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🌿 Adventure Unlimited Live Share Care Walk – Pack2Treat Support Event 🌿 Join us for a meaningful morning of connection, care, and gentle movement in support of Pack2Treat. We begin our Live Share Care Walk from **Katong Park MRT (Exit 1)**, stepping out into the soft coastal air where the east coast breeze meets early morning light. The route carries us through a refreshing blend of sea-side calm, park connectors, and river-side paths, where city noise slowly fades into rustling trees, open skies, and the rhythm of shared footsteps. [Pls note TEL late opening at 8.30am.] This is not just a walk — it is a journey through Singapore’s everyday beauty, from coastal neighbourhoods into the heart of our river corridors, ending at Geylang Bahru Market. At Geylang Bahru, we come together for a lunch distribution for elderly residents, especially seniors living alone. This is the heart of our purpose — to share warmth, dignity, and care through food and presence. After the walk, all participants are warmly invited to: \*Grab a simple brunch before spend time supporting older hawkers, provision shops, and mom-and-pop stores in the market These small businesses and elderly vendors are part of the same living fabric we are walking for — let’s continue that care with our choices and support. 🕛 Important reminder: Lunch for the elderly will be served by 12 noon sharp, so please enjoy a light brunch beforehand and return with energy and heart for the service. Let’s walk not just for health, but for community. For our seniors. For our hawkers. For each other. 🌱 Walk Distance : 9km - 2 hrs easy Brunch and Food marketing : 1.5 hr Food distribution : 1 hr **As of May all pack2treat schedule will be change so that participants can join us to shop and distribute food . Previously due to timing food distribution is handled by pack2treat volunteer closer to dinner time. Pack2treat's volunteer will assist and guide on food marketing and distribution the day.** **Please read this:** #1 – Attendance. This is a number-controlled event. Please come only if you are on the attending list. Please check your calendar and make sure you can come before RSVP, so as not to deny someone else who genuinely wishes to come. #2 – Punctuality. We will move out at 8.05am sharp. We are not able to wait for latecomers. #3 – Early Departure. Please inform the Event Host if you need to leave early. #4 – Waitlist. Please note that the waitlist may not be processed in order. We may prioritize spots for participants training for upcoming hikes/ trips. #5 – Weather. In case of severe weather conditions, we will provide an update or adjust the route accordingly. Important Liability Notice: By joining this walk, you acknowledge that you are participating voluntarily and understand the physical risks inherent in this activity. AU is not responsible for any injuries, accidents, or health complications that may occur during the walk. Please ensure you are medically fit and adequately prepared for the demands of the session. Thank you for your understanding! See you there! [https://vt.tiktok.com/ZS9YtwqwB/](https://vt.tiktok.com/ZS9YtwqwB/)

👉 Register here to confirm your spot: https://www.upnexis.io/events/circle-mixer-may/intro Not all networking needs to be formal. This is a more relaxed way to meet people, through a simple walk and real conversations. We’re bringing together a small group of people who are open to connecting, sharing experiences, and exploring what’s next in their careers. *** What to expect: • A casual walk at Singapore Botanic Gardens (easy pace) • Conversations around work, career, and life direction • A chance to meet people outside your usual circle • Opportunities and connections that may naturally come from it Hosted by UpNexis Helping people connect, access opportunities, and navigate careers through referrals and real conversations. ***

This time we do a normal flat walk in the afternoon around 7km 1way.....@ Punggol water Park PCN(East) **Programme:-** 8:00am - Meet at MRT ground Level- Exit A 8:10 am - take walk 8:15am-9:30am - Break at Red Bridge; 9:35- 10:35am - walk to Punggol Coast (SIT) canteen 10:40am-11:15am - lunch 11:20am :-End / Go Home **Please bring following.** \- Water \- Money \- Camera\- \- Sun block A cheeful smile for this event Contact Bong Lam - 96 196 902 **For Member only**

