Paddeln im Auslegerkanu

Join me for a beautiful panoramic walk along Lake Lugano on the famous Olive Tree Trail (Sentiero dell’Olivo). We will start in Lugano, reach Castagnola and follow the scenic lakeside path surrounded by olive trees and amazing lake views all the way to the charming village of Gandria. Once we arrive to Gandria, we will stop for a visit and lunch, then take the boat to Lugano and train back to Zürich HB. 📍 HIKE DETAILS * Route: Lugano – Castagnola – Olive Tree Trail – Gandria * Distance: around 5.5km * Duration: around 1.5h walking + time for lunch & photos * Difficulty: T1 * Info: [https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-ch/experiences/olive-tree-trail/](https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-ch/experiences/olive-tree-trail/) * Info: [https://www.luganoregion.com/en/theme-trail/details/The-Olive-Grove-Trail/58645146.html](https://www.luganoregion.com/en/theme-trail/details/The-Olive-Grove-Trail/58645146.html) * Info: [https://wegwandern.ch/wanderung/olivenweg-gandria-castagnola-wanderung-wandern/](https://wegwandern.ch/wanderung/olivenweg-gandria-castagnola-wanderung-wandern/) 🍽️ LUNCH We will stop for lunch in the beautiful lakeside village of Gandria, with several restaurants and terraces directly by the lake. 🚆 TRANSPORT * 08:45h: Meeting point: Zurich HB under the Blue Angel (08:45) * 09:05h: From Zürich HB: train to Lugano Centrale (IC2: 09:05 -> 10:58) * 10:58h: Arrive at Lugano and start of the hike * Return from Gandria: Boat to Lugano and then train back to Zürich HB. The exact time TBD. 🚆 TICKET COST * Zürich HB - Lugano & return: CHF 68.- w/HT * Boat Gandria - Lugano: CHF 9.90 w/HT * Thereby the all-Switzerland day pass at CHF 78.- breaks even … short by 10 rappen, but giving full freedom * Consider this companion offer by SBB at CHF 39.- (For every person #1 who has a GA or day pass, one person #2 can join for CHF 39.-): [https://www.sbb.ch/en/campaign/companion-ticket.html](https://www.sbb.ch/en/campaign/companion-ticket.html) * GA: Fully covered (train and boat) 🎒 BRING Comfortable shoes, appropriate clothes, water/snacks, sun protection, sunglasses, etc. ☔ WEATHER The hike will be cancelled in case of bad weather or any other unexpected event. ⚠️ DISCLAIMER This is NOT a guided tour. Instead, this is a get-together of individuals who themselves are responsible for their judgement, choices and actions. It is your own responsibility to prepare appropriately before the event: You need to understand what activity is foreseen, assess the difficulty, risks and dangers and the expected weather conditions. Furthermore, you need to assess the requirements regarding experience, capabilities and fitness condition, and judge if you personally have the necessary experience, capabilities and fitness level. You yourself also need to assure adequate preparation, equipment (boots, clothes, gear...) and insurance cover and do everything as if you were going by yourself. During the event it is also your own responsibility to apply your own judgement and to take considerate responsible decisions yourself, fully within your own responsibility and judgement. The event is entirely at your own risk. The organiser also does not warrant on the accuracy or completeness of the description above. The organiser just offers you to join one another and to go together, but holds no responsibility for anything, including injuries or death that might result directly or indirectly from this event.

Welcome to the Open Level Play Session. This session takes place every Saturday from 10:45 to 12:15 at the Yonex Badminton Hall Hardbrücke. The number of players on the waitlist one week in advance determines the number of courts booked. If you are on the waitlist but can no longer attend, please remove yourself as early as possible. Open to players of all skill levels. This session is for doubles with a relaxed and social focus. Ideal for casual play, improvement and meeting new players. Payment can be made via TWINT after the session.

Welcome to the Open Level Play Session. This session takes place every Saturday from 12:15 to 13:45 at the Yonex Badminton Hall Hardbrücke. The number of players on the waitlist one week in advance determines the number of courts booked. If you are on the waitlist but can no longer attend, please remove yourself as early as possible. Open to players of all skill levels. This session is for doubles with a relaxed and social focus. Ideal for casual play, improvement and meeting new players. Payment can be made via TWINT after the session.

