By Joe Ragusa
Bloomington has several options on the table when it comes to its golf courses.
City staff has been looking at possibly outsourcing operations at the three courses and that was discussed at a city council work session Monday night. But Alderman Scott Black said the city could just make one of those available, like Prairie Vista.
“To me, that has the best outside sales opportunity for a developer or something like that,” Black said. “I think Highland Park is an easy course that opens people up to the game of golf and The Den (at Fox Creek) is obviously our gem.”
City Manager David Hales told WJBC’s Scott Laughlin that the city is asking companies to submit proposals for taking over operations at the three golf courses, but he’s open to other ideas.
“(If) any of these companies wanted to submit an alternative proposal to actually purchase one or more golf courses, we would give them the flexibility to do so,” Hales said.
Hales said it’s possible the city could maintain the status quo with its ownership of the three golf courses if the proposals don’t save the city money. It’s also possible the city will raise fees at the golf courses by $3 at Highland Park and $1 at Prairie Vista and The Den at Fox Creek. Season passes for any of the three could be increased by $50.
The city’s budget task force has suggested the city do something with its golf courses in an effort to save money. Hales said the city is submitting a request for quotes and staff will have something for the council to consider this summer.
Joe Ragusa can be reached at joe.ragusa@cumulus.com.
