PENN TWP — The Succop Conservancy is taking it to the extreme — with the game of croquet, that is.

The 50-acre estate, established to provide an environmental and cultural education center in Butler County, will debut extreme croquet June 19 as a fundraiser.

"We were looking for a different way to raise money and thought of croquet," said Nancy Lawry, Succop Conservancy director. "I threw out the term 'extreme croquet' as a joke. I didn't think it was something that had actually been done.

"I Googled the words on my computer and discovered that it has."

Reportedly started in the New England states 40 years ago, extreme croquet is extremely popular in Connecticut and California.

The University of Richmond and Texas A&M University have had extreme croquet clubs for the past five years. The closest the game has come to this area is Erie.

Until now.

While croquet, which features wickets and mallets, is the game, the playing surface is unique. Teams of three will play one of four courses, moving along trails, through the woods, around wetlands, dodging trees and ponds along the way.

"We're hoping this event serves a dual purpose for us," Lawry said. "It is a prime fundraiser, but it also will get a lot more people to enjoy the grounds and what's out there.

"We get a lot of visitors, but most never get beyond the house and onto the property. The house is beautiful, to be sure, but so are the flora and fauna that's out there beyond it."

The Marcraig House is a 170-year-old mansion. A mid-1800s barn and blacksmith shop also are part of the conservancy.

"One course has people playing croquet through the barn," promotions coordinator Kristin Olexsak said.

"There are two ponds on the property and play will take place around those ponds. ... We're hopeful no one ends up in the pond," she added, laughing.

Olexsak emphasized that the courses are designed for slow, leisurely play or as a more competitive, obstacle-seeking challenge.

The Conservancy is supplying the mallets, balls and wickets. Two types of mallets — traditional and for chipping shots — were made in the blacksmith shop from wood on the estate grounds. The wickets are made from recycled steel.

"The terrain is unusual and the games will be played regardless of weather," Lawry said. "Participants should dress accordingly."

"Extreme croquet doesn't stop for rain," Olexsak said.

A walk-through of each course will be done before play and course maps will be provided.

The fee for a three-person team is $300 for the event, which includes lunch, prizes and a postgame reception. More than 20 teams have signed up so far and up to 50 teams can be accommodated.

Teams can register by calling 724-287-8711, Ext. 8326, or on the day of the event. Check-in begins at 11 a.m.

The Succop Conservancy is located at 185 West Airport Road, Penn Township.

Extreme croquet will remain available to the public at the conservancy after the June 19 event. The fee has not been established, but Lawry said it will be less than $10.