BLOG: A Positive Outlook on the Closing of Parkview Golf Course

Parkview Golf Course has been a staple of Eagan for over 40 years. Being the only 18-hole golf course within Eagan, it is a hot spot for golfing beginners as well as old pros just looking to enjoy a summer day on the course. It’s impossible to live in Eagan and not notice all the “Save Parkview” signs, or hear the latest buzz on the housing development project. If anyone has not heard, let me bring you up to speed. Developer Hunter Emerson is trying to purchase the land where Parkview Golf Course is currently located. They are planning on building over 170 homes, and maybe including some senior housing as well.

While the easy answer is to see the developer as the villain in the situation, looking at the situation through a business lens shows that this may not be all bad. The owner of Parkview said himself that the golf course is simply not making money anymore. The amount of rounds of golf played has dropped 25 percent, and it is costing them money to keep their course open. From this perspective, it really does make more sense to sell the land, and try to make up for lost profits. Another important factor to consider is employment. While the golf course employs a good amount of people, a new construction project in Eagan would provide jobs for many more workers, as well as cause these workers to buy their clothes, food, gas, ect. in Eagan. This could potentially boost our local economy, which is always a good thing. Another point worth mentioning is that a new
development will draw new families to Eagan. These new people will bring with
them new ideas, values, skills, and maybe even businesses or services that we
as a community could benefit from.

Eagan is a growing community, and while we enjoy our traditions, we are also open to new possibilities. It’s hard to deal with change, but in this case it’s
important to look at both sides of the issue and use an objective point of
view. In the end the business owner is going to do what’s best for his company,
as well as the community, and our job is to stand behind whatever decision that
may be. While the fate of the golf course is still up in the air, we should
enjoy the course while it lasts, and get a few more laughs in out on the range
while we can. What are your favorite Parkview memories?  We would love to hear any fun stories you have about the course we all know and love.

Author's Note: The DCR Chamber of Commerce is not taking a side on the issue, and is not affiliated with Parkview Golf Course.