Join me for a beautiful panoramic walk along Lake Lugano on the famous Olive Tree Trail (Sentiero dell’Olivo). We will start in Lugano, reach Castagnola and follow the scenic lakeside path surrounded by olive trees and amazing lake views all the way to the charming village of Gandria. Once we arrive to Gandria, we will stop for a visit and lunch, then take the boat to Lugano Centrale and train back to Zürich HB. 📍 Hike Details Route: Lugano – Castagnola – Olive Tree Trail – Gandria Distance: around 5.5km Time: around 1.5h walking + time for lunch & photos Difficulty: Easy (T1) 🍽️ Lunch We will stop for lunch in the beautiful lakeside village of Gandria, with several restaurants and terraces directly by the lake. 🚆 Transport Meeting point: Zurich HB under the blue angel (08:45) From Zürich HB: train to Lugano Centrale (09:05 -> 10:58) From Gandria: boat to Lugano Centrale and then train back to Zürich HB. The exact time TBD. 🎒 Bring Comfortable shoes, appropriate clothes, water/snacks, sun protection, sunglasses, etc. ⚠️ Note The hike will be cancelled in case of bad weather or any other unexpected event. This is not a guided tour, everyone is responsible for themselves.

Welcome to the Competitive Play Session. This session takes place every Saturday from 10:45 to 12:15 at the Yonex Badminton Hall Hardbrücke. The number of players on the waitlist one week in advance determines the number of courts booked. If you are on the waitlist but can no longer attend, please remove yourself as early as possible. Players are accepted into the session based on skill suitability. This session is for experienced players looking for quality games. Play is focused on doubles with a competitive mindset and consistent rallies. You should be comfortable smashing, return smashes and keeping up a moderate tempo throughout the session. New players and those who are new to badminton are welcome to join the PM Session (Open Level Play). Payment can be made via TWINT after the session.

**☀️Nourish your mind & body first thing in the morning 🌻** 🎟 Entry: **Free** 🗓 Date: **Saturday, 16 May** 🕗 Time: **10:00 – 12:00** 📍 Location: **[ANNTIN studio,](https://maps.app.goo.gl/V3Ym1aCMCZRgygxeA)**[ ](https://maps.app.goo.gl/V3Ym1aCMCZRgygxeA)**[Glattbrugg train station](https://maps.app.goo.gl/V3Ym1aCMCZRgygxeA)** (10 min from HB, 7 min from Hardbrücke, 2 min from Oerlikon) ⸻ **What to expect** 🕙 **10:00 – 10:15:** Arrival & welcome 🌬️ **10:15 – 11:00:** Breathwork session 🫐 **11:00 – 12:00:** Social gathering with vegan breakfast ⸻ Start your weekend with calming your mind & nervous system by learning different breathing techniques. The practice is followed by meaningful connections over light & vegan breakfast. Sip coffee, matcha or other hot drinks available on site while meeting like minded people who care about wellbeing. 🎟 The breathwork and breakfast are free, however if you want to support the owners of [ANNTIN studio](https://www.anntin.ch/), simply order a hot drink after breathwork ☕ ⚠️ Limited spots available - join the event to save your spot ⚠️⚠️Please cancel if you know you can't come, it will give chance to others to enjoy the event. In case of any questions contact us here: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/CSCUj3b814E7OagroDneOO?mode=gi_t](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CSCUj3b814E7OagroDneOO?mode=gi_t)

Join the Language Exchange to meet new people, practice your foreign languages and spend a good time together. We will serve free tapas such as Bruschetta, Wedges, Nachos or similar. **How it works**: Choose the country flag sticker of the languages that you speak or want to practice! Seat on the right language table and start your conversation with our conversation topic cards. Average group size: 25 participants **When**: Every Saturday, 20:00 - 22:00 **Where**: 2.Akt Zürich **Price**: 10.- incl. Snacks **Tickets**: https://tinyurl.com/LX-16-05-26 (please buy ticket online) **WhatsApp Group**: https://chat.whatsapp.com/8jkvEUJ5jLp75fYglQFCNJ (join for updates & pics) **After the Language Exchange:** Pub Crawl (optional) For those who want to continue the night, we have a Bar Tour starting from the same place at 10PM. Watch [this video](https://www.youtube.com/shorts/VrBFWgXQNhw) to know what expect! Language Exchange participant get a 10fr discount when buying the combo-ticket online. Your Event Hosts Didem, Sébastien & Katja, Fernando More info: [https://www.pubcrawlzurich.com/languageexchange](https://www.pubcrawlzurich.com/languageexchange) Event pictures? Follow us on [IG](https://www.instagram.com/languageexchangezurich) and [FB](https://www.facebook.com/zurichlanguageexchange)

