Curly Hair

## DNA. presents ''SHUFFLE FUSION'' **A smooth Dance Style connected to Electronic Music** This workshop guides You through the numerous facets of shuffle movements and shows You how to connect them into choreographies. Lead by our two amazing community members & Your new Shuffle Teachers Marcel & Dani Ospina - talented shuffle teachers that started shuffling at a very young age and leads this class with his experience connected to a lifetime of passion. ‍ Wednesdays (weekly, regular)- Marcel & [Dani](https://www.instagram.com/daniospina20?igsh=bnBrM3BxY2xuNnll) ‍ ##### *Try something new and experience an energetic dance style full of passion and great rhythms.* See Us Soon. Love, Marcel, Dani & DNA. _________________________________ For more insights, follow us on IG: [@nightart.club](https://www.instagram.com/nightart.club) \*Members of Dair Night Art e.V. and Subscribers of DNA. Art GbR.

⚠️NOTE: The venue is at the top of the bar's stairs.⚠️ Hey there! 👋 Are you passionate about exploring different cultures and connecting with people from all over the world? 🌎✈️ Join our vibrant international community where curious minds come together for some amazing cultural exchange! Our meetups are perfect for anyone who wants to dive into diverse perspectives, have authentic conversations, and build genuine friendships with people from around the globe. 🌍🤝 Whether you're looking to broaden your horizons, practice a new language naturally, or just love meeting people from different walks of life, you'll find like-minded individuals ready to share and learn together. Get ready for interactive sessions where cultural discovery takes center stage! 🎭 Connect with fellow cultural explorers in a welcoming environment that celebrates diversity, fosters understanding, and creates authentic connections. 🎉 We host events across multiple platforms with 30-50 regular participants, and during our peak meetups, we often grow to 60+ people! 🙌 Come join the fun! 👉 **Guidelines for an enriching experience:** * 🍺🥤 Please order a drink upon arrival to support the venue (Required) * 🧹 Show respect for venue staff and maintain cleanliness * 🤝 Embrace courtesy and mutual respect * 🌍 Our focus is on meaningful cultural exchange and understanding - we're here to learn from each other's perspectives and experiences Please note: Venue staff and organizers reserve the right to exclude participants who don't follow these guidelines. We're committed to maintaining a positive environment where everyone can enjoy meaningful connections and cultural exchange opportunities. 🔹🔸🔹🔸🔹🔸🔹🔸🔹🔸🔹🔸🔹🔸🔹🔸🔹🔸🔹🔸🔹 It’s not mandatory, but we are kindly asking for a warm donation of 1€ or more to help cover the cost of posting on meetup.com. If you enjoy the event atmosphere, we’d really appreciate your support🤗 [https://www.paypal.me/harinezumi928](https://www.paypal.me/harinezumi928) If there's a fee for the transfer, you're also welcome to give the donation in cash directly to the organizer on the day:)

-DROP IN - *(English below)* **Lindy Hop \| Swing Dance Unterricht** Klassen (fast) jeden Mittwoch Abend 18\.15 Uhr Lindy Hop \| Swing Dance \- Starter 19\.30 Uhr Lindy Hop \| Swing Dance \- Improver oder/or SOLO JAZZ\! Bitte für weitere Informationen & Kosten hier schauen: [SWING PATROL ROLLBERG _ SCHILLERKIEZ - NEUKÖLLN](https://www.swingpatrolberlin.com/sp-rollberg.html) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- classes (almost) every Wednesday evening 18\.15 Uhr Lindy Hop \| Swing Dance \- Starter 19\.30 Uhr Lindy Hop \| Swing Dance \- Improver All information & costs here: [SWING PATROL ROLLBERG _ SCHILLERKIEZ - NEUKÖLLN](https://www.swingpatrolberlin.com/sp-rollberg.html)

