History

Our History
In the early 1970s, the Oak Park Conservatory had fallen into disrepair and was slated for demolition. A group of concerned citizens successfully banded together to raise funds to save it. This informal support group inspired community leaders to form and incorporate the Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory in 1986.

In the years since, FOPCON has continued to raise funds for Conservatory improvements, including the Conservatory Center addition built in 2000, lead abatement projects and more. To date FOPCON has given the Conservatory more than $500,000.  In addition, the Friends provide a wide variety of educational programs for children and adults.