[Ticket](https://eventfrog.ch/Summer-Padel-Events-2026) https://eventfrog.ch/Summer-Padel-Events-2026 Hey everyone 👋 Join us for a fun evening of padel, a mini tournament vibe, and a relaxed tryout for everyone who wants to play, and meet new people. 🎾✨ The game format will be decided on the spot depending on the number of attendees, so it stays fair, and fun for all levels (beginner friendly). **Date & Time: 17.05.2026, 17:40 at Padeleros - Sportanlagen Wallisellen** The venue has lockers (bring a 2.- coin) and showers available. **Cost:** 40 CHF per person. It includes court rental, rackets & balls! If you are a good former tennis player and have not tried padel yet, get the ticket of "Tournament Ticket", as long as you learn the rules beforehand through [videos](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NX-68fxhL_4&t=27s). Newbies (50 CHF) will guided with an instructor (Abraham), a community volunteer, or the event host separately. **Schedule:** 17:40-17:50: Gather 17:50: Quick rule briefing & team division (first timers together, will not join the tournament) 18:00 - 20:00: Play padel with the possible rotating matches 20:00 onwards: Socialize, chat, enjoy the sunset, and maybe find a training partner! **Location**:[ Padeleros - Sportanlagen Wallisellen](https://maps.app.goo.gl/9qpn2E44TBw4CBTV8) **Parking info**: it has some parking spots outside the courts The event is posted in several places and **limited to 17 people**. Therefore, make sure to: **1\. Buy the [ticket](https://eventfrog.ch/Summer-Padel-Events-2026) &** **2\. Join the [Whatsapp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/FQsob8EaIPfGJLs7zqia6V) group to confirm your spot.** **3\. Be ready to play the full duration\!** Looking forward to seeing you there! **[Zürich Together Linktree](https://linktr.ee/zurichtogether)** **Cancellation & Reselling Policy:** 1\. You may cancel the ticket up to 48 hrs\. before the event and receive full refund for the initial ticket \(FLEX tickets only\)\. 2\. You may cancel your ticket between 48\-24 hrs\. before the event and receive no refund \(by informing the organizer\)\. 3\. You may resell the ticket up to 48 hrs\. before the event to someone in the CORRECT category\, it is your task to check and inform the organizer from the group chat once it is completed\. 4\. In the last 24 hrs\. No reselling is allowed\. If for some reason you can not attend anymore\, please contact the organizer\. If you do not show up without writing any message\, you may be suspended from the future padel events\. **Disclaimer**: Participation at your own risk. We are not responsible for any injuries.

[TICKETS FOR THIS EVENT ARE SOLD VIA EVENTROG ](https://eventfrog.ch/en/p/health-spirituality/health-wellbeing/afiya-stressmanagement-7455671259734527406.html) Fühlst du dich oft wie im Hamsterrad? Der Alltag fordert viel, und die eigenen Bedürfnisse bleiben dabei oft auf der Strecke. In unserem gemeinsamen Workshop **„Leichtigkeit im Alltag“** halten wir die Zeit kurz an. Wir gehen der Frage auf den Grund, wie Stress entsteht, wie du ihn auf körperlicher und mentaler Ebene verstehen kannst und am wichtigsten mit welchen einfachen Werkzeugen du ihn regulierst. Es geht nicht darum, den Stress komplett abzuschaffen, sondern eine neue, souveräne Haltung dazu zu finden. **Was dich erwartet:** * **Verstehen:** Einblicke in die Mechanismen der Stressentstehung und Selbstregulation. * **Erleben:** Praktische Übungen für mehr Präsenz und Achtsamkeit im Hier und Jetzt. * **Verankern:** Strategien, um die gewonnene Leichtigkeit nachhaltig in deinen Alltag zu integrieren. **Gemeinsamer Ausklang:** Nach dem Workshop ist noch nicht Schluss! Wir laden dich herzlich zu einem **gemeinsamen Apéro** ein. In entspannter Atmosphäre hast du die Möglichkeit, dich mit anderen Frauen auszutauschen, Erfahrungen zu teilen oder einfach die neu gewonnene Ruhe bei einem Getränk und kleinen Häppchen zu genießen. Gönn dir diesen Nachmittag für dich. Wir freuen uns darauf, gemeinsam mit dir mehr Leichtigkeit in dein Leben zu bringen! [TICKETS FOR THIS EVENT ARE SOLD VIA EVENTROG ](https://eventfrog.ch/en/p/health-spirituality/health-wellbeing/afiya-stressmanagement-7455671259734527406.html)