This session is part of the Berlin Cybersecurity Social community’s monthly meetup, where security professionals, leaders, and enthusiasts come together to share knowledge and connect. So are you a cybersecurity professional looking to connect with like-minded professionals, share experiences, and make friends? Look no further! **Transforming Classical Encryption to Post-Quantum Encryption for Financial Services** Quantum computing is set to break today’s encryption, creating urgent risks for financial institutions. This session explores how organizations can transition from classical cryptography to post-quantum security using hybrid approaches, improved cryptographic visibility, and emerging compliance frameworks. Revan cover practical steps to become quantum-ready without disrupting existing systems, with a focus on balancing security, compliance, and operational continuity. **What you’ll learn:** • Why the quantum threat is already relevant today, not just in the future • How classical encryption (RSA, ECC) will be impacted • Why hybrid post-quantum cryptography is the safest transition path • The role of cryptographic visibility (CBOM) in managing risk • How regulations like DORA and NIS2 are accelerating adoption • How early adoption can strengthen security and create competitive advantage **About the Speaker: Revan Ande** is a security researcher and founder of RivicQ, a startup focused on advancing next-generation cryptographic solutions. With a strong interest in post-quantum security and its impact on financial systems, he works on bridging the gap between classical encryption methods and quantum-resilient technologies. He actively shares insights on emerging security challenges and innovations, with a focus on making post-quantum concepts practical and actionable for modern organizations. **About Berlin Cybersecurity Social:** This meetup is open to cybersecurity professionals of all levels, from beginners to experts. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your journey in the field, this event is the perfect opportunity to connect with others who share your passion for cybersecurity.

## DNA. presents ''TWERK DANCE (for beginners)" ‍ This beginner-friendly class is all about **connecting with Your body,** unlocking Your inner strength, **and moving to the vibrant rhythms of Latin American music.** ‍ Your Dance Class Instructor, \*\*\*[Leonie ](https://www.instagram.com/the_leoness_?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==)\*\*\*has been mastering the art of Twerk for many years and now shares her passion with Berlin. *"Twerking empowers me, gives me confidence, and has boosted my self-esteem in incredible ways. I want to bring this knowledge here so more people can feel the joy and benefits this beautiful dance has to offer."* ‍ > Connect Yourself with Your body, feel Your inner strength and appreciate the rhythms of Latin American music. ‍WHEN: Every Wednesday 7.30 - 8.30 pm ‍ ##### WHERE: [DNA. ART HOUSE](https://maps.app.goo.gl/4XrC8gTPtdDGb3oB6) Wrangelstraße 25 10997 Berlin ‍ ##### WHAT DO YOU NEED: Shoes to dance in Light clothing Knee pads (good to have, no must) ‍***‍*** ##### LEVEL: Dedicated for Beginners. All levels are warmly welcome :) ‍ **COSTS:** Free for DNA. Dance Members\* / Regular 15e (Daily Membership\*\*) ‍ See Us Soon. Love. ‍ Leonie & DNA. **_____________________________** **\*Members of Dair Night Art e.V. and Subscribers of DNA. Art GbR.** **\*\*By entering the DNA. ART HOUSE, You agree to comply with the [Hausordnung of Dair Night Art e.V.](https://dairnight.com/hausordnung) and [Geschäftsordnung of Dair Night Art e.V.](https://dairnight.com/geschaftsordnung) Please ensure You review these documents thoroughly in advance.** **\*\*\*NOTE: By purchasing a ticket for this event, you grant us permission to integrate your contact data into our Database. This allows us to securely save and utilize your contact information to keep you updated about event details, relevant communications and future events. Your privacy and data security are important to us, and we assure you that your information will be handled with the utmost care and in accordance with our privacy policy = see [https://www.dna-artclub.com/privacy-policy.](https://www.dna-artclub.com/privacy-policy.)** **Thank You for Your understanding and support.** ‍

🌟 Join us for **"Don't Eat Alone"** – an event designed to transform your lunch break into a social feast! **Tired of solitary meals in front of the computer?** **Thriving to meet some new people and curious what it may bring to your life?** Just come, check and enjoy a delicious meal with friendly faces. Connect with like-minded individuals, engage in conversations, and make your lunchtime a memorable social experience. Mark your calendar, bring your appetite, and let's build connections, one meal at a time! 🍽️🤝✨ PAYMENTS: the meetup is free, but everyone pays for their meals. Here you can pay by card easily.

