Betreuer von Behinderten

**The Red Tent – an Empowering Circle for Women and Non-binary** *”Do you miss an opportunity to share your experiences, memories and desires as a woman in a safe circle?”* **IMPORTANT**: Spots are limited, please make sure to reserve yours! If you are not on the list, you will be kindly asked to leave. If you repeatedly register without showing up and cancelling in good time for someone else to participate instead, the host may choose to remove you from future events, so as to ensure fair access to the group. In our weekly Monday meetings, we will explore them together through somatic practices, dance, singing, painting, writing, discussing and lecturing. The 7x times workshop series will culminate in a voluntary exhibition of our own right at Lapinlahden Lähde. This is an open group, but to get the full experience, it is recommended to attend the entire workshop series. We follow the principles of safe space and no discrimination of any kind is accepted at the event. You can learn about them here: [https://unwomen.fi/turvallisemman-tilan-periaatteet/](https://unwomen.fi/turvallisemman-tilan-periaatteet/) [https://kansalaisfoorumi.fi/wp-content/uploads/safer-space-principles-poster-a3.pdf](https://kansalaisfoorumi.fi/wp-content/uploads/safer-space-principles-poster-a3.pdf) Please, come as you are, on time, and in comfortable clothes to move with. The language of instruction: Finnish and English The age range: all attendants from 18 years of age **WHEN:** Monday 4th of May – Monday 15th of June 2026 Time: 6.30pm–8.30pm **WHERE:** Tallipääty, MIITTI office Lapinlahden Lähde, Lapinlahdenpolku 8, 00810 Helsinki (How to find us: When inside of the front courtyard of the yellow main building, the door to MIITTI's office is the first one on your left-hand side.) Full list of dates: Mon 4.5. 6.30pm–8.30pm @ Tallipääty Mon 11.5. 6.30pm–8.30pm @ Tallipääty Mon 18.5. 6.30pm–8.30pm @ Tallipääty Mon 25.5. 6.30pm–8.30pm @ Tallipääty Mon 1.6. 6.30pm–8.30pm @ Tallipääty Mon 8.6. 6.30pm–8.30pm @ Tallipääty Mon 15.6. 6.30pm–8.30pm @ Tallipääty About the facilitator: Katariina Jumppanen studies Theatre Pedagogy Master at the University of Arts, and this workshop series is part of her teaching practice. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email: katariina.jumppanen@uniarts.fi Looking forward to see you! Katariina **Punainen teltta – voimaannuttava piiri naisille ja ei-binäärisille** ”Kaipaatko mahdollisuutta jakaa kokemuksiasi, muistojasi ja toiveitasi naisena turvallisessa piirissä?” Viikoittaisissa maanantaitapaamisissamme tutkimme näitä teemoja yhdessä somaattisten harjoitteiden, tanssin, laulun, maalaamisen, kirjoittamisen, keskustelujen ja luentojen kautta. 7 kerran työpajasarja huipentuu vapaaehtoiseen omaan näyttelyymme Lapinlahden Sairaalassa. Ryhmä on avoin, mutta täyden kokemuksen saamiseksi suosittelemme osallistumista koko sarjaan. Noudatamme turvallisemman tilan periaatteita, ja kaikenlainen syrjintä on tapahtumassa kielletty. Voit lukea lisää täältä: [https://unwomen.fi/turvallisemman-tilan-periaatteet/](https://unwomen.fi/turvallisemman-tilan-periaatteet/) Tulethan paikalle omana itsenäsi, ajoissa ja mukavissa liikkumiseen sopivissa vaatteissa. Tämä työpajasarja on osa opetusnäytettäni Teatteripedagogiikan maisteriopinnoissa Taideyliopistossa. Opetuskielet: suomi ja englanti Ikäraja: osallistujat 18 vuodesta ylöspäin Aika: maanantai 4.5. – maanantai 15.6.2026 Kellonaika: klo 18.30–20.30 Paikka: Tallipääty, Lapinlahden Lähde, Lapinlahdenpolku 8, 00810 Helsinki Jos sinulla on kysyttävää, älä epäröi ottaa yhteyttä sähköpostitse: katariina.jumppanen@uniarts.fi Lämpimästi tervetuloa mukaan! Katariina