**[⚠️ >>Ticket needed (click here)<<](https://eventfrog.ch/de/p/freizeit-ausfluege/wanderung/walk-connect-daytrip-to-seealpsee-appenzell-7459334125192795157.html)**[ ](https://eventfrog.ch/de/p/freizeit-ausfluege/wanderung/walk-connect-daytrip-to-seealpsee-appenzell-7459334125192795157.html)or **[www.social-circle.ch](https://social-circle.ch/)** Cliffside hut, hermit caves, alpine lake — all in one Sunday 🥾 We take the train and cable car to that mountain restaurant from every Switzerland postcard, then hike down past Seealpsee back to the train 🌊🏔️ Make new friends on this daytrip, in a setting National Geographic once called the most beautiful place in the world. **Coming alone? That's totally fine!** We'll match you with people who share your vibe using the Social Circle app — we'll introduce you to it during the event **Stay in the loop:** Join our WhatsApp group for updates and the live meeting location on the day: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/CkFmnu2NL5BDJCUYXv53VG](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CkFmnu2NL5BDJCUYXv53VG) *If the link doesn't open on your phone, try using WhatsApp Web on your computer.* **Timeline** * **09:30**⏰ – Meet under the big clock at Zürich Main Station (HB) * **10:08**🚆 – Take the IR 13 toward Sargans from Gleis 6 * **11:14** – Arrive at Gossau SG (Gleis 3) * **11:21** – Change to the S23 toward Wasserauen from Gleis 11 * **12:13** – Arrive at Wasserauen (Gleis 1), cross the road to the Ebenalpbahn * **12:20**🚠 – Cable car up to Ebenalp (departures every 15 min, ride is \~6 min) * **12:30**🥾 – Walk through the Wildkirchli caves down to Aescher * **12:50**🍽️ – Lunch at Berggasthaus Aescher on the cliff terrace (first come first served, no reservations) * **13:30**⛰️ – Hike down the steep mountain path to Seealpsee (\~1h) * **14:30**🌊 – Time at Seealpsee (photos, snacks, feet in the lake if you're brave) * **16:00** – Walk down the valley path to Wasserauen (\~1h) * **17:00** – Arrive at Wasserauen * **17:18**🚆 – S23 back to Gossau SG, then IR 13 toward Zürich HB * **19:20** – Back at Zürich HB **✅ Included** * Snacks for the trail * Moderated Speed Friending rounds along the way * A guided tour through the Wildkirchli caves, Aescher, and down to Seealpsee **❌ Not included** * Train tickets to and from Wasserauen * Cable car up to Ebenalp * Lunch at Aescher **What to Bring** * Sturdy hiking shoes (the descent from Aescher is steep and uneven) * Water and a small extra snack * Cash can be useful for the cable car and lunch * Sunscreen and a light jacket, mountain weather shifts fast * Your smartphone for the friend-matching **Disclaimer** Participation in this event requires a valid ticket, which must be purchased in advance via the link provided in the event description. Please note that tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. We do not accept cash payments on the day of the event. To ensure a smooth and safe experience, we kindly ask all participants to follow the instructions and announcements from the event organizers. While our team works hard to create an enjoyable and welcoming atmosphere, attendance is at your own risk. We want everyone to feel comfortable and respected. If you encounter any issues or uncomfortable situations during the event, please speak directly to a member of our team — we're here to help. We reserve the right to exclude participants from the event if they do not adhere to basic standards of respectful interpersonal behavior. This decision is at the discretion of the responsible organizers. By signing up, you agree that any content captured during the event (including photos and videos) may be used on Social Circle's social media channels and those of our partners. Please be aware that we cannot wait for late participants, as this disrupts the planned group flow and connections. If you're delayed or choose a different route, it's your responsibility to catch up with the group. A live location will be shared in the event's WhatsApp chat to help you reconnect. Want more events like this, join our newsletter: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/KWSK2jINyuG9uHHjtxfnmP](https://chat.whatsapp.com/KWSK2jINyuG9uHHjtxfnmP)