Bachata (the dance of our generation) is a social couple dance like Salsa - no choreography. The community in Berlin is active daily - you will meet a lot of open-minded people and make new friends quickly! Every Wednesday we have Bachata dance classes in Berlin - we are usually a group of around 20 people (95% beginners): 🕖 19:00 - class: Technique for Beginners+ (0-1+ years experience) • No partner needed (we switch). • You can start from zero in any of these classes! 📍 Adress: Klosterstraße 44 ([Google Maps Link](https://maps.app.goo.gl/5VGEqaVSy9xBCoHv9)) - near S+U Alexanderplatz • Entry: Entrance A, code: 5928# - 5th floor (500), then black door. • Price: 12€ per class. ✅ Dance teacher contact: [WhatsApp-group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IWKPsid0cBDAUHCWKZNL2B) / [Instagram](https://instagram.com/mahir.bachata.berlin) 🇩🇪: Bachata (der Tanz unserer Generation) ist ein sozialer Paartanz wie Salsa - keine Choreographie. Die Bachata-Szene in Berlin ist groß und täglich aktiv - du wirst schnell viele offene Leute kennenlernen und neue Freundschaften schließen! Jeden Mittwoch findet dieser Bachata Tanzkurs statt - wir sind meistens eine Gruppe von 20 Leuten (95% Anfänger): 🕖 19 Uhr - Kurs: Technik für Anfänger+ (0-1+ Jahre Erfahrung) • Kein Partner nötig (wir wechseln). • Du kannst in diesen Kursen jederzeit von null starten! 📍 Adresse: Klosterstraße 44 ([Google Maps Link](https://maps.app.goo.gl/5VGEqaVSy9xBCoHv9)) - Nähe S+U Alexanderplatz • Zugang: Eingang A, Code: 5928# - drinnen Knopf drücken links an der Tür. 5. Etage (500). • Preis: 12€ je Kurs. ✅ Tanzlehrer Kontakt: [WhatsApp-Gruppe](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IWKPsid0cBDAUHCWKZNL2B) / [Instagram](https://instagram.com/mahir.bachata.berlin) Schreib uns gerne eine Nachricht, wenn du offene Fragen hast! Wir freuen uns auf dich ❤

✨ Elevate Pilates: Reformer Community Class ✨ Elevate your body and mind at a special Reformer Pilates class hosted by Elevate Pilates for the Les Amis community. This session is designed to strengthen, lengthen, and energize you through mindful movement—welcoming all levels, from beginners to experienced practitioners. After the workout, stay and unwind with a curated selection of ROY Kombuchas. It’s the perfect moment to connect, recharge, and enjoy the Les Amis community vibe. Move. Sip. Connect. We can’t wait to share this experience with you. **Les Amis** is a women-only community of friendly souls. We provide access to hundreds of experiences that explore your passions and connect you with other event participants. **Check our website to learn more, and apply to join our community and events**: [lesamis.cc/apply](https://www.lesamis.cc/apply)

SQUASH SWEAT + TEARS WOMEN / MEN ACTIVITIES Players meetup at the club, play squash (with others around any level), train (if they wish), watch & learn from better players, make new friends, have a few drinks. Please be aware, we must take care to use our allotted courts. We arrange for these based on the sign-up lists. If many people sign up, but do not appear then the courts go unused and those on the waiting list miss a chance to play. In order to ensure this if a party on the attending list has not appeared, their future reservations will be moved to the waiting list. In addition, reservations will be allowed up to fourteen days in advance only. PRICE: €12 Kindly pay at the front-desk reception "before" you play on a squash court. Free for club members. COURTS 3 courts (1 + 2 + 3) @ 18:00 to 21:00 NEW JOINERS / TOTAL BEGINNERS We, the organizers — Oliva or James— are always available to teach you the basics and improve your skills to learn the rules and get introduced to players. Ask for "demo racket" at front-desk if you don't have one. PARTICIPANT RULES 1. RSVP to participate in meetup and play. MAX is 12 players. 2. Cancel your RSVP if you cannot attend. Be courteous to others who would like to attend. 3. Pay fee at club front-desk before playing. Thanks for your understanding and support AIRPORT SQUASH & FITNESS CLUB WEBSITE http://www.airportsquash.de Become a club member for 36 EUR per month and play UNLIMITED! SQUASH CLUB INTERIOR as a [3d view](https://www.keepeyeonball.com/Tour/d77705fd-24dd-44a1-9f12-15bf3648036b/4K?sc=7&y=110&p=-1&tz=100&r=-1.13;0.18&l=0.00;0.00&mz=-8.70&d=0&m=1) courtesy oc keepeyeonball.

