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Frequently Asked Questions
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City Planning Events Today
Join in-person City Planning events happening right now
Board Game Playtesting – 17 May
**Welcome to Incubator Melbourne!**
Curious about how board games are made? This is our regular event to test prototype games. Newcomers are very welcome and no experience is needed. You don’t need to bring a game to join and play.
***Please RSVP here and cancel if you cannot attend.*** *Total attendance is higher than the Meetup RSVP list, and we typically have a good-sized group on the day.*
🗺️ **HOW TO FIND US**
The Lion Hotel is on level 3 of Melbourne Central. We’ll be down the back at Jac’s Bar. Look for our tables and grab a seat.
👀 **WHAT TO EXPECT**
• Bring a game to test, or just join in others’ games
• Two sessions: short games first, longer games after lunch
• Quick intros, setup, lunch break, then afternoon games
⏰ **TIMES**
• 11:00–11:30am: Intros and setup
• 11:30–1:00pm: Short games
• 1:00–1:30pm: Lunch
• 1:30–4:00pm: Longer games
Yarra and Botanics Walk discussing 'Hollow Air' by Verity Borthwick
We'll meet at the spot where Fed Square meets the Princes Bridge over the Yarra (near the pedestrian crossing closest to the river from Flinders St, on the Fed Square side).
We'll walk for about 6km along the Yarra River, through the Botanic Gardens and back along the river to Federation Square for a coffee after the walk.
This month, we're reading and talking about 'Hollow Air' by Verity Borthwick
The blurb:
**"Isolation can be hard on a person. It can be hard on the mind, especially when the bush closes in on you in the darkness of night.**
In the tin fields of Far North Queensland, Sarah, a fly-in-fly-out geologist, is working alone at a remote mine site. She spends her time in a sort of limbo, never quite fitting into her life at site or back home in Sydney with her fiancé.
Strange things keep happening at the mine site, and Sarah can try to explain them away as the ramblings of a lonely mind, but there are dead bodies from a mining accident a century ago at the old Dulcie Ada mine, still buried beneath more than a hundred metres of rock.
**A deeply moving novel that explores the friction that comes with the desire to understand the secrets of the Earth coupled with the knowledge that this can exact a toll.**"
Goodreads rating: 3.94
How does a walking bookclub work?
Like a normal bookclub, we talk about the book, what else we're reading, have read, or want to read (as well as a few tangents into life outside literature!) but we do it while walking around Melbourne and then over a coffee. We often split into smaller groups as we walk, but we also regroup through the walk.
Should I read the book beforehand?
The conversation will be more interesting if you do, but you can still come along if you haven't finished it yet!
Do I need to bring anything?
**Comfy** walking shoes, drinking water, some money for coffee or a bite to eat after if you wish. No need to bring the book unless you want to.
No shows
No shows (RSVPing yes and not attending) mean the group waits unnecessarily for those who are not coming, thinking you are running a little late. It’s absolutely fine to change your rsvp for any reason up until the walk begins, and you don’t need to leave a comment, send a message or give a reason, but if you don't click that 'change rsvp' button, you may be removed from the group.
Membership Fee
Did you know that while it is free to attend most events, Meetup charges organisers about $600 a year to organise a group? Members of the Walking Book Club are asked to pay a membership fee of $10 per year (not per event) to help cover this cost. When you join the group, you'll be automatically given a three month trial so you can see what the group is like, without needing to make any payment. If you would like to continue attending events after this, please follow Meetup's instructions to pay the $6.50US/approx $10AUD fee once per year (or contact group organisers if you would prefer to make payment using paypal, payID, cash or bank transfer).
WALK:Williamstown Beach, Coastal Reserve, & Historic Area
Enjoy Williamstown Botanic Gardens, Williamstown Beach beach, a Williamstown Sunday ***Craft*** Market in historical heritage side. With short break at Kiosk or Cafe near beach during walk.