Meet: King Albert Park MRT Station (DT6) Passenger Service Centre When: Saturday 23rd May 4pm\*\* Event communication will be through the event chat. Please check the event chat on the day of the event to stay updated on any changes.\*\*\* Do something different on a Saturday. Join us for a Mini Hike through the Maju Forest. There will be \*MUD\*! Come prepared with a good hiking shoe. The Jurong Railway Tunnel is an abandoned, 1960s-era freight railway tunnel located under Clementi Road, near Maju Camp and the Bukit Timah area in Singapore. Built around 1965 to connect the Jurong industrial estate to the main railway line, the structure is a popular urban exploration spot known for its muddy conditions, "hidden", and often flooded, passageway covered by jungle. - *Mothership* We will end at Clementi Mall for dinner What to bring: \- Shades \- umbrellas \- Water \- Good walking shoes \- Long pants preferred \- Mosquito Repellent This is a Rain or Shine event. Where there are thunderstorms, we will adjourn for coffee or early dinner. We will resume the walk once the rain subsides. Event communication will be through the event chat. Please check the event chat on the day of the event so that you will be updated on any changes. Please try to be punctual. There will be 5 minutes grace for attendance taking. Please remember that we cannot wait because this would be unfair to those already present. Please keep in mind that I may not respond to messages sent after the walk starts because I will be busy helping the attendees and leading the walk. Please RSVP responsibly to help those on the waitlist get the chance to come for the walks. ***As a consideration for others, please confirm your RSVPs the day before the event to allow those on the waitlist sufficient time to schedule for the event.*** Thank you for your kind understanding. Disclaimer: Your physical well-being is your responsibility. Exercise care while you walk. Please let me know when you feel unwell and need to drop out. Walking comes with a risk of personal injury. ***By joining the walk, you accept responsibility for your safety and join the walk at your own risk. The organizer(s) will not be responsible or held liable for any accidents or injuries during or arising from the event.***

You're warmly invited to join **Hearts United** for a special afternoon of **prayer, connection, and community** with fellow Catholics (30-45yo). We highly encourage you to attend the **12:00pm Novena Devotion**, centering our hearts in prayer and reflection. Afterward, we’ll gather for an hour of relaxed **fellowship and mingling** — a chance to meet like-minded individuals who share your faith, values, and life stage. We’ll conclude our time with a **closing prayer**, lifting up the intentions of our group and giving thanks for the new friendships being formed. **Schedule:** ✝️ 12.00pm – Novena Devotion (attend at your own pace) 😄 12.30pm – Fellowship & Mingle (see comment below for location) 🙏 1.30pm – Closing Prayer 💬 **After-Novena Conversations** Let’s take a moment after the Novena to unwind, share our thoughts, and enjoy each other’s company. There’s no set agenda — just friendly conversations about faith, life, and everything in between. If you’re not sure where to begin, here are a few ideas to get things flowing: 🌿 **Faith & Reflection Topics** * What do you find most meaningful about attending the Novena? * What part of today’s homily spoke to you personally? * What helps you stay close to your faith when life gets busy? ☕ **Personal Growth & Connection Topics** * What qualities do you value most in friendship or community? * How do you like to spend your weekends or free time? * What’s something new you’ve tried recently or would like to learn? 💬 **Light & Fun Conversation Starters** * What are your hobbies or interests? * What’s your go-to comfort food after church? * If you could travel anywhere, where would you go? Whether you're new to the group or a returning friend, we look forward to seeing you there! Please feel free to introduce **Hearts United** to friends whom you know would be a great fit for this community. **With faith and friendship, *Hearts United***

Take a walk with us to explore 4 **Quarries** (3 wet and 1 dry quarry) around **Bukit Timah Nature Reserve**. For those interested, and if weather permits, we can continue after lunch to explore another 3 quarries. Meeting Point : Beauty World MRT, Exit A, street level Meeting Time : 8:30 am End Point : The Rail Mall Est. End Time : 12:30 pm Est. Distance : 10 km Things to bring: \- Umbrellas \- Sun protection \(e\.g\. sunblock\) \- Water \- Snacks \- Hiking/Walking shoes

Join us for a laid-back drawing session with Joon, an artist originally from Korea who lived in New York before making Singapore home. We’ll draw together, but that’s just the starting point. Expect conversations about travel, museums, what it’s like to build a life across different cities, and the friendships that form across cultures. Bring your stories, some paper, a pencil/pen, or just yourself. Can’t draw? That’s fine. Neither can most of us. Beginners very welcome — we’ll keep it simple. Find Joon’s work on Instagram at [@joonartistic](https://www.instagram.com/joonartistic/). 📍 Yugoslavia Cage, KINEX Mall — near Paya Lebar MRT 🆓 Free as always. Just buy a drink or snack from the cafe to support the space.