**Become a better speaker and leader with Stadi Talkers Toastmasters Club!** Welcome to Stadi Talkers Toastmasters Club, a proud member of Toastmasters International, the global non-profit organisation dedicated to teaching public speaking, presentation, pitching, and leadership skills. Our worldwide network of clubs helps individuals grow personally and professionally through practical, hands-on experience. **New to Toastmasters? Join us as a guest!** We invite you to attend our meetings as a guest to see what Toastmasters is all about. You can choose to participate in our impromptu speech session or simply observe and get a feel for our community. Our welcoming environment is designed to support and inspire you, whether you're just starting out or looking to hone your skills. **Meeting structure** Our meetings typically include the following segments: * Table Topics™ (Impromptu Speeches): *4-7 short speeches (1-2 minutes each)* * Prepared Speeches: *2-3 in-depth presentations (5-7 minutes each)* * Evaluation Session: *Constructive feedback to help you improve* No matter your profession, the skills you develop at Toastmasters will enhance your ability to communicate effectively, pitch ideas confidently, and interact positively with others. These are lifelong benefits that will serve you well in any career or social setting. **Learn more and connect with us** For more information about Toastmasters International, visit [www.toastmasters.org](http://www.toastmasters.org). However, the best way to truly understand the value of Toastmasters is to experience it first-hand. Guests are always welcome, and you can even try your hand at our impromptu speech session if you feel inspired. Connect with us on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/stadi-talkers) or [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/staditalkers/)! *Meetings start at 18:00. We recommend arriving early to mingle with club members before the program begins.*

**Explore sounds of belonging, for you and for others in a three-days’ workshop** **When**: 18th, 19th & 20th of May **Time:** 13.30-18.30 **Where:** Sibelius Academy Töölönlahdenkatu 16 C, 2nd floor The workshop "Bajo un mismo sol" is bilateral and happens simultaneously with participants in Medellín. All together we will train careful listening to places, make and share recordings of places we feel belonging to, and create collective sound maps in the mobile app MSWalks on Kansalaistori, in front of Oodi library, and on the square of Medellín Modern Art Museum. On these sound maps that activate when we walk across the squares with our phones' speakers, we will also improvise with small custom-designed solar-powered electroacoustic instruments. Participating does not require any background in music, but an interest in sound, for encountering new people and sharing ideas related to identity and memories. A careful listening attitude is central to the activities, as well as an interest for sharing and conversing within respect of differences. This workshop is related to a research and the registered participants will receive detailed information prior to decide on consenting to participate to the research. The activities will be documented for research purposes and there are various options for being or not included in the documentation. You may participate to the whole workshop or select the times that suit the best to your schedules. **After registering you will anyway be contacted and given more information, but you may as well ask information prior to registration by email at marianne.decoster-taivalkoski@uniarts.fi.** About the facilitator: Marianne Decoster-Taivalkoski (IG: marianne.d_t ) is a media and sound artist with French origins and based in Helsinki since 1993. She works in music and technology program at the Sibelius Academy of the University of the Arts Helsinki as a lecturer and an artist- researcher. Her work deals with identities, movement, listening, places and improvisation. She has a long experience in working with groups.

¡Bienvenidos al curso gratuito de meditación Sahaja Yoga en español! Sahaja Yoga es una práctica de meditación que nos permite alcanzar un estado de equilibrio general, tanto a nivel físico como emocional y espiritual. El objetivo central es alcanzar y mantener el estado de conciencia sin pensamientos o silencio mental. Con práctica regular de meditación podemos establecer este estado en nuestro interior. No es necesario llevar nada al curso y puedes vestirte de ropa normal. Después de la clase podemos tomar té y hay tiempo para preguntas y conversación. Este video te ayuda a llegar al centro de Sahaja Yoga de Kamppi: https://vimeo.com/199566137 ¡Bienvenidos! Más información sobre Sahaja Yoga: www.sahajayoga.es

