Annual Barrington Hills polo event's future in question

The future of a popular polo event held annually in Barrington Hills is in doubt for 2016 and beyond, after the village zoning board refused to extend the event's permit past this year.

The Kalaway Cup Polo Event - a joint venture of the Barrington Hills Polo Club and the Riding Club of Barrington Hills - has been held at Oakwood Farms since 2005. Organizers said the event draws more than 1,000 spectators annually.

A proposal before the zoning board on Monday would have extended the organizers' special use permit - which will expire after this year's event in August - for 20 years.

Three out of five zoning board members voted to approve the petition, but it needed four votes to pass.

Dan Wolfgram, one of the two members who voted against the plan, said he would have supported it for five years instead of 20, and if the village were protected from liability with adequate insurance coverage.

Polo Club President John Rosene said Wednesday he is open to shortening the permit extension but added that according to village attorney Mary Dickson the village has no liability because the event is held on private property.

Zoning board member Karen Rosene, John Rosene's wife, recused herself from the vote to avoid the appearance of a conflict.

The zoning board reviews all special use permits and reports its findings and recommendations to the village board, which takes final action.

Village Administrator Bob Kosin said it was too early to know if the matter would be on the agenda for the village board meeting on March 30. The agenda will be available on the village's website at least two days before the meeting.