Skip to content

Bid Whist

Meet other local people interested in Bid Whist: share experiences, inspire and encourage each other! Join a Bid Whist group.
pin icon
0
members
people1 icon
0
groups

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Check out bid whist events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.

Discover all the bid whist events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.

Absolutely! Find bid whist events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.

Bid Whist Events Today

Join in-person Bid Whist events happening right now

[New Payment Process!] Badminton - Stratford MON (2hrs - All Levels)
[New Payment Process!] Badminton - Stratford MON (2hrs - All Levels)
Join us for some fun, competitive, but friendly games at our 4-court sports hall. We use Yonex Mavis 600 Nylon shuttles during the 2-hour session. **PAYMENT** * **Session Fee: £9** * We are cashless, kindly pay the session fee **by midnight** on the night before the session. You are welcome to pay early! You can even pay when you book! See our About page for the full process. * If no payment is received, you will be removed and may even be liable for a late cancellation fee if your spot is not taken. * Please use **“your meetup name + date of event”** as payment reference * **Account name:** Thomas Lam * **Sort code:** 04-00-03 * **Account number:** 7478 8608 **LATE CANCELLATION OR NO-SHOW** * **All** **no-shows or late cancellations** (24 hrs or less) will be charged if your spot is not taken by someone else - you will have a title next to your name with the amount and date owed. * Members with 2 no shows/late cancellations will be removed from the group unless outstanding payment is received * **The late cancellation policy** is set up to discourage last-minute cancellations and therefore applies with or without the presence of a waitlist * **Note:** If you are on the Waitlist and a spot becomes available, you will automatically be bumped onto the On list provided the event has not yet started. It is your responsibility to **remove yourself from the waitlist** if you can no longer make it to avoid being charged a no-show if someone cancels late. **PLAYING** * Please wait to be marked off before entering the hall. * Sessions are to finish promptly on the hour by school requests. * If you finish a match with 5 minutes to go, please start packing up instead of starting a new game. **RACKET HIRE** * Please note that we won't be hiring out rackets, so kindly bring your own racket. **PARKING** * There is parking available, but it is now paid parking. Parking is opposite the entrance. Please check the signs for parking payment instructions. **TRACK & TRACE** * We will collect your phone number on-site. Your phone number will also be used in case of fire to contact you if you have not made it to the fire evacuation areas. You can see maps at the venue. We are excited to see you guys on the court! Team LSBC
Bank Holiday Riverside Walk+Old Rotherhithe Village & 3 Historic Pubs
Bank Holiday Riverside Walk+Old Rotherhithe Village & 3 Historic Pubs
*Please scroll to end for important meeting point details* Bank Holiday Riverside Walk! Join us for a scenic walk taking in both sides of the river & Old Rotherhithe village. We'll visit three interesting historic pubs (all with outside seating), blending a walk with a pub crawl-pubs are towards the end, near Rotherhithe Overground station, with easy connections to Jubilee, District, H&C & Elizabeth lines. *Meetup Point Details:* Outside London Bridge Station (Jubilee & Northern lines), near the escalator leading up to The Shard, opposite Guy's Hospital
Monday Ping Pong Social @Bounce Farringdon
Monday Ping Pong Social @Bounce Farringdon
Ping Pong is all about Beer, Bragging rights and making Buddies! Come along to the Ping Pong Social at Bounce Shoreditch to unwind, meet likeminded people and of course show off your whiff whaff skills! This event is crafted to serve both serious Table Tennis players with lots of challenges & tournaments, as well as the social players with tailor made games for singles, couples, colleagues & friends. With music playing and drinks flowing you will be able to choose from a variety of creative and quirky games including Ping Pong Tournaments, Social Doubles, Round Pong, Weapon Pong etc. There will be prizes for winners that include bottle of Prosecco & Medals and free entry to future events. We are usually by tables 15,16, 17 this is where you should meet us. However, if we change the tables or if you can't find us for whatever reason, please call/text host Vin and/or ask at reception for us, and you will be directed to us. Experience includes: \~ 4 Hours of Ping Pong Entertainment Tournament for Beginners, Intermediates, Experts (Prosecco for the Winner) \~ Quirky Social Ping Pong games with Fancy Prices for beginners \~ Fun Vibe to socialise in UV lit up exclusive Ping Pong venue FREE entry to our next Beer Pong event for winners
BioTech, Pharma & HealthTech: Founders & Startups Connect at The Anthologist