**Founders Running Club** (FRC) brings founders, investors, tech, creative people and startup enthusiasts together for weekly easy runs and networking. We like to be comfortable when we run and finish with coffee and conversations. Choose your pace or follow a pacer—pets, friends, family, are welcome. 🗓️ Launched in San Francisco, July 16, 2022 🌍 Now in 35+ cities 📅 Running + Networking events + Community **Join the community** [http://foundersrc.com/chats](http://foundersrc.com/chats) **Stay updated**: Instagram [http://instagram.com/foundersrc/](http://instagram.com/foundersrc/) Podcast [http://podcast.foundersrc.com/](http://podcast.foundersrc.com/) LinkedIn [http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/](http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/) Strava [http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC](http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC) Website [http://foundersrc.com/](http://foundersrc.com/)

This event will be held in English. Attention all cyber enthusiasts. Welcome to learn what OT systems are, how they operate and differ from IT systems and participate in the OT workshop. Designed for anyone interested in Industrial Control Systems and Operational Technologies, though some prior experience in networks and cybersecurity is beneficial. Industrial Control Systems and Automation Systems are controlling vast amount of our modern society around us, from traffic lights to grocery store warehouses, and from manufacturing plants to electricity grids. But what actually are these OT systems, and how do they work? What is a Programmable Logic Controller and what does it do? During this session we talk about OT systems in general, what are they, why are they different than IT systems, and do some basic exercises in simulated OT environment. **Please note:** Participants should take their **own laptops** with them. An OT platform needs to be downloaded and installed before coming to the workshop. *Instructions have been sent to participants, please check your emails.* Please note that we can accommodate dietary restrictions for those who get a spot before 18.05.2026. However, due to some constraints, we may not be able to make special food arrangements for those who get a spot after this date. We appreciate your understanding. **Agenda** 16.30 - Doors open, food and refreshments 17:00 - Welcome by Elisa and W4CFI 17:05 - Introduction to OT systems and environments, Karo Vallittu, Principal OT Security Lead, Elisa Santa Monica 17:45 - Break 18:00 - Introduction to workshop platform and guided exercise 18:50 - Break 19:00 - OT Workshop 21:00 - Event ends **We have no-show policy:** If in any unforeseen circumstances, you are unable to participate and do not cancel, please be reminded that you will not be allowed to participate in any upcoming events for the next 6 months. If you are in the waiting list, we recommend checking your status in the meetup occasionally. Sometimes we have issues with email notifications. If you need to cancel your Participation, please update your RSVP status in Meetup to “Not going” by 18 May 2026. **Photos and social media** Please note that pictures from the event will be shred in our social media channels. You can opt out from being photographed at the event. **How to enroll?** The venue requires prior registration. To enroll in the event click “Attend” in Meetup. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at events [a] women4cyberfinland.com. Warm Welcome!

Tervetuloa mukaan Microsoft Security User Groupin (MSUGFI) tapahtumaan! Tapahtuma järjestetään Zuren tiloissa Helsingin ydinkeskustassa (rautatientorin asemaa vastapäätä). Tule mukaan osallistumaan, kuulemaan, oppimaan ja verkostoitumaan rentoon iltaan. Tapahtuma on tarkoitettu kaikille Microsoft-tietoturvasta kiinnostuneille. **\*HUOM\* Tarvitsemme jokaisen osallistujan etu- ja sukunimen tiloihin sisäänpääsyä varten. Täytäthän ilmoittautumislomakkeeseen koko nimesi varmistaaksesi sisäänpääsyn!** **Ohjelma:** * 16:30: Ilmoittautuminen ja vapaata minglausta * 17:00: Tervetulosanat (MSUG aktiivit) * 17:10: Tervetulosanat (Zure) * 17:20: Asiantuntijapuheenvuoro: Jurassic truths about APIM and AppGW (Joona Immonen, Zure) * 18:00: Tauko * 18:30: Asiantuntijapuheenvuoro: Kun puolustus ajattelee graafeina – miksi ja kuka hyötyy? (Jarkko Kinnunen, Microsoft) * 19:15: Loppusanat, vapaata minglausta * \~19:30: Tilaisuus päättyy

