Oak Brook, Illinois – A historic structure tied to Oak Brook’s polo-era past will receive new preservation funding through a statewide grant program announced by Landmarks Illinois.
According to Landmarks Illinois, the Oak Brook Park District has been awarded a $5,000 Preservation Heritage Fund grant to stabilize the Fordon Horse Barn at Saddle Brook Park. The barn dates back to the 1940s and was used to house competitive polo ponies when Oak Brook was known nationally as the polo capital of the United States.
The grant is part of nearly $65,000 distributed statewide to support culturally and historically significant preservation projects. Funds awarded through the Preservation Heritage Fund are intended to address urgent stabilization needs, prevent further deterioration, and help organizations evaluate long-term reuse options for historic sites.
The Fordon Horse Barn is one of the remaining physical reminders of Oak Brook’s mid-20th-century polo heritage, a period when the sport played a central role in shaping the village’s identity and development. The structure sits within Saddle Brook Park, a public space frequently used for recreation and community events.
Landmarks Illinois officials say preservation grants often act as seed funding, helping recipients leverage additional fundraising and matching dollars to complete broader restoration efforts.
The Oak Brook project is one of seven awarded statewide through the Preservation Heritage Fund during this funding cycle. Grant recipients include nonprofit organizations and local governments working to preserve historic buildings, cultural landmarks, and community spaces across Illinois.
The stabilization work may be of particular interest to local residents, park visitors, and students learning about Oak Brook’s unique role in the history of American polo.
Applications for the next round of Preservation Heritage Fund grants are due April 1, 2026.