During walk (or towards ends of walk, but not Meetup end) visit *Sunday Craft Market* near Gem Pier, on shops & historic buildings side of Williamstown.
Forecast TBA (16C & rain if Sun; 22C partly cloudy if change to this Saturday).
Meet Outside Williamstown Station (last station on the the line\*).
Under Big Tree just Outside Station entrance. (Is only 1 Platform here).
Meet 12:30-12:40pm. My Phone 0402816644; Best to phone/text.
We'll be walking past Williamstown Beach Station during walk, if any persons wish to join us, but not for the Full Meetup/Walk.
2 mins by train back to Williamstown Station (if u drove), or 15 mins walk.
Route/plan may vary depending on temp (if gets quite hot, we'll go to village side, with plenty shaded places); OR if weather changes.
We may walk early or later during walk to Sunday *Craft* Market (open till 4); all Craft Market items are Created, Handmade, Home Grown or Baked.
(*Different market & different location - Alongside Nelson Place/Near Gem Pier - to one we went to last time)*
We'll spend about 30-45 minutes there — Check out stalls, grab a coffee or cold drink. And some food, or treats :) to take home. Bring shopping bag
or something to put any purchases, if you do, in.
If we do market near towards end of walk; after *official Meetup end, we can go to best, most range, icecream & sorbet place in Melbourne.*
For those who wish to leave; is easy 7 mins walk to Williamstown Station.
Another option, *for yourself,* info re Williamstown to St Kilda Ferry is below
As well as visit to Market we'll walk to & through the Park like Botanic Gardens.
We'll stop here briefly. Also Toilets less busy & bit cleaner available here, than along beach. (No Toilets at Market, but some at Station/Meet Point)
We'll also walk along the foreshore path near the beach.
Group can choose to stop at the on foreshore kiosk/cafe — if weather is pleasant & not too breezy or fresh or too hot (__C forecast),
OR to go to proper but casual cafe, with beach & bay views.
After our almost final stop, we can walk to/via either Williamstown Beach Station (or, Williamstown Station).
Those who drove can easily get train 1 station back to Williamstown Stn, if have a myki, OR credit card (new) Option tap may be also available.
Or if some people wish, can walk back to Williamstown Station, BUT it will mean, total duration of event will be longer than posted/scheduled.
OR, after Meetup/Walk & Cafe some may like to take Ferry to St Kilda — $22 one-way (/$34 return if wish to, if Home is in Williamstown area).
I've put duration as generous 2.5 hours (to allow for longer time at market, & at kiosk OR cafe). But we can finish earlier, if you wish.
Total actual walking time/distance: approx 75-90 minutes/4-5 kms.
Remember to wear hat, sunscreen & bring water.
This Walk/Wander is also posted on/combined with 2 more groups; event/meetup is Open to all (18+ - under 18s may attend with an adult).
A train arrives at 12:26. Intention is walk to start by/before 12:45pm!
If are late getting there; or on next train (arrives 12:46) please post comment on Meetup. I'll post comment which way we go, to start.
But may not respond promptly to comment msg, as may be pointing out some items & explaining re them
My Phone 0402816644. Best to phone/text, than msg me via Meetup.
Public Transport:
Take (direct) Train from Flinders St Station or Southern Cross Station, to Williamstown Station.
Or take a train from (the new) Town Hall Station or State Library Station, & change at Footscray Station, to Platform 6 for Williamstown Line train.
\*If unfamiliar with the Williamstown Line, last 3 stations are:
North Williamstown, Williamstown Beach, Williamstown Station/line ends.
Mentioning, as some general public get off train at Williamstown Beach Station when meant to go Williamstown Station.
Parking/Driving: Recommend parking in Hammer St, & then walk around corner (along Ann St), to Williamstown Station area.
There's a few only unrestricted parking spots directly outside the Station, but doubtful if a good place to park, for a few hours.
There's the Railway travelers carparking area 35 metres from the station.
Finding Me/Us: Exit Williamstown Station (only 1 exit/1 platform) & look to the left, where there's a big tree.
