Reisen, Wohnwagen und Wohmobile (Camper)

Bringt gute Laune, schönes Wetter und Interesse mit. Wir treffen uns je nach Tour an unterschiedlichen Orten. Am 1. April 2018 um 15 Uhr gehts los am Eingang zur Akademie der Künste am Pariser Platz neben dem Brandenburger Tor.

**Route:** [Link](https://www.komoot.com/tour/2955043547?ref=itd&share_token=ap7b44apshBXv9yZbxaMOqj1HmDLRPkQv5bobKaR8qtrs6g1oi&ref=its) **Walking Speed:** ~4.5 km/hr **Highlights:** Köthener See, Triftsee, Mittelsee, Schwanensee, and Wehlaberg Observation Tower. **General Notes:** Participants with past no-shows or unexplained cancellations on the event day will be deprioritized, and only confirmed RSVP may join the hike. Regular group members as well as hikers who show genuine intent could be given priority on the waiting list. We will take brief breaks for refreshments, but don't plan for coffee stops. Please bring your water, snacks, mosquito repellent, and dress suitably for the day's weather. Please make every effort to be on time. I'm not a professional guide and according to Meetup rules not liable for anyone's safety. If you can't make it, please be respectful enough to update your confirmation of participation in a timely manner to give those in waiting list a fair chance to prepare.

Lange Dammwiesen und Annatal is a beautiful and scenic nature reserve in Brandenburg in the area of Strausberg. It has a mixture of dry grassland, wet meadows and forest. It has unique small hills in the shape of a dam. We will hike in this nature reserve. After the nature reserve we will pass the beautiful lakes Kleiner Stienitzsee and Stienitzsee. After 3 hours of hiking I plan to have a coffee but can't promise there will be something open. I am asking for a donation of 2€ for this event. **Good to know:** We will meet at the Station Strausberg (not Strausberg Stadt) **at 12pm** in front of the Service store/main station building. You need ABC-Ticket or Deutschland Ticket.

Ditch the old book club, where everyone has to read the same book...this is better! It works like this: Bring your own book. Come chat, have some tea or coffee, get to know your neighbors. Then we quietly read together, side by side, for about one hour, each one reading their own book, and afterwards we talk with each other about what we are reading. The usual agenda: - Arrival and introduction (~20 minutes) - ⁠Silent reading (~1 hour) - ⁠Discussion (~30-40 minutes) - ⁠Join us for a bite at a local restaurant afterwards, if you like! You may read in any language, you may read any book. We are a group of international residents of Berlin from many different countries, of all ages, and we converse in English. We welcome you! No registration needed – the event is donation based. All funds support the Offenes Wohnzimmer.

AKRO YOGA OPEN JAM Partner-Akrobatik im Offenen Wohnzimmer - Offene Jam Du möchtest deine neu gelernten Flows und Figuren aus der Partnerakrobatik mit anderen Menschen ausprobieren? Dann bist du hier genau richtig. Wir wollen gemeinsam einen Raum schaffen, in dem wir gemeinsam an unseren Flows arbeiten und kreativ experimentieren können. Nach einem gemeinsamen Warm Up wird frei ausprobiert, um am Ende bei einem gemeinsamen Cool Down wieder zusammen zu kommen. Du kannst gerne alleine kommen, es wird genug potentielle Partner\*innen vor Ort geben. Du brauchst: Bequeme, eng anliegende Kleidung, etwas zu trinken. Matten sind vor Ort. \*\*\*\* Anmeldung erforderlich : melde dich bitte an unter [akro@filua.de](mailto:akro@filua.de)

This Sunday's hike starts in Stücken, a village near the Nuthe-Nieplitz nature reserve. It features a bird-watching watchtower and maybe a stork in the village of Körzin who has been living there for several years. Next comes a long stretch along the shore of the Nieplitz river into the town of Beelitz, where you can try its famous asparagus in a restaurant before taking the train back to Berlin. Meet us in the **first car of the train RE7**, departing from **Alexanderplatz station at 12:08 on platform 2 (direction Dessau),** **arriving at Michendorf (Mark) at 12:50, then taking the Bus 608 at 13:01 to Stücken (Dorf)** Unless you are subscribed to the Deutschlandticket, you'll need to buy a ticket to Stücken (Dorf). Please note: * As a grown-up, you are responsible for yourself. * Come prepared for cold and windy weather. * Wear appropriate footwear, we may come across some muddy sections. * Forecasts predict low chance of rain, but you never know... * Bring enough water, food and some cash with you. * Please be fair and only RSVP if you are sure you can make it and update if your plans change. See you on Sunday!