The hares are **Jolly Roger**, **KGBounty**, **Keys To The Toblerone**. **Where**: Meet at Oerlikon Train Station, the north side by the Puzzles restaurant. **When:** We'll meet at 13:50 to start at 14:00. **The Zürich Hash House Horrors** is a fun, outdoor and social group for parents, carers, and kids in Zürich. We meet once a month to explore different parts of the city and surroundings, with a focus on fun and meeting new people. Each Meetup features a themed trail around 2–3 km long, laid out by a volunteer (we call a Hare) using chalk or flour—like a mini treasure hunt for the kids to follow! Along the way, we stop at playgrounds so kids can play and adults can chat. We finish with drinks and snacks for everyone big and small. What to expect: * Pushchair-friendly routes * Kids aged 0–12 welcome * English is the common language (many kids also speak German) * A relaxed, friendly atmosphere Cost: Fr. 3 per adult Fr. 2 per child (over 5) (to cover drinks and snacks) Just bring along a sense of fun and adventure! Got questions? Send us a message—or just turn up and join in.

Welcome to this volleyball session for beginners! 🤗 During this event, you’ll have the chance to meet new people, play friendly matches and learn the basic techniques if you wish. This event is aimed at everyone that has never played before or a long time ago and is not sure to be able to pass the ball properly over the net or to someone. If you think you're comfortable playing, I invite you to join the advanced events of Marius: https://www.meetup.com/meetup-group-avsypajv/. Let's meet at the Beachhalle Zürich Nord (next to the airport). I booked the court BBC and Raiffeisen. **Tips:** \- Bring a water bottle **Practical details and participation conditions:** \- A small contribution is required for court rental and other organisational expenses\, please pay before the event via TWINT at \+41784053495 by **writing your name and date of the event** or cash the day of the event. \- For any inquiries\, please **only message me on Meetup** \- Please only sign up through Meetup for an easier organisation \- Please cancel at least 48 hours in advance if you can’t make it\, so others can sign up or I can reschedule the session \- If you don't cancel and do not show\, cover your share to keep it fair for everyone\. \- I strongly suggest you to activate your notifications on Meetup to get updates on your status or event changes\. **Price per person:** CHF 6.5 **!No shows!** Lately, there has been quite some no-shows. Therefore, I remind you to please sign out 48 hours before the event if you're not sure to come. So that people in the waiting list can join instead. The court is not free, any no-show means wasted cost. In case of two no-shows, I have no choice but to impeach you from signing up again by excluding you from the group 😣 **How to reach the court:** 1\. Enter the main building\. The wardrobe is on your left\. 2\. Cross the main building and go out again\. 3\. Go around the building in front of you by turning left\. You will see the tennis courts on your left\. The entrance is slightly hidden on the right\. 4\. Leave your shoes and belongings in the boxes at the entrance\. **In the court, there are no toilets, wardrobe or showers. If you need to change or take a shower, you need to do it in the main building.**