Or if drove, go to Ann St (on north side of Station) & walk past Station.
[\*Please Note: I posted/edited/copy-modified quickly details (from last walk in Williamstown); please check details in a day or 2, for any alterations]. (And I will condense so easier to read it all).
BeSocial. Walk & Talk!
Join us for a refreshing “Walk & Talk” in the Fitzroy Gardens, a relaxed way to get some fresh air, move your body, and connect with others. This casual meetup is all about easy conversation while walking at a comfortable pace, with no pressure or expectations. Whether you’re looking to clear your mind, meet new people, or simply enjoy the outdoors, come along and be part of a friendly, supportive group. BeSocial.
Sunday Gamers Meetup by Respawn + Mortal Kombat II Movie Night!
Welcome to Respawn’s Gamers Citadel! 🛡️
This event is special as we commemorate the success of the Mortal Kombat franchise. Interesting in a movie night with us? 🎥
We’re watching Mortal Kombat II at Crown Cinemas at the 6:30pm session after our event, please DM us so we can arrange your movie ticket by Thursday, May 14. If you haven’t pre-paid, there is NO guarantee you’ll be seated with us. 🥷
Come hang out, meet fellow gamers, and enjoy a chill vibe with great food and drinks. 🥤
Entry is $3 or buy yourself a drink or food. 🍲
At the “Gamers Citadel”, we provide the consoles for you and have two multiplayer (2-4 player) game stations (A, B, C and D). For our board games area you are allowed to BYO! 😯 ♟️
Currently available are: Switch, PS1, PS2, SNES, N64, Cardfight!! Vanguard, Yu-Gi-Oh! and more! If you’re bringing anything, please DM us so we can accommodate. ❤️
Conditions of entry are to either purchase any food or drink of your choice and we will provide you a reusable badge to show that you’re one of us! ✌️
Whether you’re a casual player or a hardcore fan, this is the place to be. Don’t miss out on the fun! 🤩
Our games list is below! 👇
Game Station A - PS2:
1st Game: Gran Turismo 4
2nd Game: Tekken 3 Arcade Version
Game Station B - Steam - Dean:
1st Game: Twisted Metal
2nd Game: Mortal Kombat 2 Classic
Game Station C - Switch - Flynn
1st Game: Super Mario Kart
2nd Game: Super Smash Bros
Game Station D - TCG + Board Games:
Pokémon TCG
YU-Gi-OH! TCG
UNO
JENGA
BYO available!
You can bring your own board games, controllers, equipment etc. 👍
Follow us on Instagram: @respawn.social 📱
Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/phscMtBqpW 🎧
Find Respawn on Facebook: https://facebook.com/events/s/respawn-gaming-social-club-lau/940165205164472/ 🔗
Visit our website for all info: https://intermingle.au/respawn/ 👩💻
Sober Sunday: Walk, talk, coffee and lunch (ticketed) - still going ahead!
Due to popularity, we are doing another walk, talk, lunch and coffee, this time as requested, in the city. Fitroy Gardens.
Ticket here: [Walk, talk and lunch - Fitzroy Gardens](https://www.trybooking.com/DMDSE)
Meeting at Kere Kere Green cafe, on the grassed area. It's a nice open space to meet, mingle, talk before making our way around the gardens, over to The Tan and back.
Meeting at 10:30am, starting walk around the gardens at 11am, walk shall take about 70 mins, to then make our way back to Kere Kere Green Cafe.
Grab your coffee as we meet and then lunch once we make it back. The cafe has seating inside/outside or we can stand on the outside grassed area.
There is prospect of rain but come prepared with umbrella and rain coat. If it is too wet, we can just stay at cafe for a coffee.
Dogs welcomed! Please do NOT be late, smell of alcohol/be hungover (Sober Sunday) or have bad BO.
Being a Sunday, there should be parking around, plenty of public transport options as well.
Your ticket goes towards the associated costs of running the group and it is ONLY $5!
