A significant renovation to the GFS Polo arena officially wrapped up last month. Established in the early 1950s, the original polo barn was diligently cared for over the past 70 years; but for members of the GFS community, it was time for an upgrade. Thanks to generous donations from alumnae, current families and a grant from the U.S. Polo Association, the “wish list” of updates and improvements became a reality. 

GFS Polo Director Jenny Schwartz ‘11 shares that the space is now more functional and aesthetically pleasing, but most importantly, the renovation will open the doors for expanded seasonal programming due to a small but significant addition — a ventilation system on the roof. Increased airflow will allow for a much cooler summer experience and a warmer indoors in the winter. Since then, enhancements have included raising the boards around the entire arena by almost two feet, replacing benches with a new and improved seating area, replacing existing light fixtures with LED fixtures, redoing the scoreboard area, and the addition of the Erika Daneman Slater ‘88 Observation Platform.

“I am so grateful for all of the support we received on our arena improvement project,” says Schwartz. “Dan Calhoun, founder of the polo program, and his wife, Julie Fisher Calhoun ‘51, were a tremendous support and we truly appreciate their guidance throughout this process. I am so proud of everything the GFS Polo program has accomplished in its 41 years and I am so excited for this new chapter!”

Check out the tour below or click here for more photos!