BioTech, Pharma & HealthTech: Founders & Startups Connect at The Anthologist
**RSVP TO ATTEND THIS EVENT. ALL TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE TO ATTEND THIS EVENT..** **Welcome to Socialite Connections – Business Networking: BioTech Startups, Investors, Innovators, Professionals** Join us for an exciting evening designed to connect with people in **BioTech Startups, Investors, Innovators, Professionals**. Prepare to dive into the cutting-edge world of biotechnology innovation at the most anticipated event of scientific minds and entrepreneurial spirits! This event is a transformative experience that will reshape the future of healthcare, sustainability, and technological advancement. **Ticket & Entry: Here is the payment link:** **We start the event at 6.00pm with a warm welcome.** Having an open-minded approach is ideal, as it will enable you to establish new connections. **The Anthologist -** Located in the heart of the City, on Gresham Street by Bank station, The Anthologist is a gorgeous bar & restaurant with a cosy outside seating area. We are ready to welcome you with delicious travel inspired dishes, gorgeous spritzes & bubbly. **Event Schedule** **18:00 – 21:00 \| When you arrive\,** your name will be checked off the guest list, you will be given a name badge and you will be introduced to each other. **19:00 – 19:30 \| One Minute Elevator Pitch:** All attendees will be given the opportunity to introduce themselves to everyone in the room to talk about your startups or ideals. (Pitch starts at 19.00pm sharp, please dont be late) **19:30pm \- 21:00 \| Network & chill: I**t will be a free form event where guests can mingle amongst each other in a relaxed environment, when the pitches are finished. **Why Attend?** Socialite Connections is connecting the future of Innovation with **Biotech Professionals.** Connect with industry leaders who are literally designing tomorrow's medical and technological solutions. Discover breakthrough innovations that have the potential to solve global challenges Gain direct access to potential investors and strategic partners Learn from real-world success stories and cutting-edge research Position yourself at the forefront of biotechnological advancement **One Minute Elevator Pitch:** All attendees will be given the opportunity to introduce themselves to everyone in the room talk about your startups or ideals. (Pitch starts at 19:00pm sharp, please dont be late) **Who Should Attend** This event is the perfect opportunity to network, gain insights into the latest technological trends, and forge valuable partnerships. **Visionary Startup Founders, Pioneering Investors, Research Professionals,** **Technology Innovators, Healthcare Entrepreneurs, Fintech innovators, Startup founders, tech entrepreneurs, Digital innovators, Tech start-ups, Investors in the tech space, IT and Technology Professionals, Cybersecurity Experts, IT Managers and Leaders, Software Developers, Working Professionals.** **Tickets are limited to just 40 attendees.** We like to make sure everyone gets the opportunity to talk to each other. **Ticket & Entry: Here is the payment link:** You are invited to join the dedicated Whatsapp group for the event and start networking before the actual event. Register now to secure your spot and be part of this transformative networking experience! **Tickets need to be bought online in advance to attend this event. Tickets are not available at the door.** **Refund policy: There is no refund at this event..**
⚽Football Game - 6 aside📍Stratford 📶 Advanced
⚽Football Game - 6 aside📍Stratford 📶 Advanced
**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/45295 **Game Description:** Come and play in a top quality competitive 8 aside football game in Stratford 🔥 🚨Important- The pitch can also allow for 5, 6 & 7 aside so don’t worry if there are less numbers, the game is still happening 🔥 **Directions:** 🚶‍♂️7 min walk from Stratford International DLR station. 📍Pitch 1. Pitch nearest to entrance. 🚗 Paid car parking on site. **Rules** \- No aggressive behaviour \- No slide tackles \- Change keeper every 6 minutes \- Please be respectful to all players\.
STUNNING BANK HOLIDAY WHITSTABLE to HERNE BAY £5 WALK
STUNNING BANK HOLIDAY WHITSTABLE to HERNE BAY £5 WALK
BANK HOLIDAY WALK - Along the seaside and coast from Whitstable to Hernes Bay, a 6.5 mile walk along the beautiful Kent coastline. EXTENDED WEEKEND OF WALKING (SUN, MON,TUE). This Walk is the third in our extended weekend of scenic walking in the Canterbury, Whitstable, Herne Bay area. Some members may choose to book their own accomodation and stay overnight on Sunday and/or Monday for convenience. Other members will travel daily. The host will stay overnight in Canterbury on Sunday 3rd and Monday 4th. **WALK START POINT: Whitstable Train Station** (National Rail). Look for Ken with the Kens Events/Meetup Flag/Badge outside the station. WALK ROUTE: From Whitstable Station through the historic town of Whitstable and seaside then along the Kent coast to the seaside resort of Herne Bay. WALK DISTANCE: Approx 6.5 miles WALK END POINT: The Saxon Shore pub on Herne Bay Seafront. WALK STOP OUT POINT: Several stopout points along the route. **COST of EVENT**: **All of the walks on this group are only £5 each to attend. Payment is not collected before the day of the event to allow you maximum flexibility. Why pay more on other groups for overpriced walks with no afterwalk socialising!!