This event is for people who believe that our thoughts and feelings create our reality. This time we’re getting together in Treptower Park for a picnic to talk about our manifestations, the techniques we use, and also share books/meditations/author recommendations for anyone who’s interested and wants to dive deeper into the topic. Please bring a blanket, some food and drinks. **Meeting point**: Entrance to the S-Bahnhof Treptower Park (from the park side) **Please note: In case of rain, we’ll meet at [Presscafé am Alexanderplatz](https://share.google/t0SP7jNViEjKENSjn) (stay tuned for updates!).**

**Neue Leute kennenlernen, nette Gespräche & frische Luft. Am Sonntagnachmittag.** . **💶 2 Euro Gebühr (vor Ort, in bar)** . **🛑 Falls Du es nicht schaffst, sag bitte rechtzeitig ab.** 😊 **Zusagen sind bis kurz vor Beginn möglich. Ich freu mich Dich zu sehen.** . 👋🏼 Wir treffen uns an der [S-Bahn Station Treptower Park, am Hinterausgang Richtung Park (Link Google Maps)](https://maps.app.goo.gl/4kVsM838mCSftVPc9). . Wir machen eine kleine Vorstellungsrunde. Danach gehen wir los. . 💐 Wir laufen auf dem großen Uferweg entlang der Spree, vorbei am Vergnügungspark Plänterwald bi szum Ende des Plänterwalds. Dort kehren wir um, gehen zurück durch den Plänterwald um dann wieder das wunderschöne Spree-Ufer entlang zu laufen. 😊 Ich bereite Deep-Talk-Fragen vor, damit Ihr gut uns Gespräch kommt. . **💧 Empfehlungen:** * Bring etwas Wasser mit, falls Du durstig wirst (1 Liter) * Gegen Abend kann es kühler werden: Bring Dir etwas Warmes anzuziehen mit. . **👉 Rechtlicher Hinweis** Auch wenn wir uns als Gruppe treffen und ich einen schönen Weg für uns herausgesucht habe, **bist Du voll verantwortlich für Dich selbst**. . **👱🏼‍♂️ Mehr über Abenteuer Freundschaft** Ich bin Georg Preller. Ich habe Abenteuer Freundschaft gegründet, um Freundschaft zu erforschen. Mein Ziel: Mehr echte Freundschaften auf dieser Welt. . Auf Meetup findest Du zahlreiche Events zum Kennenerlenen oder um über Freundschaft zu lernen. . **👋🏽 Weitere Gruppen & Kontaktmöglichkeiten** . **✈ Telegram-Kanal: [t.me/abenteuer_freundschaft](http://t.me/abenteuer_freundschaft)** für Events, Workshops & Treffpunkte für neue Freundschaften . **✉ Freundschafts-Newsletter:** [https://abenteuer-freundschaft.de/newsletter](https://abenteuer-freundschaft.de/newsletter) Alle 4 Wochen das Neuste aus der Freundschaftsforschung; oft seltener, denn ich schreibe nur dann, wenn es wirklich etwas zu berichten gibt. . **🔥 6 Zutaten großartiger Freundschaften** Seit 2020 forsche ich, was großartige Freundschaften wirklich ausmacht. Das Ergebnis ist das 30seitige eBook: "Die 6 Zutaten großartiger Freundschaften". Du erhältst das eBook zurzeit kostenlos mit der Anmeldung zum Newsletter: [https://abenteuer-freundschaft.de/newsletter](https://abenteuer-freundschaft.de/newsletter) **💯 Wie wird man Freunde in Berlin:** * [Freunde finden: Wie wird man Freunde?](https://abenteuer-freundschaft.de/freunde-finden) * [Was ist Freundschaft?](https://abenteuer-freundschaft.de/freunde-finden) * [Wie schnell wir man Freunde?](https://abenteuer-freundschaft.de/wie-schnell-entsteht-freundschaft)