Join us on April 25th for a special Sculpt Masterclass, barrio barré's signature Soft Strength class. Expect an energising sculpt session, focusing on form, teachnique and slow powerful reps. We'll work with weights (1,5k, 3k, 5k) and resistance bands. Hosted by Kasia, barrio barré's founder and Nike coach Refreshing drinks will be provided afterwards **Les Amis** is a women-only community of friendly souls. We provide access to hundreds of experiences that explore your passions and connect you with other event participants. **Check our website to learn more, and apply to join our community and events**: [lesamis.cc/apply](https://www.lesamis.cc/apply)

Découvrez Friedrichshain : le quartier pauvre devenu branché. Connu pour sa vie nocturne, c’est l’endroit idéal pour trouver des restaurants, des bars ou des clubs tendance. Et pourtant, on part de loin. Friedrichshain, c’est avant tout un quartier pauvre radical qui va devenir la vitrine de l’Allemagne de l’Est jusqu’à tomber dans le délabrement et les squats. Nous vous proposons de découvrir une facette de Berlin plus authentique qui symbolise à elle seule l’évolution urbaine que traverse la ville actuellement. N'hésitez pas à réserver sur [direction-berlin.com](https://direction-berlin.com/visites-guidees-berlin/#page-down), il y a déjà des inscrits ! Au programme environ dix arrêts dont : -Karl-Marx-Allee -quartier de Boxi -RAW quartier festif -Oberbaumbrücke Lieu de rendez-vous : devant le café Sibylle sur la Karl-Marx-Allee Horaire : 14h à 16h Langue : français Prix : 20 euros

