A decade before the sport of pickleball was invented, Don Wagner was riding his bicycle to the Quarryville park that is now home to the Southern End Community Association (SECA).

Flash forward 70 years, and Don's name will appear on a sign that adorns the dasher boards surrounding four new pickleball courts constructed on what was previously the SECA skate rink.

The four courts, built by The Breneman Company, were completed a month ahead of schedule on March 29 and officially opened to the public on April 7. A dedication ceremony in honor of the late Don Wagner and the late Ray and Kim Sullivan will be held Thursday, May 1, at 6 p.m. at the courts, 299 Park Ave., Quarryville.

"Our mission here at SECA is to create recreational opportunities for the residents of southern Lancaster County by providing high-value programs for both children and adults," SECA director Trevor Marsh said, adding "(pickleball courts) fall right in line with our mission statement."

The community had been clamoring for authentic pickleball courts since Marsh took over two years ago. SECA had occasionally set up courts with temporary nets on its basketball courts. "People kept asking when we were going to get legitimate pickleball courts, so we looked into the best plan of action," Marsh said. "We pondered whether to pick a new location or revamp something we already have. A few people play hockey occasionally, but (the rink) was pretty much just being used for soccer. That's the perfect place (for pickleball courts) because it takes up such a large footprint of our property."

SECA decided their focus of the 2024 ExtraGive would be generating funds for permanent pickleball courts, and $8,900 was raised. "We are grateful. The community responded well," Marsh said.

The cost of the pickleball project was approximately $26,000, Marsh said. "We had to decide if we wanted to make professional-looking courts or do we just get nets and paint lines?" said Marsh. "The surface was in decent shape. We decided if we were going to do it, we were going to do it right and see what we could do to raise the money."

The community came through again. An anonymous donation was made in memory of the Sullivans, known as gracious people who taught many how to play pickleball on the temporary courts in 2019. Marsh received a phone call from Laura Walker, who said her mother, Jan Wagner, wanted to make a sizable contribution in memory of her husband, Don, who passed away two years ago. Don was a member of one of SECA's first board of directors. "I felt (the donation) was a good use for his legacy," Jan said.

Jan was thrilled to see the new courts, which she said are the only outdoor pickleball courts in Lancaster County south of Willow Street. "My husband was very instrumental when they put the skatepark up, which was a hot item back then," she said. "I am very happy. He worked so hard over the years and saved so much. I'm just happy we could do this."

Marsh was also ecstatic. "It was awesome," he said. "One of the hardest parts of my job is fundraising. To have somebody reach out and commit such a large amount of money to (the project) makes my job easier. That way we didn't have to do the job halfway. That made my life easier, and it made it easier to go and have a legitimate project here. We were able to pay a company that does this nationwide."

SECA's pickleball courts are open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. A recent meeting was held to discuss plans for the courts, including possible leagues and tournaments. "This opens a lot of doors for us," said Marsh. "It's a great project for the community."

Annabelle Urbine of BSA Girl Scout Troop 76 is in the planning stages of an Eagle Scout project, which will improve the wall surrounding the courts and add paddle racks. A tournament may be held to raise money for that project.

For updates about pickleball leagues and tournaments, go to https://secarec.com or follow Southern End Community Association on Facebook.