Can you reshape your reality with just a marker in your hand? [Tallipääty, MIITTI office,](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-loom-of-belonging-a-journey-through-motif-thread-tickets-1987816169674?aff=oddtdtcreator#location) [Lapinlahden Lähde Helsinki, Uusimaa](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-loom-of-belonging-a-journey-through-motif-thread-tickets-1987816169674?aff=oddtdtcreator#location) Thursday, May 21 • 6 PM - 8 PM **IMPORTANT:** This event is in collaboration with Mieli Without Borders, and spots are limited, please make sure to reserve yours through: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/neurotree-drawing-your-path-to-growth-potential-tickets-1988554509067?aff=oddtdtcreator ### **Workshop overview** Drawing Your Path to Growth & Potential. Can you reshape your reality with just a marker in your hand? Welcome to NeuroTree, an immersive workshop grounded in the intersection of psychology, neuroscience, and creative research. Using the Neurographic method, we move beyond traditional art to engage in a unique dialogue with the subconscious mind. The "NeuroTree" is one of the most powerful algorithms in this practice. It is a visual metaphor for your life, allowing you to use your past experiences as the "roots" that fuel your future achievements and "branches" of potential. Neurographics is a meditative drawing process that uses specialized lines and shapes to help "rewire" your emotional response to challenges Join us! ### **The Journey** * Identify Your Roots: Transform your previous experiences and lessons into a solid foundation for growth. * Cultivate Your Potential: Use the NeuroTree algorithm to visualise and manifest new goals, habits, and achievements. * Harmonise Your Mind: Learn the "rounding" technique to smooth out internal conflicts and create a sense of psychological flow. * Shape Your Reality: Discover how intentional drawing can shift your perspective and unlock new pathways in your life. ### **Who Is This For?** This workshop is open to everyone. **No art skills or previous drawing experience are required.** If you are looking for a creative, science-backed way to manage overthinking, boost your confidence, or simply explore your potential, you are in the right place. This workshop is in English, therefore communicating and understanding English is necessary for participation. ### **Location** The location is called **Lapinlahden Lähde** and is situated within the historic Lapinlahti hospital area near Hietaniemi. You can find us at **Lapinlahdenpolku 8**, specifically in the **Tallipääty** (Stable Wing) section of the building. The space is easily accessible by walking or cycling through the park, and once you arrive at the Mitti office entrance, there are clear paths leading to our designated area. Please not that this space is not wheel chair accessible. ### **Additional info** All of our activities are organized with safer space principles. Please check out our safer space guidelines [here](https://canva.link/4lidof6w1832syy "https://canva.link/4lidof6w1832syy"). ### **About the organizers** MIELI Without Borders is grassroots, migrant-led organization that is dedicated to promoting and supporting migrant mental health in Finland. Check us out --> [mieliwithoutborders.fi](https://mieliwithoutborders.fi/ "https://mieliwithoutborders.fi/") MIITTI organizes groups, workshops, courses, and events to support mental health and well-being. Our community loves music, dance, food, conversations, languages, stories, art, movement, culture, and different opinions. We work for equality, diversity, and human commonness, and believe that connection is a key for overcoming prejudice. Check out MIITTI --> [https://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/en/projekti/miitti/](https://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/en/projekti/miitti/ "https://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/en/projekti/miitti/"), [https://www.meetup.com/miitti1/](https://www.meetup.com/miitti1/ "https://www.meetup.com/miitti1/") ### **About Irina** Irina Guseva is a creator of grounding sauna rituals and body-based experiences that gently bring people back to themselves. She holds relaxing and restorative spaces where people can reconnect with their bodies, with nature, relax deeply, find balance, and feel more alive.

