By Eric Stock
BLOOMINGTON – After two straight sub-par years for Bloomington golf courses, city officials are wondering whether the city still needs three courses.
The city has had to pull $500,000 from its rainy day fund to plug a shortfall in golf operating expenses. City manager David Hales told WJBC’s Scott Laughlin rounds have been down the last two years.
“If this trend continues, we seriously have to look at, are we going to gear up for even more subsidies to the golf fund or is it time to look for an alternative?,” Hales asked.
Hales said he’ll recommend the city consider closing Highland Park or converting it to a nine-hole course so the rest of the land could be used for prime retail space along Veterans Parkway.
“When you look at south Veterans Parkway, we need some sort of significant economic development – a gamechanger,” Hales said.
Hales said more and more golfers don’t half time to play 18 holes. Bloomington golf superintendent Jason Wingate acknowledged a drop in golf’s popularity across the country over the last decade, but suggested
Highland Park fills a niche that The Den and Prairie Vista don’t.
“Highland Park is a place in this community that’s affordable recreation,” Wingate said. “It does have the lowest greens fees in our community. I think the people who play there are looking for value.”
Hales said the city will be considering changes for the budget year which starts May 1, 2016.
PODCASTS: Scott and Colleen’s interview with Hales on WJBC.
Eric Stock’s interview with Wingate on WJBC.
Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].