## Date
WALK-:Williamstown Beach, Coastal Reserve, & Historic Area
Enjoy Williamstown Botanic Gardens, Williamstown Beach beach, a Williamstown Sunday ***Craft*** Market in historical heritage side. With short break at Kiosk or Cafe near beach during walk.
During walk (or towards ends of walk, but not Meetup end) visit *Sunday Craft Market* near Gem Pier, on shops & historic buildings side of Williamstown.
Forecast 27C, partly cloudy, sunny at times.
**Meet Outside Williamstown Station** (last station on the the line\*).
Under Big Tree just Outside Station entrance. (Is only 1 Platform here).
Meet 12:30-12:40pm. My Phone 0402816644; Best to phone/text.
We'll be walking past Williamstown Beach Station during walk;
if any persons wish to join us, but not for the Full Meetup/Walk;
2 mins by train back to Williamstown Station (if u drove), or 15 mins walk.
Route/plan may vary depending on temp (if gets quite hot, we'll go to village side, with plenty shaded places); OR if weather changes.
We may walk early or later during walk to Sunday *Craft* Market (open till 4); all Craft Market items are Created, Handmade, Home Grown or Baked.
(*Different market & different location - Alongside Nelson Place/Near Gem Pier - to one we went to last time)*
We'll spend about 30-45 minutes there — Check out stalls, grab a coffee or cold drink. And some food, or treats :) to take home. Bring shopping bag
or something to put any purchases, if you do, in.
If we do market near towards end of walk; after *official Meetup end, we can go to best, most range, icecream & sorbet place in Melbourne.*
For those who wish to leave; is easy 7 mins walk to Williamstown Station.
Another option, *for yourself,* info re Williamstown to St Kilda Ferry is below.
As well as visit to Market we'll walk to & through the Park like Botanic Gardens.
We'll stop here briefly. Also Toilets less busy & bit cleaner available here, than along beach. (No Toilets at Market, but some at Station/Meet Point)
We'll also walk along the foreshore path near the beach.
Group can choose to stop at the on foreshore kiosk/cafe — if weather is pleasant & not too breezy or fresh or too hot (__C forecast),
OR to go to proper but casual cafe, with beach & bay views.
After our almost final stop, we can walk to/via either Williamstown Beach Station (or, Williamstown Station).
Those who drove can easily get train 1 station back to Williamstown Stn, if have a myki, OR (new) credit card Option tap may be also available.
Or if some people wish, can walk back to Williamstown Station, BUT it will mean, total duration of event will be longer than posted/scheduled.
OR, after Meetup/Walk & Cafe some may like to take Ferry to St Kilda — $22 one-way (/$34 return if wish to, if Home is in Williamstown area).
[ANZAC Station & Metro Tunnel Line is great option, if in Inner South Suburbs/ Bayside east side Suburbs; to get Inner West, & Bayside West, suburbs, As can change at Footscray Station, to Williamstown train. Instead of crowded tram to CBD/to Southern Cross or Flinders St Stns].
Another option (Private Operator): Ferry from St Kilda to Williamstown [$22 one-way/34 return] then 12 mins/850m walk to Williamstown Stn]
I've put duration as generous 2.5 hours (to allow for longer time at market, & at kiosk OR cafe). But we can finish earlier, if you wish.
Total actual walking time/distance: approx 75 minutes/3.5-4 kms.
Will be nice 21C Sunny; remember to wear hat, sunscreen & bring water.
This Walk/Wander is also posted on/combined with 2 more groups; event/meetup is Open to all (18+ - under 18s may attend with an adult). Some attendees may not be single, & some may not be 30s-60s range — is demographics of one group this is on. & often Rsvps, to my events.
Getting there:
A train arrives at 12:26. If late or on next train (arrives 12:46), please post a comment on Meetup. If all rsvps arrive by 12:40 we'll leave. My Phone 0402816644. Best to phone/text, than msg me via Meetup.
Public Transport.
