Succop Nature Park in Butler PA

Succop Nature Park (formerly Succop Nature Park), located at 185 West Airport Road in Butler Pennsylvania, is a beautiful banquet and meeting facility that we highly recommend. Succop Nature Park has been around for several years, but has only recently opened its doors to brides and grooms. The 177-year old property is spread over 50 acres of woodlands, open fields, wetlands, two ponds, walking trails, gardens and much more. The property is also home to the Heritage School, an art school teaching classes in time honored trades and crafts. Classes include blacksmithing, woodworking, stained glass design and 18 century writing. This natural environment serves as a classroom for teaching everything from conservation and environmental stewardship to alternative sources of energy.

Succop Nature Park dates back to an Irish immigrant by the name of Mr. John Maharg. Maharg settled in Penn Township in 1804. The main part of the house was built in 1830. The bank barn, summer kitchen and wash house were added in the 1850’s. John Maharg died in 1871 and the property remained in his family until 1921.

The home and property were then sold to T.W. Phillips Jr., who was the son of the founder of T.W. Phillips Gas and Oil Company. Shortly after the passing of T.W. Jr., his daughter Margaret and her husband, A. Craig Succop purchased the estate and updated the house with all the modern amenities including indoor plumbing. At this time the estate was a working farm with chickens, cows and horses. Following World War II, the Succops once again updated the house by adding two more wings on to the original house.

Margaret passed away in 1990 and her husband Craig, passed away in 1996. The Succop’s eldest son Tom and his wife Jo Ann moved back to the family estate shortly after the death of his father. Tom and Jo Ann graciously donated the estate to the Butler County Community College Education Foundation in 2001. The Succop Nature Park was owned, operated and maintained by the foundation until just recently when it changed hands. It is now under the control of the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania.

Included on the property is a large pavilion, also known as the Event Shelter. The pavilion was built on what used to be the family tennis court. This is an ideal location for a wedding ceremony and/or wedding reception. You can also utilize the open fields that surround the pavilion. The pavilion can accommodate approximately 200 guests comfortably. A nice feature that was incorporated into the design of the pavilion is the canvas sides, which can be lowered in the event of inclimate weather. Just a few yards from the pavilion are fully equipped restrooms, with toilets, sinks and running water. There are also restrooms inside the Marcraig house, as well as the cottage.

The Marcraig House offers additional flexibility depending on your needs. The house may be used as a cocktail area, or couples looking for a smaller, more intimate setting, may even choose to have their reception indoors. The house can hold up to 75 guests comfortably.

Succop Nature Park works exclusively with Medure’s Catering from New Castle Pennsylvania. Medure’s Catering is a full service caterer that specializes in customized menus and has been providing quality service since 1979.

Photo opportunities at Succop Nature Park are endless. There are so many beautiful areas and different settings for you and your photographer to choose from that you could spend days just taking photos.

For more information regarding Succop Nature Park, you can contact Davlin Smith using the information below:

Succop Nature Park
Phone: (724) 586-2591
Web Site: http://www.aswp.org/pages/succop-rental-information