**Cuddling as Collective Care – all genders** for **LGBTQIA+** **[Book a Ticket](https://wearevillage.org/en/shop/regenerative-touch/w11-2026)** **Member: 15 €** **Regular: 30 €** This Cuddle Puddle offers a safe, consent-based space for people of all genders within the LGBTQIA+ community to experience non-sexual touch, communal connection and rest. Guided exercises support emotional wellbeing, boundaries, and self-awareness. **Cuddle Puddles** are structured, guided spaces where people can experience the benefits of non-sexual touch — such as reduced stress, nervous system regulation, and a deeper sense of belonging. Touch, when consensual and caring, can support emotional resilience and mental health. This **Cuddle Puddle** is open to all genders within the LGBTQIA+ community, creating a space where diverse identities can meet beyond gendered expectations. A non-gender-restricted setting allows for broader empathy, mutual understanding, and connection, while honoring individual boundaries, choice, and safety at all times. **General Information** • This format is for all queer people (LGBTQIA+) interested in experiencing touch in a safe(r) setting. • This is a clothes-on format. • Bring a sheet and towel to cover cushions, mats, or massage tables. • This event will be in English • This event is also available at a reduced member price – but not part of the three-free-monthly-events benefit. • Concession tickets upon written request to **[events@wearevillage.org](mailto:events@wearevillage.org)** **Kuscheln als kollektive Fürsorge – Alle Geschlechter** für **LGBTQIA+** **[Anmeldung](https://wearevillage.org/shop/regenerative-touch/w11-2026)** **Mitglied: 15 €** **Regulärer Preis: 30 €** Dieser Cuddle Puddle bietet einen sicheren, einvernehmlichen Raum für Menschen aller Geschlechter aus der LGBTQIA+ Community, um nicht-sexuelle Nähe, gemeinschaftliche Verbindung und Entspannung zu erleben. Die angeleitete Erfahrung stärkt emotionales Wohlbefinden, Körperwahrnehmung und klare Grenzen. **Cuddle Puddles** sind angeleitete Räume für bewusste, nicht-sexuelle Berührung, die Stress reduzieren, das Nervensystem regulieren und das Gefühl von Zugehörigkeit stärken können. Konsensuelle Nähe unterstützt emotionale Stabilität und psychische Gesundheit. Diese Cuddle Puddle ist für alle Geschlechter innerhalb der LGBTQIA+ Community geöffnet. Ein nicht-geschlechtergetrennter Raum ermöglicht vielfältige Begegnungen jenseits von Rollenbildern und Erwartungen. So entsteht ein Feld für mehr Empathie, gegenseitiges Verständnis und authentische Verbindung, immer auf Basis von Wahlfreiheit, klaren Grenzen und gegenseitigem Respekt **Was ist Regenerative Berührung?** Regenerative Touch ist ein monatlicher Workshop für Queer People, bei dem wir uns gegenseitig helfen, langsamer zu werden, in unseren Körper zu kommen und in einer unterstützenden und nährenden Umgebung die wohltuende Wirkung von regenerativer Berührung erkunden. Berührung, die im täglichen Leben oft übersehen wird, ist ein grundlegendes menschliches Bedürfnis. In diesen Workshops schaffen wir einen Raum, der ausschließlich ihrer regenerativen und heilenden Kraft gewidmet ist, frei von romantischen oder sexuellen Konnotationen. Berührung kommuniziert direkt und erreicht Orte, die Worte nicht erreichen können. Hast du jemals die beruhigende Wirkung einer warmen Umarmung oder einer tröstenden Hand auf deiner Schulter erlebt? Selbst ein kurzes 15-minütiges Handhalten kann zu einer signifikanten Senkung der Herzfrequenz und des Blutdrucks führen und eine starke Entspannungsreaktion signalisieren. Eine einfache 20-sekündige Umarmung kann zu höheren Oxytocinspiegeln führen, dem Hormon, das mit Bindung und Vertrauen verbunden ist. Jeden Monat wird unser trauma-sensitiver Moderator den Abend um Themen wie Präsenz, Regulierung des Nervensystems und emotionale Sicherheit gestalten und sich auf praktisches Erleben anstatt auf zu viele Worte oder Techniken konzentrieren. Es sind keine Vorkenntnisse in Körperarbeit erforderlich – bring einfach deine Neugier mit. **Vorteile** – Erfahre eine Verringerung von Angstzuständen und Depressionen sowie eine erhöhte emotionale Widerstandsfähigkeit durch beruhigende, achtsame Berührung. – Kultiviere wertschätzende Anwesenheit und tiefere Verbindungen zu dir selbst und anderen. – Unterstütze die Heilung von Traumata und setze in einer sicheren, nährenden Umgebung Emotionen frei. – Verbessere deine Stimmung und deine Immunfunktion, indem du Stress reduzierst und Endorphine freisetzt. – Fördere ein Gefühl von Gemeinschaft und Zugehörigkeit durch gemeinsame, nonverbale Erfahrungen. – Ermutige tieferes Mitgefühl und Akzeptanz durch sanften, unterstützenden Kontakt.