Take a Direct Train from Flinders St Station or Southern Cross Station, to Williamstown Station. (Williamstown trains wont go via City Loop, then).
Or take a train from (the new) Town Hall Station or State Library Station, & change at Footscray Station, to Platform 6 for Williamstown Line train.
\*If unfamiliar with the Williamstown Line, last 3 stations are:
North Williamstown, Williamstown Beach, Williamstown Station/line ends.
Mentioning, as some general public get off train at Williamstown Beach Station when meant to go Williamstown Station.
Parking/Driving: Recommend parking in Hammer St, & then walk around corner (along Ann St), to Williamstown Station area.
There's a few only unrestricted parking spots directly outside the Station, but doubtful if a good place to park, for a few hours.
There's the Railway travelers carparking area 35 metres from the station.
Finding Me/Us: Exit Williamstown Station (only 1 exit/1 platform) & look to the left, where there's a big tree.
Or if drove, go to Ann St (on north side of Station) & walk past Station.
City Planning Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
The Power of the Subconscious Mind Seminar
**How to take control of your subconscious and harness its power!**
EVERY SUNDAY AT 11AM
Join us for an eye-opening lecture where the speaker will break down complex ideas in a clear and practical way.
You'll gain insights into:
* The true definition of the subconscious
* How it generates unwanted emotions
* Its real purpose and function
* What determines the pressure it exerts on you
But this isn't just another lecture where you sit and listen passively. It's interactive and engaging - you can ask questions at any time.
FREE ADMISSION
Reserve your spot today. Seats are limited, so don't wait too long to sign up.
Sunday Drinks & Good Vibes @ The Espy ☀️🍸
Hey girls 💛
Join us on a Sunday for a relaxed afternoon at the Hotel Esplanade.
Think ocean views, good chats, and a few drinks to wind down the weekend ✨
🕒 Time: Sunday, 17th May at 2pm
📍 Location: The Espy, St Kilda
Come along for a casual catch-up, meet some new faces, and ease into the week ahead 💫
See you there! xx
NSEG - Northern Suburbs Eurogamers
The Northern Suburbs Eurogamers (NSEG) is a regular meetup held at [Croxton Park Hotel](https://www.croxtonparkhotel.com.au/) on selected Sundays (view the current year dates [below](https://meeples.org.au/nseg/#dates)).
Running since 2012, NSEG is an established group, but we always love playing with new people.
### Where do we play?
The meetup is held at Croxton Park Hotel.
We meet in the Bistro, just near the fireplace, so it’s lovely and warm.

### What sort of games do we play?
We play:
* Games for beginners (which we call gateway games) like Ticket To Ride, Carcassonne, Splendour, Small World and King of Tokyo.
* Strategy (Euro) games like Power Grid, Lords of Waterdeep, Village, Imperial and Suburbia.
* Thematic games (that involve lots of dice and role play) like Betrayal at House on the Hill and Dead of Winter.
* Party Games (quick and easy games) like Resistance, Spyfall and Time’s Up.
* Card Games like Love Letter, Uno, Fluxx, Bohanza, Red7, Fuji Flush, Munchkin.
And much much more! If you have a game you love, bring it along and show us… maybe we’ve never heard of it and will love it too!
We do a rules explanation before each game (unless everyone has played it before) so don’t worry if you’ve never played (or heard) of any of these games.
### How about food and Drinks?
The Croxton’s kitchen has all the pub classics and tasty little bites… check out the [Menu](https://www.facebook.com/pg/CroxtonParkHotel/menu).
The bar also serves drinks, both soft and hard… plus tea and coffee.
### Do I have to be a Melbourne Meeples Inc. Member to attend?
No, though if you are not a member, we do ask that you pay a small donation (we suggest $3) to help cover the cost of the games library and the Melbourne Meeples Inc support structure.
And you can always [become a member](http://meeples.org.au/membership/)!
### How to get there
The Croxton is located at [407 High St, Thornbury](https://goo.gl/maps/s7yePRZ8meL2).