🏛️ **WHAT'S PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY ABOUT?** Practical Philosophy is a weekly meet-up that brings critical thinkers together for an opportunity to dive deep on a topic, practice communicating, and building a community. All with no ‘official’ philosophy knowledge required! 😎 Practical Philosophy is based on the idea that philosophy should be accessible to all, and not something reserved only for academics. Each week we choose a topic, and the goal is to use the conversation to develop our critical thinking and communication as we explore that topic. The goal is to help develop our Critical Thinking, Communication, and Community 🙌 📓 **HOW DOES IT WORK?** Each week, we pick one topic and discuss it. The topic for the week is shared, generally in the [Whatsapp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Dsjl0cwLVxR4tw1jTC1Osx?mode=gi_t), along with jump-off points to get the conversation going. When groups get bigger than 7-8 people, it’s important that we break into smaller groups. This way we are able to maintain a conversational flow as opposed to having our meetups feel like a discourse or lecture. **General Meeting Agenda** Each Practical Philosophy meet-up follows this general timeline: * 19:00-19:15 - People arrive and chat, get to know each other before the ‘official' start. * 19:15-19:25 - Meeting introduction, explanation of Practical Philosophy and the topic for the week, read the guidelines and the overview so attendees know what to expect in terms of timelines. * 19:25-20:45 - Break into small groups - introduce yourselves and general thoughts on the topic, open discussion afterwards. At this point the group can review the ‘jump-off’ questions as needed, but they are just there to help guide the conversation. It’s not obligatory to answer them. * 20:45-21:00 - Bring everyone back together to discuss conclusions of the topic - each group gives a short 1-minute summary. Organizer concludes the meeting and everyone takes a group photo. * 21:00 - The official meeting is over but it’s a great opportunity to get to know people in a non-structured environment, so we often stick around, chat, and get to know each other. **🧧PRICING?** Practical Philosophy Club is FREE to attend! We just ask that if we are meeting in a café, buy a beverage! Some chapters rent a space for us to meet, and they may ask for donations to help contribute to the cost of rent. Donations will always be 100% voluntary though! 💛 **WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY** 🗣 “I feel like Philosophy Club helps someone build their own belief system through a series of perspectives while not promoting what’s right and wrong” - Ekam 🗣 “I got hooked from day 1 (the topic was authority) and felt it was the right place for me. I feel it is a place where people can go to learn and discuss new perspectives and increase critical thinking and community by interacting with people who might challenge your point of views but at the same time encourage you to have openness and mind flexibility.” - Daniel **🤓 FAQ** * ​What will we talk about? What's the topic? ​The topic for the week is shared every Sunday in the Whatsapp group. We try to add the topic to the comment section on this event page as well but if you don’t see it, the topic and the jump-off points will be in our [Whatsapp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Dsjl0cwLVxR4tw1jTC1Osx?mode=gi_t). * Do I need to study or read anything to attend? No preparation is necessary. This isn’t a study of other thinkers. We want to know what YOU think about the topic, not what an old philosopher thought. If you have a perspective from a religion or a school of thought to share, throw it on the table and we’ll discuss it, but it's not required. * Is there a specific philosophy that Practical Philosophy is focused on? The goal of our meet-ups is to not have dogmatic discussions, and flex our critical thinking muscles. Because of this, we want to hear from every realm of thought, and don't study a particular school. * Is it mostly men that attend? Surprisingly, no! Although philosophy is seen as a Candelabra affair in a dark room with a bunch of guys, our Practical Philosophy meetups are generally 50/50 between genders, and we don’t meet in any dark rooms. * Can I come alone? Of course you can, we encourage it :) * Can I be late? Please don't be! We do have a 15 minute grace period where we allow people to funnel in while we hang out, but after that if you arrive too late, it disrupts the flow of the conversation. * Where do you meet? The location is posted in Meetup and our [Whatsapp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Dsjl0cwLVxR4tw1jTC1Osx?mode=gi_t) group for this location. It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you join the Whatsapp group! If you want to know what other cities have a Practical Philosophy Club, you can see our chapters on our [website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club/practical-philosophy-locations/). **PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY - Making Philosophy Available To All.** ✨ Practical Philosophy hosts weekly, in-person meetups in over 20 countries, including Canada, Spain, Japan, Mexico and many more! 🗺️ \*\*\* Join our [Whatsapp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Dsjl0cwLVxR4tw1jTC1Osx?mode=gi_t) 👈 Follow us on [Instagram](www.instagram.com/practicalphilosophyclub/) 👈 Our [website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club/) 👈