**Looking for a fun, social outdoor sport in Berlin this summer?** Join us to get to know Strandvölkerball - a German twist on dodgeball played on sand! **🏐 What is Strandvölkerball** Strandvölkerball is a **German version of dodgeball played on sand**, combining quick reflexes, teamwork, and a lot of laughs. No experience needed! Most people who join are beginners or haven't played since school. Our ball is very soft! **📍Central Berlin Location** We play **weekly games right next to the East Side Gallery** **in Friedrichshain**, one of the most iconic spots in Berlin. It's the perfect setting for enjoying summer evenings, moving in the sand, and meeting new people. You also have a great view of the beautiful Oberbaumbrücke. **🌞 Weekly Social Games - All Levels Welcome** * **Mixed games every week during the summer** * Focused on **fun, movement, and community** * **Beginner-friendly** – easy to learn, no pressure * Come solo or bring friends! * **Check back on the day of the event** \- sometimes we have to cancel due to **heat, storm, or lack of participants** During the season, some of our training sessions may be reserved for tournament preparation. **🏆 Friendly Tournaments & Special Events** We also host occasional **tournaments**, which are still focused on **fun and inclusive competition**. To join a tournament, you should visit at least some of our social games to learn the rules. Please read the tournament descriptions carefully. 🔥 **Season Highlight: The StrandVÖLKERball-WM** Our biggest event is the **StrandVÖLKERball-WM**, a multi-day festival with: * Teams from all over Germany * Great music, good vibes, and lots of high-quality Strandvölkerball games * Open participation, attend a few trainings, and you'll likely find a team * Want to start your own team? Awesome! Register at: [strandvoelkerball.de/wm-landing/](https://strandvoelkerball.de/wm-landing/) **If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us or check our [Website](https://strandvoelkerball.de/).** We can help you with everything, from joining your first social game to finding a team for one of the tournaments. \-\-\- **Auf der Suche nach einem unterhaltsamen, geselligen Outdoor-Sport in Berlin diesen Sommer?** Komm zu uns und lerne Strandvölkerball kennen – eine deutsche Variante von Völkerball, die im Sand gespielt wird! **🏐 Was ist Strandvölkerball** Strandvölkerball ist eine deutsche **Variante von Völkerball, die im Sand gespielt wird** und schnelle Reflexe, Teamwork und jede Menge Spaß vereint. Keine Vorkenntnisse erforderlich! Die meisten Teilnehmer sind Anfänger oder haben seit ihrer Schulzeit nicht mehr gespielt. Unser Ball ist sehr weich! **📍Mitten in Berlin** Wir spielen wöchentlich **direkt neben der East Side Gallery in Friedrichshain**, einem der bekanntesten Orte Berlins. Es ist der perfekte Ort, um Sommerabende zu genießen, sich im Sand zu bewegen und neue Leute kennenzulernen. Außerdem hat man einen tollen Blick auf die schöne Oberbaumbrücke. **🌞 Wöchentliche Community Games - Alle Spielstärken willkommen** * **Jede Woche im Sommer gemischte Spiele** * **Spaß, Bewegung und Gemeinschaft** stehen im Vordergrund * **Anfängerfreundlich –** leicht zu lernen, kein Druck * Komm alleine oder bring Freunde mit! * **Schau am Tag der Veranstaltung noch einmal vorbei** – manchmal müssen wir aufgrund von **Hitze, Sturm oder zu wenigen Teilnehmern** absagen. Während der Saison können einige unserer Trainingseinheiten für die Turniervorbereitung reserviert sein. **🏆 Freundschaftsturniere & Sonderveranstaltungen** Wir veranstalten auch gelegentlich **Turniere**, bei denen der **Spaß und der integrative Wettkampf** im Vordergrund stehen. Um an einem Turnier teilzunehmen, sollten Sie mindestens einige unserer Community Games besuchen, um die Regeln zu lernen. Bitte lesen Sie die Turnierbeschreibungen sorgfältig durch. 🔥 **Saison-Highlight: Die StrandVÖLKERball-WM** Unser größtes Event ist die **StrandVÖLKERball-WM**, ein mehrtägiges Turnier mit: * Teams aus ganz Deutschland * Toller Musik, guter Stimmung und vielen hochkarätigen Strandvölkerball-Spielen * Offene Teilnahme – Nimm an ein paar Trainingseinheiten teil und du wirst mit Sicherheit ein Team finden! * Möchten Du dein eigenes Team gründen? Super! Registrier dich unter: [strandvoelkerball.de/wm-landing/](https://strandvoelkerball.de/wm-landing/) **Wenn Du Fragen hast, zöger bitte nicht, uns zu kontaktieren oder unsere [Website](https://strandvoelkerball.de/) zu besuchen.** Wir helfen dir gerne weiter, vom ersten Community Game bis hin zur Suche nach einem Team für eines der Turniere.