** **The walk is free for holders of the Ken's Events Membership Card.** ENJOY UNIQUE HEALTHY WALKS IN STUNNING GREEN SPACES OR ALONG WATERWAYS IN LONDON. STRENGTHEN NEW FRIENDSHIPS IN A PUB SOCIAL AFTER THE WALK. **Scroll down to see Disclaimer and Notice of Risks.** Get out, explore and enjoy London's abundant green spaces and surprising surrounding countryside, whilst making new friends in a group walk!! Give up the city streets for a day and breathe some fresh air. Improve your overall fitness levels, whilst chatting to new people during the walk and socialising afterwards in a pub. Social Event: Our walks are social walks, where the emphasis is on meeting new people, enjoying nature, healthy exercise, and fresh air. Our walks are not interrupted with running commentaries or historical lectures, although occasionally features of significance may be pointed out. As such our walks will be continuous with few stops and *it is your responsibilty to keep walkers ahead in view and to follow the direction of the walk.* We always end the walk at a pub where the socialising can continue. Take this opportunity to visit green parts of London, unknown to most people. Post no pre-event messages unless you are posting something relevant for the whole group. Only post photos of other members with their consent. Please note that this is a joint event with Kens Events. [Click here to see who else is attending from Ken's Events.](https://www.meetup.com/kens-events-explore-london-secrets/events/) WANT TO COME ON ANOTHER WALK? For a list of future walks go to[ http://www.meetup.com/KENS-EVENTS-EXPLORE-LONDON-SECRETS/events/](https://www.meetup.com/KENS-EVENTS-EXPLORE-LONDON-SECRETS/events/) Kens Events also has a Facebook Page, Instagram and Twitter accounts. [http://www.facebook.com/Kens.events](http://www.facebook.com/Kens.events) Instagram Page [Kenswalks](https://www.instagram.com/weekendgreenwalks/) Twitter [@KenEvents](http://www.twitter.com/KenEvents) Kens Events also has a Facebook Group that you can join. [http://www.facebook.com/groups/Kensevents](http://www.facebook.com/groups/kensevents) RAIN POLICY: Light rain is not usually a problem . However if torrentail rain is forecast, check back to this webpage on the morning of the event. No large dogs and small children are allowed. **NOTICE of RISKS applicable for all walks:** Please dress appropriately for weather and terrain conditions. Only wear good sturdy shoes, with ankle support, and carry a bottle of water and necessary medication. You need to be moderately fit for this walk and able to walk for at least 8 miles. This walk is suitable for the average experienced hill walker. Expect some hills. Do not attend this walk if you do not fit that description or if you have a medical condition (especially heart and/or lung conditions) that may impact upon your capability of completing the walk. These walks are city walks and countryside walks where all the usual risks of injury during such walks apply resulting from interactions with road traffic, joggers, cyclists, e-scooters,other members of the public, animals (farm, domestic and wild), plants (allergic reactions), uneven surfaces, including portruding tree roots and potholes and there may be low overhanging branches. In these walks we cross busy roads, use towpaths alongside water, bridlepaths, country lanes and sometimes ill defined paths and tracks through woodland, bush and countryside. Some tracks may be muddy and slippery, and conditions may be wet and icy. The walk leader is not and does not purport to be a professional guide, or a medical professional, but is instead a like minded individual who also enjoys hill walking and who is familiar with the intended route. Do not attend this walk unless you accept and consent to the above risks. If you require insurance for these walks then you must arrange this yourself. **Please note that this is a joint event with Ken's Events.** **DISCLAIMER** All Ken's Events and events on this group are subject to the same disclaimer. Please click here [http://www.meetup.com/kens-events-explore-london-secrets/](http://www.meetup.com/kens-events-explore-london-secrets/) to find out more about Kens Events/Walks and click on 'read more' to see full disclaimer applicable to both groups.
Monday Edgware Road Basketball Game- Sign Up on www.basketble.com
Monday Edgware Road Basketball Game- Sign Up on www.basketble.com
• What we'll do Want to Play Basketball in London? Step 1. Visit our website [https://www.basketble.com](https://www.basketble.com) Step 2. Find the game you want and sign up Step 3: Get confirmation email and Come Out & Play \*Note: You need to sign up on the website and the attendance is not monitored through meetup.

