The Auburn Valley YMCA recently completed an extensive remodel of its lobby aimed at creating a brighter, more welcoming atmosphere. The community celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday at the Y, 1620 Perimeter Road SW.

The project expanded one of the Y’s central community gathering spaces for the more than 15,000 people who utilize the Y each year. Heavy floor to ceiling doors were removed in favor of low profile gates, creating a more welcoming and accessible entry point.

Other touches included added room for sit-down conversations and a better flow of traffic.

“We wanted our lobby to represent the incredible work our staff and volunteers do every day to support our members and community,” said Jason Berry, executive director for the Auburn Valley YMCA. “Now it better reflects the experience we seek to give our members through our focus areas of youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.”

Each year one or two Y branches within the YMCA of Greater Seattle are selected to receive money for beautification projects. The Auburn Y received a portion of this funding in 2012 allowing for the lobby remodel.