By Eric Stock

BLOOMINGTON – A local developer said he could save Bloomington a lot of ‘green’ by taking over its three golf courses.

Jim Pearson told WJBC’s Scott Laughlin he doesn’t have golf management experience, but he has plenty of ideas; such as converting cash-strapped Highland Park to 12 holes, building an indoor driving range there and adding condos and dining around the courses.

PODCAST: Listen to Scott’s interview with Pearson on WJBC.

Pearson said he projects he could save the city up to $35 million in investment over the next decade, though Highland Park is the only course that has consistently lost money. His plan would also involve privatizing the Den and Prairie Vista.

Pearson said he’s concerned the city’s financial constraints could cause those courses to suffer.

“What I don’t want to see is the quality of play at the Den and Prairie Vista go steadily downhill,” Pearson said. “I would like to try to keep those courses well maintained and viable.”

While golf courses are closing across the country, Pearson sees a burgeoning market for the sport.

“There’s a lot of baby boomers coming out into retirement and I think there’s still a lot of interest in golf,” Pearson said.

Pearson suggested further development – such as new condos, larger clubhouses and casual dining restaurants at those courses. He hasn’t disclosed any financial arrangements he has proposed with the city. He is sharing his ideas with the city’s budget task force. Bloomington is exploring what to do with Highland Park because it’s been a drain on he city’s finances at a time when the city has a multi-million dollar budget.

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].