in Facility Development
0
Front Lobby Design
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

The front lobby is the first impression of your whole facility. As a community rec center, you want to think about how your front lobby design makes current and potential new members feel.

“The front lobby must be designed carefully, taking both aesthetics and flow into consideration,” said Michael Defina, the director of membership sales at the Burbank Community YMCA in Burbank, California. “The front lobby is the first space members and potential members see when they enter the Y, so it is important that the space is presentable, clean, warm and welcoming – the YMCA’s dedication to community should be reflected in its welcome center.”

Visual appeal is not the only factor in affecting how members feel when entering your facility. The way your front desk is placed to conduct flow can positively or negatively alter a visitor’s perception, based on how easily and quickly your staff is able to interact.

“The space needs to be designed in a way that allows traffic to flow in a timely and efficient manner,” said Defina. “All incoming members enter through the welcome center, and front desk staff are expected to confirm active status quickly, but diligently. The aesthetic quality of the lobby should be balanced with the safety and efficiency of operations.”

When considering certain features in your front lobby, think of aspects that reflect what your facility stands for and how you want your members to feel when they visit. This can be as simple as the colors you choose, decorations and the amount of seating your offer.

“Every front lobby should have work stations that seem less ‘transactional’ and more inviting,” elaborated Defina. “There should be seating for members and guests that encourage conversation and community building – decorations in the lobby should reflect your organization’s purpose and ideals.”

While the design of your front lobby is important, not only for new members and retention, the key to simple design basics is to represent what your facility offers. “Our members are often drawn to the Y because of its community feel, so the more we can create a community vibe in our lobby, the more members we can sign up and retain,” said Defina.

Stay up to date on industry trends, best practices, news and more.

Tags: Burbank Community YMCAcommunitycommunity engagementCommunity Reccommunity recreationfeaturedmember engagementmember experienceoperationsstaff membersYMCA
Previous Post

Taking Aim at E-blasts

Next Post

Leadership Summer Reading List

Brittany Howard

Brittany Howard

Brittany is the editor of Community Rec Magazine. Reach her at brittany@peakemedia.com.

Related Posts

YMCA of McCook
Facility Development

YMCA of McCook Modernizing Facilities as Part of Capital Improvement Project

May 19, 2025
Four Seasons YMCA
Facility Development

Four Seasons YMCA Makes Switch to Solar Energy

May 5, 2025
Crossroads YMCA
Facility Development

Crossroads YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana Partner for New Transformational Facility

April 14, 2025
Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges Sees Strong Response After Pickleball Center Opening
Facility Development

Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges Sees Strong Response After Pickleball Center Opening

February 24, 2025
JCC of Greater Pittsburgh
Facility Development

JCC of Greater Pittsburgh Project Will Make Summer Camp More Inclusive

February 10, 2025
Ascension St. Vincent YMCA
Facility Development

A Hub for the Entire Community: Tour the Recently Opened Ascension St. Vincent YMCA

January 29, 2025
Next Post
leadership

Leadership Summer Reading List

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Exposure Guide + Media Kit

May/June 2025 Issue

Get Updates in your inbox

Stay up to date on industry trends, best practices, news and more.

Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn

Contact us at info@communityrecmag.com

  • Home
  • Subscribe
  • E-Newsletter
  • Media Kit
  • Contact Us

The Current Issue

The Latest from CO

  • Missoula Family YMCA: Immeasurable Spirit
  • Q&A on the Healthy Habits Program at the YMCA of Greater Boston
  • Empowering Connections: The Story of Upace and its Mission-Driven Platform
  • Building a Culture of Safety with Risk Management

© 2025 Community Rec Magazine. Published by Peake Media.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

No Result
View All Result
  • Topics
    • Community
    • Facility Development
    • Programming
    • Operations
  • Magazine
    • Current Issue
    • Past Issues
    • Subscribe
    • E-Newsletter
    • Media Kit
    • Contact Us
  • On-Demand
  • Continuing Education
    • Community Rec Leadership Summit
    • Webinars
    • Pickleball Innovators
  • Supplier Insights
    • Brand Voice
    • Supplier News
    • Supplier Voice
    • Case Studies
  • Podcast
  • Buyer’s Guide

© 2025 Community Rec Magazine. Published by Peake Media.