Bid Whist Events This Week

Discover what is happening in the next few days

Wednesday evening gaming @ Blackheath Newbridge Club, 22 Charlton Rd, SE3 7HG
Wednesday evening gaming @ Blackheath Newbridge Club, 22 Charlton Rd, SE3 7HG
Whether you’re old or new to the club, we would love to have you join us! We are situated in the main bar area and have tables suitable for games taking 4-6 players. We encourage you to discuss any games you would like to play, or will be bringing in the chat. Please note we do not have a stock of games. We rely on members bringing their own games. 
Parking is available on some nearby streets. There is also some limited parking outside the venue. 
Attending members will be asked to pay £1 per Meetup (card/contactless only) to the club organisers. The fee helps pay for our Meetup subscription and venue memberships. 
We also have a Facebook group - Greenwich and Blackheath Board Games and Beer Club – Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/518361051653429/)
A Conference For Sister By Sisters
A Conference For Sister By Sisters
[New Payment Process!] Badminton - Stratford WED (3hrs - Intermediate-Advanced)
[New Payment Process!] Badminton - Stratford WED (3hrs - Intermediate-Advanced)
Join us for some fun, competitive, but friendly games at our 4-court sports hall. We use Hybrid Kawasaki Kong 500's during the 3-hour session. **PAYMENT** * **Session Fee: £12** * We are cashless, kindly pay the session fee **by midnight** on the night before the session. You are welcome to pay early! You can even pay when you book! See our About page for the full process. * If no payment is received, you will be removed and may even be liable for a late cancellation fee if your spot is not taken. * Please use **“your meetup name + date of event”** as payment reference * **Account name:** Thomas Lam * **Sort code:** 04-00-03 * **Account number:** 7478 8608 **LATE CANCELLATION OR NO-SHOW** * **All** **no-shows or late cancellations** (24 hrs or less) will be charged if your spot is not taken by someone else - you will have a title next to your name with the amount and date owed. * Members with 2 no shows/late cancellations will be removed from the group unless outstanding payment is received * **The late cancellation policy** is set up to discourage last-minute cancellations and therefore applies with or without the presence of a waitlist * **Note:** If you are on the Waitlist and a spot becomes available, you will automatically be bumped onto the On list provided the event has not yet started. It is your responsibility to **remove yourself from the waitlist** if you can no longer make it to avoid being charged a no-show if someone cancels late. **PLAYING** * Please wait to be marked off before entering the hall. * Sessions are to finish promptly on the hour by school requests. * If you finish a match with 5 minutes to go, please start packing up instead of starting a new game. **RACKET HIRE** * Please note that we won't be hiring out rackets, so kindly bring your own racket. **PARKING** * There is parking available, but it is now paid parking. Parking is opposite the entrance. Please check the signs for parking payment instructions. **TRACK & TRACE** * We will collect your phone number on-site. Your phone number will also be used in case of fire to contact you if you have not made it to the fire evacuation areas. You can see maps at the venue. We are excited to see you guys on the court! Team LSBC
LONDON HUMANIST CHOIR REHEARSAL
LONDON HUMANIST CHOIR REHEARSAL
New members welcome. We are a 4 part choir with a life-affirming, humanist focus. We're a friendly bunch, and the singers in your section will help you get started and feel welcome. New members will be able to borrow printed music. We do perform both formally and informally, and our varied repertoire supports this. For regular attendees, please print out your music, which is available in the [members section of our site](https://london.humanistchoir.org/groups/library/buddydrive/). If you need access, contact Laurence. ([members@london.humanistchoir.org](mailto:members@london.humanistchoir.org)). For more information see the [Join Us](https://london.humanistchoir.org/join/) page , or listen to the choir on our [YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@LondonHumanistChoir). We always allow potential members to try us out for a couple of weeks. We do not hold auditions. By all means message with any queries. **Term Dates (6 a year) SPRING/SUMMER 2026** * * THIS TERM - Tuesday 14 April until 19 May * TERM AFTER THAT - 2 June to EARLY JULY Current repertoire: Yesterday (Beatles) Gold (from Once) Think About Things Obladi Oblada (Beatles) Too Sweet When the Earth Stands Still more to come
Wednesday Evening Social Bridge in Clapham
Wednesday Evening Social Bridge in Clapham
Join us for social bridge at Nightingale Place, Clapham SW4 9AH. All standards welcome including experienced players but also new players, returners and refreshers. Very welcoming group. Single players will be paired up. Bar available for drinks, snacks, etc. Most weeks we just form tables and deal hands. Once in a while we play novice duplicate. A tutor is available every week to circulate and answer questions and give support as requested. There is a WhatsApp group that helps keep players in touch. House standard system is Acol with a weak NT, but other systems are welcome too.