**All are welcome**, wherever you are in your running/walking journey! We meet at Lapinlahti’s sauna, and the run begins promptly at 6:00 PM. **Please arrive early to get ready.** * There is a changing room, a few lockers, and a bathroom available. * We will run from the sauna to the Sibelius Monument and back — a total distance of 6–6.5 km. * The sauna house will be locked while we are out running. * After the run, we will swim, hang out, and enjoy the sauna until **8:00 PM**. * We kindly ask everyone to leave by 8:00 PM. * **To ensure fair participation, if you are no longer able to join, please cancel at least 3 hours in advance so individuals on the waitlist may attend.** * *Zero Tolerance for Harassment* **Hosted by: Nia & Olli** Contact: Nia – +358 408223934 **HOW TO FIND US:** When arriving at the main gates of Lapinlahden Lähde, turn right and head towards the water. Lapinlahti's sauna is located halfway between the yellow main building and the red Venetsia building We want everyone to feel welcome and safe. **By participating, you agree to:** • Respect others – Be mindful of personal boundaries, privacy, and consent. • Listen actively – Give space for all voices and avoid dominating conversations. • Use inclusive language – Avoid offensive, discriminatory, or exclusionary remarks. • Be considerate in the sauna – Some people may prefer quiet or need space. • Address issues kindly – If a problem arises, bring it up respectfully or with the hosts. Tervetuloa Run to Saunaan! Tapaamme Lapinlahden saunalla ja lähdemme juoksemaan noin kello 18.00. Tulethan ajoissa! • Käytössä on pukuhuone, lokeroita ja vessat. • Juoksemme saunalta Sibelius-monumentille ja takaisin. Kokonaismatka on noin 6-6,5 km. • Sauna on lukossa juoksun ajan. Juoksun jälkeen saunomme, uimme ja vietämme aikaa yhdessä kello 20.00 saakka. Kello 20.00 jälkeen meidän täytyy poistua. Tapahtuman järjestävät: Nia ja Olli Voit soittaa Nialle: +358 408223934 MITEN MEIDÄT LÖYTÄÄ: Kun saavut Lapinlahden Lähteen pääporteille, käänny oikealle kohti merta. Lapinlahden sauna on keltaisen päärakennuksen ja punaisen Venetsia-rakennuksen puolivälissä. Haluamme, että kaikilla on turvallinen olo. Run to Sauna -tapahtumissa noudatamme seuraavia periaatteita: • Kunnioitamme toistemme rajoja ja yksityisyyttä. • Annamme kaikille tilaa osallistua keskusteluun. • Puhumme kaikista ihmisistä ja ihmisryhmistä kunnioittavasti. • Olemme ystävällisiä toisillemme. • Ongelmatapauksissa voit kääntyä ohjaajien puoleen. **MIITTI’s Principles for safer space:** MIITTI wants to nourish a safe and pleasant environment for everyone, where everyone can feel safe as themselves. By joining as a volunteer, employee or participant of the event or activity, you agree to follow the guidelines below *Non-discrimination* I do not make assumptions about people based on their external characteristics or names. I treat all participants with respect, and I don’t use language or take actions that discriminate based on race, gender, sexuality, disability, age, religion, or any other characteristic. I respect pronouns and names. *Boundaries* I respect others' personal space and boundaries, both physical and mental. I acknowledge that I cannot know someone else's boundaries without asking first. I ask before touching. I listen to others and adapt my behavior if someone indicates that my behavior makes them feel uncomfortable. *Creating Safe Environment* Everyone is responsible for contributing to a safe and respectful environment. If I witness harassment, I do my part to support those who experience inappropriate or offensive treatment. *Zero Tolerance for Harassment* Our space upholds a strict zero-tolerance policy towards any form of harassment. Harassment, whether verbal, physical, or online, will not be tolerated. If you experience or witness inappropriate behavior or harassment at our events, please report it to the MIITTI or Lapinlahden Lähde staff. If you want to be part of the MIITTI community, follow us on our other platforms: IG: [instagram.com/miitti1](http://instagram.com/miitti1) Facebook: [facebook.com/miitti1](http://facebook.com/miitti1) Web: [lapinlahdenlahde.fi/projekti/miitti](http://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/projekti/miitti) Whatsapp: Join our Whatsapp community network to join your favourite group and stay connected with the other members! When you participate in one of our groups or events, just ask the group facilitator to add you to the community!