**Who we are?** Listening Hearts is a safe and caring space where people can pause, reflect, and share life’s journey together. We believe every heart longs for meaning, connection, and encouragement. Through workshops and conversations, we explore topics that matter — from everyday challenges to deeper questions about life and faith — in a way that is open to both Christians and seekers. **Why Join?** Life can be overwhelming at times. This workshop offers a safe and supportive environment where you can: \- Share your story \(only if you wish\) \- Learn simple tools to cope with stress and challenges \- Receive encouragement and practical support \- Connect with others who care **Who is this for?** \- Anyone seeking encouragement\, healing\, or practical coping tools\. \- Open to people of all backgrounds and beliefs\. **What to Expect?** \- Respectful\, inclusive space \- No pressure to share beyond your comfort level \- Gentle activities\, practical takeaways\, and supportive conversations

Welcome! Gist below! :-) Bring a book to the meet! Buy a drink (and a bite if you're hungry). Say hi to the folks. Read! We'll do a short round of intros and a short sharing at the end too. :) Come in and find us (we're probably the only reading group)! In the event that the place is full, we'll find a back up nearby. :-) This is a limited seats, small group event, so do try to update your RSVP early if your plans change! Thanks in advance! Nearest MRT: - Bedok North (DT29) - Bedok Reservoir (DT30)

**Come join us for a fun and exciting photography meetup at Clarke Quay! This vibrant and colorful area is the perfect spot to capture some amazing photos.** **You can expect to photograph the beautiful architecture, bustling nightlife, and lively street scenes. Bring your mobile phone or any camera you have - it doesn't matter if you're a pro or a beginner, we're all here to have fun and learn together.** **Join us if you are interested in photography. It doesn't matter if you are a pro or a beginner; we do it for the love of photography. We'll kick off with a short meet and greet before heading out to click pictures together.** **After our photo walk, we'll end at a nearby coffee shop to chat and share our experiences.** **This is a free event, but please RSVP to let us know you're coming. If you have any trouble finding us or have questions, feel free to call or text: Jay: +65 9352 0249 Sandeep: +65 8609 1667** **Join our WhatsApp group for live location sharing: https://chat.whatsapp.com/D9YcKn9GR7jH8q2U2g0xld?mode=hqctcli We share our live location there to help everyone stay connected — especially as people naturally wander off while shooting.** **Meeting Point: Clarke Quay MRT - Clarke Quay MRT — Exit C (The Central / Read Bridge)** **Route: Read Bridge → Circular Rd → Carpenter St**

Join us for an 8km “off the beaten track” hike through a quiet pocket of greenery where the city fades into soft, natural calm. The route is easy to follow and sprinkled with a few muddy patches, so good shoes and a bit of adventure spirit will help. Do come prepared for mosquitoes, as this area is more natural than manicured. This walk is best for participants who are relatively healthy, comfortable with longer distances and have no fitness concerns 💪. If you’re ready for fresh air and a trail that feels refreshingly different from the usual paths, come set out on this quiet adventure with us. 🌿✨ This Meetup group is a community-led group by volunteers, who enjoy the Great Outdoors (GO) and would like to share the GO with u too! 🤎✌️😃 This is a free community walk, created simply for the joy of exploring together. To keep the spirit of the walk genuine and relaxed, we don’t involve donations, promotions, or sales of any kind. We warmly ask everyone to be punctual and considerate of fellow walkers, so that the journey remains smooth and enjoyable for all. 😊😊 Late cancellations or no-shows may affect your priority for future walks. The 'going' list may not necessarily follow a strict sequence. 🔄 To protect your privacy, we do not collect telephone numbers 📵. Communication will be through the Event page. Kindly check for any updates, especially on the day of the event, so that you will be updated on any changes. The route may be amended or the hike postponed in the event of inclement weather, for the safety of our walkers. 🚶🚶‍♂️ As part of Meetup's enhanced privacy/ security measures, the meeting point will now be visible to attendees only. Exercise care while you walk. Please inform us when you feel unwell and need to drop out. *Disclaimer: By joining this walk, you assume responsibility for your own safety and well-being 🚸, and will not hold the organizers/hosts liable for any loss or injury or other unforeseen events, ensuring a shared commitment to a safe and enjoyable experience for all. 😊 Thank you. 🙏

