The Sawmill Sports Hub, located at 17W411 S Frontage Rd. in Willowbrook, IL, has deep roots in the surrounding communities and a rich history that ties it to the region’s development. The “17W” in its address represents the postal coding system, indicating its distance west from State Street in Chicago, with “411” designating the specific parcel number. Originally considered part of Hinsdale, the property has since been annexed into Willowbrook, though it sits directly adjacent to Darien, Willowbrook, and Hinsdale, with Burr Ridge nearby.
The site is situated close to the scenic Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve, a historic and natural landmark known for its rich heritage. Long before European explorers such as Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet navigated the Des Plaines River Valley in the mid-1600s, American Indian tribes lived along the surrounding limestone bluffs, including today’s Signal Hill, which served as a crucial communications vantage point.
In the late 1800s, the Ward Brothers’ mill produced lumber on Sawmill Creek, and Edwin Walker’s three quarries provided high-quality Lemont limestone used in notable projects such as the Chicago Avenue Water Tower and Pumping Station. Over the years, the area evolved as the Forest Preserve District acquired and developed land, culminating in the establishment of Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve in 1973, named in honor of Seymour “Bud” Waterfall, an early president of the District’s Board of Commissioners.
The land on which Sawmill Sports Hub now stands was previously home to a horse farm, and remnants of its equestrian past can still be seen today. The barn, located behind the parking lot, remains a visible testament to the site’s history. Interestingly, while Sawmill Sports Hub is listed on Google Maps, the street view images still showcase the old farm, complete with horses.
Today, the Sawmill Sports Hub is an 85,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility catering to athletes of all ages. It offers a wide array of sports programs, including renowned sports partners, Spartz Sportz, Eclipse Select Soccer Club and 1st Alliance/ Lions Jrs Volleyball Club. The facility is designed to bring together families and athletes for sports, team-building activities, and community engagement, making it a vital hub for the region’s residents.
By blending modern athletic amenities with the area’s historical legacy, Sawmill Sports Hub continues to serve as a gathering place for the community, fostering growth, teamwork, and a connection to the region’s storied past.