ENG: Welcome to an info event in English about Swedish opportunities in the Capital Region in collaboration with the communes of the Capital Region. We will present Luckan Integration’s services, Swedish language courses, studies within vocational institutions and universities, work opportunities, and free-time activities. You will find information about the Swedish integration path at welcome.fi HOW: Register here and save a spot by 19.05.2026: https://link.webropol.com/ep/so1 *** SWE: Välkommen till ett engelskspråkigt informationsevenemang om svenskspråkiga integrations möjligheter i huvudstadsregionen i samarbete med huvudstadsregionens kommuner. Vi presenterar Luckans integrationstjänster, svenska språkkurser, studier inom yrkesinstitut och universitet, arbetsmöjligheter samt fritidsaktiviteter. Du hittar info om svenskspråkiga integrationsvägar på welcome.fi HUR: Registrera dig här senast 19.05.2026: https://link.webropol.com/ep/so1

Join us on **Fridays, 18:00 - 19:30** at **Lapinlahden Lähde** for a free session where we’ll explore the topic of the week. **After 19:30**, you're welcome to hang out with us. Depending on what the group decides, we sometimes: \- stay in\, enjoy tea and cookies and play board games \- go out for dinner or order food\, feel free to bring your meal \- Just engage in conversations ✅ Your **RSVP counts as your registration**, we expect you to **honour it**. 🤝 All conversations are confidential. What’s shared, stays in the group. 🌿 Small group, big heart: Everyone gets a chance to share. 🧘‍♀️ Come comfy, come curious. 💧 Bring water. Skip heavy meals & caffeine. 📍 **Tallipääty, Lapinlahdenpolku 8, Helsinki** (Through the gate, first door on the left!) **Kind reminder:** Last-minute cancellations or no-shows mean others miss out. To keep it fair, repeated cases may result in losing the spot in future sessions. If you want to be part of the MIITTI community, follow us on our other platforms: IG: [instagram.com/miitti1](http://instagram.com/miitti1) Facebook: [facebook.com/miitti1](http://facebook.com/miitti1) Web: [lapinlahdenlahde.fi/projekti/miitti](http://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/projekti/miitti) Whatsapp: Join our Whatsapp community network to join your favourite group and stay connected with the other members! When you participate in one of our groups or events, just ask the group facilitator to add you to the community!

The aim of this group is to get together and practice our German. Doesn’t matter if are a beginner or a native speaker. The goal is to speak and improve our German. Everyone is welcome! If the weather is good, look for us in the Biergarten. Pro Tip: Get there before 6:00 for happy hour pricing.

How to be a Better Communicator Communication is everything in life You are only as successful as your ability to communicate. \- What if you could confidently talk to anyone? \- What if you had the ability to calmly control every conversation? \- What if you could close that sale\, ask for that date\, make new friends\, repair problematic relationships\, get that raise\, or effortlessly express any idea with confidence? You can! The secret to success relies on your ability or inability to effectively communicate. Attend a free seminar and gain a better ability to communicate. Hosted by the Church of Scientology of Central Ohio 1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215 For more information, contact Rhiannon, the Event Host at 614-221-5024

Bring your business cards and network in person with other business professionals! Gold Star Referral Clubs is one of the most established professional networking organizations in the country, with multiple groups in central Ohio. Join us!

**How to take control of your subconscious and harness its power!** Join us for an eye-opening lecture where the speaker will break down complex ideas in a clear and practical way. You’ll gain insights into: ✅ The true definition of the subconscious ✅ How it generates unwanted emotions ✅ Its real purpose and function ✅ What determines the pressure it exerts on you And the most important topic: **How do you take control of your subconscious!** But this isn’t just another lecture where you sit and listen passively. It’s interactive and engaging—you can ask questions at any time. 📅 Reserve your spot now! Seats are limited, so don’t wait too long to sign up. Location: 1266 Dublin Rd, Columbus, OH 43215 Hosted by the Hubbard Dianetics Foundation

**History** The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville. Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people. As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support. The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area. **Map of the Park** Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks. The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.

We connect you with up to 30 Men or Women tennis partners close to your PLAYING REGION and skill level. This program is less competitive, no champions crowned, no league standings just dedicated tennis partners who want to meet up with you on the courts. Players will meet up to play a tennis match or just to hit around. Just go through the [Join Page](https://www.tenniscolumbus.com/partner-program) to enter this program. [https://www.tenniscolumbus.com/partner-program](https://www.tenniscolumbus.com/partner-program)

**Important time note:** Please plan on arriving between 5:30 and 6:00 as the elevators lock after 6 and you'll need to message us and we'll need to come get you. The building address is 4450 Bridge Park The entrance is 6620 Mooney St, Suite 400 You will need to scan your ID at the door to get a visitor badge. **Abstract** TBD **YouTube Link** TBD