**Welcome to Drunken Philosophy** a casual, curious social discussion **Optional topic for this meetup: What's up with all the AI hate?** A recent survey found that 74% of Americans have a negative view of AI, and I want to know why. Come out and debate whether AI is good or bad. My hot take: a labor-saving tool that could potentially help cure cancer gets called dangerous because it might raise unemployment or cause a speculative investment bubble, that tells you a lot more about capitalism and the economic system we live under than it does about the tool itself. As a computer programmer, I think AI is a wonderful tool that has increased my productivity by at least an order of magnitude. I'd go so far as to say Claude Code is the best tool I have ever used. Debate me and name a better one. Is AI potentially dangerous? Yes, but so are a lot of tools. Chainsaws. Steam engines (early ones would occasionally explode and kill everyone in the room). Do you think cavemen sat around debating whether fire could be used as a weapon or for self-harm, and decided not to discover it? I have two friends who hate AI for opposite reasons: one thinks it's a fad and not useful, and the other thinks it's going to take over everything and cause human extinction. Come out tonight, have a friendly debate, and make some friends. No lectures. Friendly crowd. Drop in for one drink and stay if it's fun.

**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.

**Get your creative flow going with a Sunday Afternoon Maker Meetup!** Whether you are looking to carve out dedicated creative time, wanting to get a lingering project across the finish line, or just looking to chat with fellow local makers—this is the space for you. 🧵 **What to Bring** Bring any art or craft project you are currently working on, as long as it is portable and quiet. Think: * **Yarn & Thread:** Knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross-stitch, hand-sewing, mending. * **Paper & Sketching:** Sketchbooks, adult coloring books, watercolors, bullet journaling. * **Digital:** Tablets, iPad drawing, laptop writing/design. * *Please note: Because we are meeting in a shared public space, no power tools, sewing machines, or high-odor materials (like strong solvents or spray glues), please!* **📍 Where to Find Us** * We will be meeting at **Columbus Metropolitan Library - Martin Luther King Branch** in **Meeting Room 1**. Room is reserved under **CBUS Maker Meetup.** **⏱️ Timeline** * **1:00 PM:** Arrive, grab a seat, get settled, and do a quick round of introductions so we can see what everyone is working on. * **1:15 PM - 3:00 PM:** Open maker time! Chat, craft, relax, and swap creative ideas. **⚠️ A Note on RSVPs** Space for this first meetup is strictly limited to 10 spots. If your plans change and you can no longer attend, please update your RSVP to "Not Going" as soon as possible so someone on the waitlist can grab your spot. We ask that you try to give at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel. *** **We can't wait to meet you and see what you're making! All skill levels welcome.**