* **By Car:** If you’re driving there is a carpark on the opposite side of the road.
* **By Tram:** you can jump on the [Route 86](http://ptv.vic.gov.au/route/view/1881) and get off near Darebin Road (Stop #36) or Woolton Ave (Stop #37).
* **By Train:** Croxton Railway Station is a brisk 400m walk away.
Réunion, dimanche 17 mai, KereKere cafe, Fitzroy Gardens, East Melbourne,
We will get-together at the KereKere cafe - at the community table just inside the cafe entrance.
*This is a group for people with intermediate and advanced level French who are able to engage in a conversation en français. It is not suitable for beginners.*
The cafe is close to the corner of Wellington Parade and Lansdowne St, East Melbourne in the Fitzroy Gardens. It takes about 5 minutes on Tram 75 from Flinders St Station, or 15 minute walk.
Car parking around Fitzroy Gardens on Sundays now is $2 per hour with a 4 hour limit, Some parking is limited to 1 hour even on Sunday. And occasionally, if there is a game at the MCG for example there might not be much parking at all.
Price: The event fee is $4.00 - cash necessary! . and please be sure you are a member of MyFrenchLife.org before attending reunion - merci
https://www.MyFrenchLife.org. The event fees are transferred to MyFrenchLife contributing to the meetup platform - thank you.
À bientôt !
Veronica and Daniel
Réunion Hosts
MyFrenchLife.org
The Sixth Stitch
Come and join us for our sixth Melbourne Craft Circle event :) Oasis was a good venue so we'll be holding events there for now.
If you have any accessibility needs or questions about the group feel free to message me.
Otherwise just click attending and show up with your craft or art.
Hope to see you there! 🧶
City Planning Events Near You
Connect with your local City Planning community
Maker's Market in German Village!
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!
Latin City Wednesday - Cuban Salsa Lesson
Click Here For More Videos:
[https://www.facebook.com/share/r/17vTa7EuwG/](https://www.facebook.com/share/r/17vTa7EuwG/)
The Biggest Salsa Night to hit your mid-week is happening at Latin City Wednesdays. Get the feel of the Latin Beat as your hips and feet groove the right way.
Viva Dance Columbus (2809 Festival Lane Dublin, OH 43017)
830pm-930pm Cuban Salsa Lessons
930pm-Midnight Open Latin Dance Party
15 With Lesson
10 Just Open Dance
Free Parking, No Need to Bring a dance partner, No Sandals Please and Plenty of Space to Move Around.
Version Control for Unity
This meetup is a beginner-friendly session introducing version control for Unity projects, with a look at three common tools: Git, Perforce, and Unity Version Control. The goal is to help you understand what version control is, why it matters for Unity development, and what options are out there.
The format will likely be presentation-style, with live demos and time for questions throughout. You'll see each tool in action and learn how they fit into a Unity workflow.
What to Expect:
* An introduction to version control and why it's essential for Unity projects
* An overview of Git, Perforce, and Unity Version Control
* Demos of each tool in a Unity workflow
* Tips for getting started
* No prior version control experience required
* Resources for continued learning
All experience levels are welcome. Whether you're new to version control or already using one of these tools, this session will help you understand what each one offers.
Food and drinks provided. Join us to learn more about version control options for Unity.
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.
CONNECTED Grove City Networking Event
CONNECTED – Grove City A casual, people-first networking gathering.
CONNECTED – Grove City is a casual, people-first networking gathering.
Join us for a relaxed, low-pressure space to meet new people, build real relationships, and have meaningful conversations — no sales pitches required.
From 7:30–8:30 AM every 3rd Wednesday of the month at the Grove City Business Center. Coffee & baked goods available for purchase at Pick ’Em Up Joe's.
Free street & public lot parking behind the building.
Free to attend & open to all!
Columbus Museum of Art, Free Admission Sundays
Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.





















