The Twin Lakes Homeowners Association and Twin Lakes Golf and Country Club have proposed an amenities program that will benefit both the golf club and the homeowners. We vote on it Dec. 10, and I hope it passes.

It’s obvious that the Twin Lakes Golf and Country Club (TLGCC) has a positive impact on Federal Way. The golf course is part of our identity, adds appeal, and is one of the most beautiful parts of our city. Locating Federal Way’s “downtown” is about as easy as finding “Waldo.” But unlike our downtown, no one has ever said, “Federal Way has a golf course?”

Unfortunately, because of the economy and declining membership of TLGCC, the financial condition of the golf club is tenuous. The amenities agreement is a win-win that will help the golf club remain a strong part of our community, and is good for the homeowners, too.

The golf club not only has aesthetic appeal, but it creates business and employment opportunities. The banquet room is utilized by a multitude of groups, from Rotary to the Chamber of Commerce. The golf course also hosts outside golf tournaments, like the annual Boys and Girls Club Celebrity Golf Tournament and the Washington State Women’s Open. These events bring people in from outside our community to see Federal Way at its best. They not only spend money at the club, but also patronize other local businesses when they buy lattes, fill their gas tanks or even shop at Costco.

As a Twin Lakes homeowners association member, the amenities agreement will protect your home’s equity for just $25 a month. Everyone’s heard the phrase “location, location, location” in reference to real estate. Realtors I’ve talked to agree that homes in Twin Lakes are worth more, and are more appealing to buyers, because they’re in a golf course community. With the amenities program, when someone buys a house they won’t just live in a golf course community.

They’ll have a golf club social membership, included for the price of their homeowners dues.

Protecting our equity should be enough to convince Twin Lakes homeowners to vote for this agreement. But as they say on the infomercial for Ginsu knives, “Wait, there’s more!” If the amenities program passes, homeowners will be able to enjoy the restaurant, which has great food at a very reasonable price (the weekly $4 steak night is amazing) or in the summer, eat on the deck overlooking the 9th fairway (one of my family’s favorite things to do).

Then there’s the Santa brunch, New Year’s Eve party, or one of the karaoke nights or wine dinners. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, there’s an outdoor pool for your kids and grandkids (maybe they want to join the swim team?) and even an adults-only lap swim in the evenings.

Last but not least, there’s golf. As part of the amenities agreement, Twin Lakes homeowners will have the right to play up to 12 times a year, and can even bring guests.

Is all this worth $25 a month? To me, it’s a no-brainer. I recommend voting to approve this on Dec. 10.

Kay Miller, Twin Lakes