Bid Whist Events Near You

Connect with your local Bid Whist community

CABS Boardgaming Saturday, May 9th
CABS Boardgaming Saturday, May 9th
Thanks for being a part of the CABS Meetup Group! We meet @ the COFFEE UNDERGROUND on Indianola Avenue. We play many different games @ CABS - bring your own or play one of the OVER 2000 in our library. What are your favorite games? What was the last game you played? Hope to see and game with you soon! Check us out on Facebook! Doors open early on Saturday Mornings at 10am and around 4pm on Fridays if you are interested in learning new / simpler games ... or new to the hobby or just want to check us out come in early just after noon and we will show you around before the crowd grows. Stay for a game or two, an hour or two or for the day! Your first visit is free and after that it's $5 a meeting or you can join for the year! It's Your Move
Omnipresent Atheists Weekly Meetup (2nd Tues)
Omnipresent Atheists Weekly Meetup (2nd Tues)
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. *** Did you know that there are atheists everywhere?!?! You may not know it, but we are! We're in your schools, diners, police force, military, government, and some are even still in your churches! So come and join us and meet other local atheists, along with agnostics, heathens, humanists, skeptics, and anyone else who's 'hell bound'! Vision: a Central Ohio that accepts atheism as a viable alternative in all areas of public and private life. Mission: grow, support, and provide community for atheists in Central Ohio. Social meetings held most Tuesdays at a local pub/restaurant at 7:00 PM (and often into the wee hours). Attendees call themselves agnostics, skeptics, humanists, non-theists, deists or even theists. All attendees are welcome but should support our vision. Atheists of Columbus (AoC) is part of Omnipresent Atheists (OA). AoC members are invited to join this OA meetup and/or OA Facebook group ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/omnipresentatheists/ ) but are free to continue conversations on the AoC Facebook group ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/columbusatheists/ ). AoC was founded in 2012 as a networking, social group for Central Ohio area humanists, skeptics, atheists, agnostics, nonbelievers, freethinkers, and the curious. It was a member of Columbus CoR and held weekly meetings, mostly on Fridays, for several years but then operated as an online only group for some time. In November 2018, Omnipresent Atheists (OA), a group that routinely meets on Tuesdays, invited AoC to merge. Omnipresent Atheists is a member of the Columbus Coalition of Reason (ColumbusCoR.org). Omnipresent Atheists is a member of the Columbus Coalition of Reason ( http://www.ColumbusCoR.org ). Omnipresent Atheists endorses the mission of the Secular Coalition for America ( http://secular.org ).
CABS Friday Meeting, May 15th
CABS Friday Meeting, May 15th
Thanks for being a part of the CABS Meetup Group! We meet @ the COFFEE UNDERGROUND on Indianola Avenue. We play many different games @ CABS - bring your own or play one of the OVER 2222 in our library. What are your favorite games? What was the last game you played? Hope to see and game with you soon! Check us out on Facebook! Doors open early on Saturday Mornings at 10am and around 4pm on Fridays if you are interested in learning new / simpler games ... or new to the hobby or just want to check us out come in early just after noon and we will show you around before the crowd grows. Stay for a game or two, an hour or two or for the day! Your first visit is free and after that it's $5 a meeting or you can join for the year! It's Your Move
