One of the busiest public golf courses in Minnesota is finally getting serious attention. The City of Bloomington is advancing an estimated $15 million renovation of Dwan Golf Course, including a replacement clubhouse and improvements to its 18-hole course. The predesign phase just wrapped up, and the Bloomington City Council heard an update this week.
Dwan sits at 3301 W. 110th St. and opened in 1970. It hosts up to 60,000 rounds per year, yet the city says it has seen relatively few major improvements to its facilities in that time. For a course that draws golfers from across the Twin Cities, that gap has been showing.
What Is Changing at Dwan Golf Course
Wendel Architecture is designing the new clubhouse, and Norby Golf Course Design is leading the course improvements. Planned upgrades range from a modern pro shop and accessible restrooms to drainage and bunker repairs.
According to the city, course design will be about 30% complete by the end of November. The Tegra Group, a St. Louis Park firm, is serving as the city’s owner’s representative and will help oversee budgets, schedules, contracts, and coordination. Tegra also worked with Bloomington on its $101.8 million Community Health and Wellness Center.
The Construction Timeline
Work will happen in two phases:
- The first begins in fall 2027
- The second begins in spring 2028
The city’s stated goal is to phase construction in a way that keeps closures to a minimum, which matters for leagues, regulars, and anyone who books tee times weeks out.
What Bloomington Golfers Asked For
The city spent recent months gathering input from golfers, neighbors, and community partners. Top requests included:
- Affordability
- Well-maintained grounds
- A more accessible clubhouse
- Adequate restrooms
- Outdoor seating
Participants described the current clubhouse as outdated and tired, said restrooms (especially for women) were insufficient, and noted limited food choices.
On the course itself, one message came through louder than anything else: fix the bunkers. City staff said the course is maintained, but the bunkers are often inconsistent and lack sand.
More Than a Golf Course?
The most interesting part of this project may be how the city thinks about Dwan going forward. Ideas on the table include:
- Expanded food and beverage service
- Naming and sponsorship opportunities
- Winter programming
- Renting the clubhouse for non-golf events
Council Member Shawn Nelson suggested the city view Dwan as an entertainment and recreation amenity that includes golf, rather than just a golf course.
That shift is worth watching. A city golf course earning more of its own keep is good news for taxpayers, and a clubhouse that works for gatherings in January as well as tee times in July changes what the property can be for the surrounding community. If Bloomington gets it right, Dwan could become a true neighborhood gathering spot, not just a place to play 18. [INTERNAL LINK: Twin Cities community news or neighborhood guides page]
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