**History** The [Franklin Park Conservatory](https://www.fpconservatory.org/)’s roots trace back to 1852 when the Franklin County Agricultural Society purchased 88 acres of land to host the Ohio State Fair. After the fair moved to its permanent home, the city of Columbus transformed the grounds into Franklin Park in 1884. This transition shifted the space from a temporary event site to a dedicated public green space for the growing community. The park became a central hub for outdoor recreation and early civic gatherings in the neighborhood. In 1895, the landmark Victorian-style Palm House opened its doors, drawing heavy inspiration from the Glass Palace of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This iron and glass structure became an immediate icon, housing exotic plants that residents would otherwise never see in the Midwest. It remains the oldest part of the facility and serves as a primary link to the conservatory’s 19th-century origins. For decades, it stood as a singular testament to grand horticultural architecture in Central Ohio. A major turning point arrived in 1992 when Columbus hosted AmeriFlora '92, an international horticultural exhibition. This massive event prompted a $16 million renovation and expansion, adding significantly more greenhouse space and the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse. The festival put the conservatory on the international map and fundamentally changed its scale and ambition. Following the event, the facility transitioned from a city-run park to a private, non-profit organization. In 2003, the conservatory’s identity was further defined through a long-term partnership with world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. After a successful exhibition, the Friends of the Conservatory purchased most of the glass installations, creating the largest permanent collection of Chihuly’s work in a botanical setting. These vibrant glass sculptures are now woven throughout the biomes, blending art with nature. This addition helped cement the conservatory as a premier cultural destination rather than just a botanical garden. Recent years have seen the site expand beyond the glass walls to emphasize community engagement and outdoor education. The 2018 opening of the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden added two acres of interactive landscape designed for hands-on learning. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus also provides local residents with space to grow their own food and learn sustainable practices. Today, the conservatory balances its historic Victorian charm with modern commitments to local ecology and the Columbus community. **Maps of the Conservatory** Here is the [main map](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/franklin-park-zones-scaled.jpg) of the Conservatory grounds. Here's a [map of the areas](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ConstructionMap-2026.jpg) in which the Conservatory has ongoing construction (see below). **Summary** For this event, we'll explore Columbus's highly-rated and very popular Conservatory. As mentioned above, the Conservatory is doing renovations on parts of the facility. These renovations are scheduled to be ongoing until the Fall of next year. Basically, no matter when you go to the Conservatory over the next 18 months, you're going to see some metaphorical orange barrels. So let's just go now. **Tickets and pricing** On the first Sunday of every month, the Conservatory is free for residents of Franklin County and the city of Columbus. You must bring an ID to receive this discount. (Yes, they do check.) Otherwise, tickets are $25.20. Members of the Columbus Zoo (of which I am one) do get a discount on tickets, though I have never actually bought a ticket to the Conservatory (I've always gone on free days). I believe the discount is $4. Parking is always free. If you have additional questions about pricing or whether and for what you qualify, you can reach the Conservatory at 614-715-8000. **Where we'll meet** We will meet just outside the main entrance. I guarantee there's going to be a line. The Conservatory is always popular on free days, and especially in nice weather. **Your GPS is stupid!** Be careful simply typing "Franklin Park Conservatory" in your GPS and going where it tells you. The only way to access the parking lot to the Conservatory is off of Broad Street. Unfortunately, since Google Maps is unable to find its way out of a wet paper bag, it has a tendency to want to take people to a mythical, non-existent Conservatory entrance on Nelson Road. If your GPS does this, just drive to the north side of the Conservatory along Broad Street. Your GPS should then redirect you to the main Conservatory entrance. If your GPS doesn't, then throw your phone away\* and look for the big Conservatory sign on the south side of Broad Street between Nelson Road and Franklin Park West. You also should be able to use the map pin I've provided, below, and it should properly direct you to where you need to drive. \* Don't really do this. **After the event** After stopping to smell the roses, for those that are interested, we'll head to the nearby [Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/) for [drinks](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#draft-list) and [lunch](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#food-menu). The Beer Hall's actual address is [200 Kelton Ave, Columbus, OH 43205](https://www.google.com/maps/place/200+Kelton+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43205/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x883889a94ac4acad:0xadb2e60240dbc38b?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111) (it's literally just on the south side of the Conservatory). Be sure this is where your GPS is taking you when you use it, as the Brewing Company has a taproom on Harrison Avenue that is *not* what you want for this event. We should be at the Beer Hall by 1 if you can't make the Conservatory and just want to join us for drinks.

**Let’s kick off our very first CBUS Maker Meetup!** Whether you are looking to carve out dedicated creative time, wanting to get a lingering project across the finish line, or just looking to chat with fellow local makers—this is the space for you. 🧵 **What to Bring** Bring any art or craft project you are currently working on, as long as it is portable and quiet. Think: * **Yarn & Thread:** Knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross-stitch, hand-sewing, mending. * **Paper & Sketching:** Sketchbooks, adult coloring books, watercolors, bullet journaling. * **Digital:** Tablets, iPad drawing, laptop writing/design. * *Please note: Because we are meeting in a shared public space, no power tools, sewing machines, or high-odor materials (like strong solvents or spray glues), please!* **📍 Where to Find Us** * We will be meeting at **Columbus Metropolitan Library - Karl Road Branch** in **Meeting Room 1**. Room is reserved under **CBUS Maker Meetup.** **⏱️ Timeline** * **1:00 PM:** Arrive, grab a seat, get settled, and do a quick round of introductions so we can see what everyone is working on. * **1:15 PM - 3:00 PM:** Open maker time! Chat, craft, relax, and swap creative ideas. **⚠️ A Note on RSVPs** Space for this first meetup is strictly limited to 10 spots. If your plans change and you can no longer attend, please update your RSVP to "Not Going" as soon as possible so someone on the waitlist can grab your spot. We ask that you try to give at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel. *** **We can't wait to meet you and see what you're making! All skill levels welcome.**

Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.