Omnipresent Atheists Weekly Meetup (1st Tues)
Omnipresent Atheists Weekly Meetup (1st Tues)
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. Did you know that there are atheists everywhere?!?! You may not know it, but we are! We're in your schools, diners, police force, military, government, and some are even still in your churches! So come and join us and meet other local atheists, along with agnostics, heathens, humanists, skeptics, and anyone else who's 'hell bound'! Vision: a Central Ohio that accepts atheism as a viable alternative in all areas of public and private life. Mission: grow, support, and provide community for atheists in Central Ohio. Social meetings held most Tuesdays at a local pub/restaurant at 7:00 PM (and often into the wee hours). Attendees call themselves agnostics, skeptics, humanists, non-theists, deists or even theists. All attendees are welcome but should support our vision. Atheists of Columbus (AoC) is part of Omnipresent Atheists (OA). AoC members are invited to join this OA meetup and/or OA Facebook group ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/omnipresentatheists/ ) but are free to continue conversations on the AoC Facebook group ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/columbusatheists/ ). AoC was founded in 2012 as a networking, social group for Central Ohio area humanists, skeptics, atheists, agnostics, nonbelievers, freethinkers, and the curious. It was a member of Columbus CoR and held weekly meetings, mostly on Fridays, for several years but then operated as an online only group for some time. In November 2018, Omnipresent Atheists (OA), a group that routinely meets on Tuesdays, invited AoC to merge. Omnipresent Atheists is a member of the Columbus Coalition of Reason (ColumbusCoR.org). Omnipresent Atheists is a member of the Columbus Coalition of Reason ( http://www.ColumbusCoR.org ). Omnipresent Atheists endorses the mission of the Secular Coalition for America ( http://secular.org ). 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.
CABS Flea Market ! Saturday , May 16th
CABS Flea Market ! Saturday , May 16th
CABS Flea market - Come early to get the best bargains!!! Stay late to play your new games ...
Trails & Ales! Blendon Woods Metro Park / Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery
Trails & Ales! Blendon Woods Metro Park / Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery
**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.
Pickleball Beginners Workshop - Columbus Ski Club
Pickleball Beginners Workshop - Columbus Ski Club
✨ **Pickleball Clinic (for all skill levels)** **(TUES MAY 12, 7-9)** **YOU MUST SIGN UP AND PAY PRIOR TO TUESDAYS CLINIC WITH LINK BELOW:** [Pickleball Summer 2026 - Calendar - Columbus Ski Club](https://www.columbusskiclub.org/content.aspx?page_id=4002&club_id=686961&item_id=2948671&actr=3) No equipment required (bring your own paddle if you prefer). Non beginners are also welcome for the clinic to improve skills and learn strategy. We will break the group into 2 to learn based on skill levels. Come out, improve your game, and meet great people. All skill levels welcome! Columbus Ski Club Membership is not required for the workshops. Try out the sport before committing to the 8 week league.