The weather on Ascention Day is forecast to be very rainy. So we move this to Sunday. This is a fairly flat hike along the Limmat from Neuenhof towards Zürich. Towards the end, we stop over (or finish) at a place where they operate live steam outdoor model trains on 5 inch and 7 inch tracks. This weekend is when they have their annual open days. See link and the photos linked below! ############################## MEETING: * 08:05h: Meet at Zürich HB under the «Blue Angel» * 08:07h: Leave for platform 41/42 TRAVEL OUTBOUND: * 08:14h: S12 Zürich HB (dir. «Brugg AG») to Neuenhof * 08:36h: Arrival at Neuenhof and start of the hike HIKE DATA: * Duration: 5¾ hrs (plus breaks) * Distance: 24 km * Ascent/Descent: 160m/140m * SAC classification: T1 * Map: [https://schweizmobil.ch/en/tour/341738489](https://schweizmobil.ch/en/tour/341738489) HIGHLIGHT & STOPOVER: * At ca. 14:00h, stop over at the outdoor steam engine club at Zürich-Tüffenwies. Let's take a ride … * I have foreseen a stopover of about 1 hour for this (look around, ride, food, drinks) * [https://www.dmc-ch.ch/](https://www.dmc-ch.ch/) * [https://www.dmc-ch.ch/veranstaltungen](https://www.dmc-ch.ch/veranstaltungen) * Photos from 2023: [https://www.meetup.com/zurich-hike-outdoor/photos/33534062/](https://www.meetup.com/zurich-hike-outdoor/photos/33534062/) * Photos from 2025: [https://www.meetup.com/zurich-hike-outdoor/photos/35368898/](https://www.meetup.com/zurich-hike-outdoor/photos/35368898/) LUNCH: * Picnic EARLY DROP-OUT: * If you are not sure if the distance and time is for you: There are many S-Bahn stations, bus stops and then tram stops along the way RETURN TRAVEL: * The hike finishes at Zürich HB COST / TICKET PRICE: Total ticket cost: * Outbound: CHF 7.10 (w/HT) * Return: n/a (or ticket from how far you've got) ############################## DISCLAIMER: This is NOT a guided tour. Instead, this is a get-together of individuals who themselves are responsible for their judgement, choices and actions. It is your own responsibility to prepare appropriately before the event: You need to understand what activity is foreseen, assess the difficulty, risks and dangers and the expected weather conditions. Furthermore, you need to assess the requirements regarding experience, capabilities and fitness condition, and judge if you personally have the necessary experience, capabilities and fitness level. You yourself also need to assure adequate preparation, equipment (boots, clothes, gear...) and insurance cover and do everything as if you were going by yourself. During the event it is also your own responsibility to apply your own judgement and to take considerate responsible decisions yourself, fully within your own responsibility and judgement. The event is entirely at your own risk. The organiser also does not warrant on the accuracy or completeness of the description above. The organiser just offers you to join one another and to go together, but holds no responsibility for anything, including injuries or death that might result directly or indirectly from this event.

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.

Let's check out the Maker's Market in German Village, a large outdoor Artisan Market, featuring over 65 Makers, Goods, Art and Delicious Food Trucks! Admission is FREE! [GVMM](https://www.gv-mm.com/) Let's get outside and enjoy the New Spring Season and Warm Weather! We will meet at Stauf's Coffee Roasters in German Village on South 3rd Street at Noon, 12 PM and then take a brisk walk to the Maker's Market, just south of Schiller Park. We can initially get coffee at Stauf's Coffee Roasters, if anyone may want to do so. Parking is widely available at Schiller Park and surrounding side streets. Thanks and hope to see you come out!

**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 meet to learn and practice American Sign Language and to grow our familiarity with Deaf culture. Facilitated by hearing folks (with a connection to a professional interpreter) using Deaf-created content. People of all ASL skill levels are welcome! As we learn, we hope to connect more with the Deaf community in Central Ohio. Join us as you're able! Come regularly or just once - whatever you're looking for! Each meetup will explore different topics related to ASL/Deaf culture, and will feature time to practice conversation with one another. Just bring yourself and a willingness to learn!

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!

**Tickets are on Sale now $22.00 curtainplayers.org** **please list your seat number in comments . Purchase in E .We also will meet for lunch if interested which is posted separately 😊**

Join us as we kick off Summer Movie Season with a Happy Hour & a movie event to see the sci-fi action-adventure, THE MANDOLARIAN AND GROGU! The sci-fi action-adventure follows a lone bounty hunter and his apprentice Grogu (Baby Yoda) embark on an exciting new Star Wars adventure. Here are details, a trailer and our plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: In the film, Djarin and his apprentice Grogu are enlisted by the New Republic during a period where remaining Imperial warlords threaten the galaxy. The film is written/directed by Jon Favreau (the mastermind behind the early MCU films) and stars Pedro Pascal, Sigourney Weaver and Jeremy Allen White. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwild1rw7Aw HAPPY HOUR PLAN: For Happy Hour food and drinks before the show we’ll meet in the bar area at nearby Bravo at 5:15pm! We’ll have a section reserved for the group, so keep an eye out for us and we’ll keep one out for you! CMG Pro Tip: If you can, bring cash as it helps make for a quicker exit from the restaurant. MOVIE PLAN: Please purchase your ticket for the 6:45pm showing and meet in the lobby area at 6:30pm! Tickets on sale now and advance purchase as soon as possible is advised! Once you have yours, please list you seat number in the Comments section of this event. Happy Summer and See You Soon, Dan