🌸 **Summer vegan picnics are back!** 🌸 *(Grab a friend (or a furry friend), bring a dish, and come meet Berlin’s plant‑powered community.)* *** **PLEASE BE SURE TO READ EVERYTHING SO YOU KNOW WHAT TO BRING AND HOW TO FIND US ON THE DAY!** ### 🗓 When & where **Sunday,  17th May • 1 PM (13:00)** **Volkspark Friedrichshain** Precise location will be shared with registered attendees on the day (*Any map here is just approximate)* *** ### 🥗 What to bring * Your favourite **vegan** picnic dish **and/or drinks** – finger‑food or anything that’s easy to share. * A small **label** with the dish name + main allergens. * **Plate, cutlery, cup & a serving spoon** for your contribution. * **Picnic blanket / rug** * Any **outdoor games** you like (optional) > Expect ≈ 40 people; bring enough for several portions but no need to feed everyone. *** ### 🌦 Weather plan If heavy rain is forecast, we’ll postpone. We’ll post an update by **10 AM** on the day. *** **€1 event fee (non-refundable)** The €1 fee helps cover Meetup and small costs; any extra is donated to animal rights NGOs. Send it via the **PayPal details in the comments** **within 48 hours of RSVPing** (only visible to people marked Going). Transfer note: "Meetup Name + Picnic". No PayPal? Message me for the IBAN. **If no fee received within 48 hours, RSVP will be automatically cancelled.** ### 🔖 Quick checklist ▢ Vegan dish or drinks ▢ Label with ingredients/allergens ▢ Plate • cutlery • cup • serving spoon ▢ Blanket ▢ Games / frisbee / cards (optional) We want everyone to feel safe and comfortable. Please respect boundaries; harassment or disrespectful behaviour isn’t welcome and will mean removal from future events. See you soon! — let’s meet, mingle and have some fun! 🌱

No agenda. No awkward intros. Just good people. Just Gutsy is a weekly meetup for solo travelers, nomads and locals who love meeting them, a simple way to find your people in a new city. Who comes: Solo travelers in transit · digital nomads · curious locals who love meeting travelers What to expect: casual and self-led · small group energy · show up, talk to someone, see where it goes Not sure how to talk to strangers? I put together a set of questions that actually make it easy — find them here: [justgutsy.com/icebreakers](http://justgutsy.com/icebreakers) The only things you need to do: → Comment below so others know you're coming → If plans change, update your RSVP → When you arrive: comment "Here, [what you're wearing]" so people find you When & where: • Every Sunday · 4PM local time Meetup.com sometimes shows a different timezone — ignore it, it's always 4PM where you are • Location: in front of the Indischer Brunnen Join Just Gutsy → [justgutsy.com](http://justgutsy.com/) · Early members get lifetime premium access to the app

Join us for a 1day tour from Berlin to the historical mega project Prora on the Baltic Sea (Binz/Ostsee) & back. Quick history: Originally built during the Nazi era as part of the "Strength Through Joy" (KdF) program the Prora Project was designed as a massive seaside resort for German workers. The war halted construction, and after 1945 the complex was used by the Soviet and then East German military. Since reunification, it has been gradually renovated, some blocks serve as museums, hostels, and apartments, while others remain as historical ruins, offering a striking look into its layered past. List of historical and natural attractions: * Dokumentationszentrum Prora (Block 1) * Prora KdF-Bad / Prora building complex (southern/central renovated blocks) * Prora northern ruins / Block 5, 6 viewpoint (fenced Soviet-damaged shells) * Prora Strand / Prora beach (directly in front of the blocks) * Binz Seebrücke (Binz Pier) * Naturerbe Zentrum Rügen / Baumwipfelpfad (Forsthaus Prora 1, 18609 Ostseebad Binz) * Feuersteinfelder / Feuersteinfelder Mukran (flintstone fields) * Galileo Wissenswelt Prora / Galileo Wissenswelt Rügen * Eisenbahn & Technik Museum Rügen / Oldtimer Museum Rügen * Kletterwald BinzProra * Jagdschloss Granitz Transportation suggestions: Travel by regional train or ICE, both options take a similar amount of time. Option 1: 06:58, 10:33 ICE 938 Berlin Hbf -> Ostseebad Binz, then a short walk + Bus 29 -> Prora Neue Mitte Estimated cost: €39.00 Option 2: 07:46, 10:51 RE5 Berlin Hbf -> Stralsund Hbf, 10:58, 11:35 RE9 -> Lietzow, 11:40, 11:46 RE9 -> Prora, short walk -> Prora Nord Estimated cost: €39.00 Free if you have Deutschland- or Semesterticket Food is not provided, you can take food from home or eat in nearby Binz If you re interested in joining, please RSVP the event & send a message to [t.me/joejung](https://t.me/redpxm)

We improvise all the time! ​It's coming up with a story to tell someone. Making up an excuse when you are late to work. Having to do a presentation when you have lost all your notes. Improvising is also coming up with a joke or a pickup line on a date. ​Improvising can be challenging, but it can also be fun. It involves spontaneity and creativity. Whether or not you think you are good at improvising doesn't matter. You may surprise yourself. So join us for an afternoon of improv games where we certainly will have fun! ​--- ​The event will start at 13:00 and last up to 2.5 hours, with a 10-minute break in between. You'll find us in Tiergarten at the following spot: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/dzXw9NXMLAjBqBUE9](https://maps.app.goo.gl/dzXw9NXMLAjBqBUE9) The communication before, during, and after the event will happen in our Telegram group: [https://t.me/czc_berlin](https://t.me/czc_berlin). As soon as we are at the location, we'll post a selfie there and guide you if necessary. Check out our Instagram for past pictures: [https://www.instagram.com/improv_czc](https://www.instagram.com/improv_czc)

Das Thema Angst ist nicht nur ein Thema der Psychologie. Angst kann man auch soziologisch und philosophisch untersuchen. Das soll beim nächsten Treffen geschehen.

Jimmy V's Grill & Pub in Grandview Heights. You are responsible for your own meal/drinks. We usually don't have any agenda other than eat, drink and talk. :) If the weather is nice we will be on the back patio, otherwise we are in the cigar room. This group has been meeting every Tuesday evening for over a decade. Many attendees do not RSVP on meetup. Please don't let the small number here discourage you. Anyone/everyone is welcome to come. We'd love to have you join us. COTA bus #5 comes to W. 5th and Wyandotte Rd. And it's a minute walk to the restaurant.

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!

**Join Katie McCartney, SRES®, for a clear and easy‑to‑understand update on what the 2026 Central Ohio housing market means for seniors and their families.** Whether you’re planning ahead, helping a parent make decisions, or simply trying to understand today’s market, this session offers reliable insights without pressure or overwhelm. During this free class, Katie will break down the trends shaping housing for older adults in Central Ohio, explain what families should realistically expect in 2026, and answer your questions during an open Q&A. This is a supportive, information‑focused workshop designed to give you confidence and clarity — no sales pitch, just helpful guidance. *** **Ideal for:** * Seniors considering future housing options * Adult children supporting aging parents * Anyone seeking a calm, trustworthy source of market information *** **What You’ll Learn:** * A senior‑friendly look at the 2026 Central Ohio housing market * Personalized answers during an open Q&A You’ll leave with a better understanding of your options and your next steps. *** **Hosted by:** **Katie McCartney, Broker & Senior Real Estate Specialist® (SRES) with** Pillar Realty, LLC Compassionate guidance for seniors navigating housing transitions in Central Ohio. *** **Location:** Columbus Metropolitan Library: Dublin Branch 75 N High St, Dublin, OH 43017 ([https://maps.app.goo.gl/GL2vbJgUHqTncbHZ9](https://maps.app.goo.gl/GL2vbJgUHqTncbHZ9)) Meeting Room 1 **Doors Open:** 1 PM **Seats:** Limited Seating (first come, first served) **Cost:** Complimentary

**💗 Live Video Speed Dating for Richmond Locals Live — Personality First** The format means you'll be guided through guided one-on-one video rounds with age-matched personality-sorted Richmond locals, while a host ensures nothing feels forced. When you sign up, a personality questionnaire is built into the sign-up — the results from that questionnaire to pair you intelligently with Richmond locals, making every round feel more natural from the first minute. Post-event, match notifications go to both parties — with nothing shared unless both parties agreed — and there is no pressure on timing. **Your age group is your key — pick it below:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Richmond&groupurlname=bloom-with-genuine-peers-through-events&ar=18-32&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Richmond&groupurlname=bloom-with-genuine-peers-through-events&ar=30-46&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Richmond&groupurlname=bloom-with-genuine-peers-through-events&ar=40-58&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Richmond&groupurlname=bloom-with-genuine-peers-through-events&ar=55+&face_v=3.0) **⚠️ RSVP is not enough:** An rsvp here alone does not secure your place, so select your bracket link, complete the registration form, and finish the personality quiz — capacity is restricted so act soon, and that combination is your actual confirmation. --- **About the Event** - **Format:** Real-time on a dedicated Zoom session with short one-on-one video rounds, compatibility-matched within your age range. - **Host:** A seasoned host guides every round from start to finish, giving you the space to just enjoy the conversation — from start to finish your only job is to have good conversations. - **Vibe:** Casual Zoom date rounds with genuine Richmond singles, and it never feels forced or awkward. - **Duration:** Around an hour to 90 minutes from first round to last, and the pacing keeps it fresh throughout. **This is for you if:** - Women and men living in Richmond bored of app fatigue and empty match queues and prefer structure over ambiguity. - Residents within Richmond who have given up on the app treadmill that goes in circles and want to meet real locals without the faff. - Returners in Richmond leaving behind profiles instead of real people and prefer meeting people in person first. - Residents around Richmond moving beyond digital dating that never converts to anything real and are ready for a genuine first impression. - People from the Richmond area looking beyond apps that waste evenings for no return and want to talk to real people tonight. **What to expect** 1. **Lock in your place** – through your age range link above, then fill in the personality matching questionnaire, since your spot is held only once this is done. 2. **Get online** – at the event start time via your Zoom link, works on any modern device with a camera, and everything from that point is handled by the host. 3. **Chat** – quick private video rounds with personality-matched Richmond locals in your group, while the host runs the clock so you can focus on the conversation, knowing the matching already happened before you got on Zoom. 4. **Get your match notifications** – after the night mutual match results are sent to both parties, as your data only goes to someone who matched you back, and you follow up at your own speed from there. ⭐ *"The format is brilliant — real conversations with real people"* – anonymous Richmond attendee 💡 **Before the event:** connect via wired internet if that is an option, which means you can focus entirely on the conversation, since it only takes five minutes and makes everything smoother. --- ✨ Meet Richmond people tonight from home — grab your spot above and we will have you matched and ready for this session. The rounds are better than you think. 💖 ✨

**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.