**🎟️ Get your tickets here: [https://fienta.com/thecomedysocialberlin23april2026?utm_source=meetup&utm_medium=event](https://fienta.com/thecomedysocialberlin23april2026?utm_source=meetup&utm_medium=event)** **New to Berlin & want to make friends?** Come to The Comedy Social! Featuring some of Berlin's funniest comedians! 🍹 Come for the comedy & stick around afterwards and mingle! 💃🏼🕺 **🗓️ WHEN:** Thursday, 23. April Show begins 20:30 Doors open 20:00 **📍 WHERE:** The Wall Comedy Club Grünberger Straße 84 10245 Berlin **🎟️ TICKETS:** Starting from €11 when booked online €15 at the door, cash or card (subject to availability) **💁🏼‍♀️ ABOUT ŽANA (BIH/USA):** Born in Bosnia, raised in Florida, and living in Berlin, Žana’s comedy mirrors her eclectic cultural background and is best described as Balkan pessimism battling delusional American positivity sprinkled in with reggaeton flair. Within 5 months of starting comedy she became a finalist in the 2022 Berlin New Stand Up Awards and is now hosting & producing shows in Berlin & across Europe. **She was nominated for Manchester’s Women in Comedy Festival Awards as Best Newcomer in 2024 and has opened in English & Spanish for a variety of comedians across Europe in such as Dragos Christian, Dwayne Perkins, Rob Anderson, Elena Gabrielle & Silvia de Frente.** You can catch her perform regularly in Berlin to hear her fresh take on the absurdity of immigration laws, her Balkan background, and growing up in Florida. Žana hosts & produces themed & interactive comedy shows in Berlin & beyond, such as the Berlin Comedy Dating Game Show, Funny Fortunes (a comedy & live tarot reading show), Comedy Confessions (an introvert-friendly themed interactive comedy show), Petty Problems (a comedy mock trial show), & more. **She has performed in 40 cities across 18 countries and all of her shows are 100% self-produced. Thanks for supporting an independent artist!** [www.zanafejzic.com](http://www.zanafejzic.com/) [YouTube](http://youtube.com/@ZanaFejzic) [Instagram](http://instagram.com/zanafejzic) [TikTok](http://tiktok.com/@zanafejziccomedy) **🎟️ Get your tickets here: [https://fienta.com/thecomedysocialberlin23april2026?utm_source=meetup&utm_medium=event](https://fienta.com/thecomedysocialberlin23april2026?utm_source=meetup&utm_medium=event)**

## **Meet The Experts: Plastic Surgery x Hair Transplant** **✨ Free Consultation – only a few days left ✨** If you’ve been thinking about a hair transplant or aesthetic treatment for a while but didn’t know when or how to take the first step, this might be your moment. On April 24-25, we’re bringing two of our expert doctors from Istanbul to Berlin. You’ll have the chance to get a **free 1:1 consultation**, ask all your questions directly, and figure out the right plan for you. **Event Details:** * Cost: Free of charge * One-on-one sessions: Limited availability (advance booking required) * Adress: Mindspace Kurfürstendamm- Uhlandstr 32c 10719 Berlin Whether you are exploring your options or simply curious to learn more, this event offers a valuable opportunity to hear directly from experienced international specialists in a relaxed and informative setting. **Download [getBeauty.ai](http://getbeauty.ai/) app and book your session. Limited spots!**

We will have our certified mediums available and you can receive 3 10-minute readings for $20. To keep you safe, we will be following all CDC and Health Dept. guidelines at our psychic fair today. Sitters and readers required to wear a mask. We will maintain a minimum of 6 foot physical distance during readings. Please, if you can, bring your own portable chair to use during your readings. Please note that we are at our wonderful new home at Unity of Columbus, 4211 Maize Road, Columbus, OH

**Caller: Richard Ades** **Band: The McKenzies** **Clinton Heights Lutheran Church** **15 Clinton Heights Ave, Columbus, OH 43202** WHAT IS CONTRA DANCING? Picture the Grand Ball scenes like you’ve seen in period films such as “Pride and Prejudice”, where the dancers are lined up in long lines, across from each other. That’s English Country Dancing, the predecessor of contra dancing. Now, add moves like “swing your partner” and “do-si-do,” like you’ve seen in square dancing. Set it to fabulous, high energy, live music with fiddles, guitars, percussion and more, alá “Riverdance.” Finally, set the whole scene down in the middle of Woodstock, with a hip, groovy atmosphere, a bit of tie-dye, and hints of counter-culture attitude. THAT’s Contra Dancing! Wear cool and comfortable clothes (you will get warm) and clean shoes that won't mark up our nice wood floor. Be sure to come for the beginner's lesson from 7:30 - 8:00, followed by dancing 8:00 - 10:30. All dances are taught; we will help you learn! Beginners always welcome, no need to bring a partner. Cost is $10.00 adults, $5.00 ages 12-26. Under 12 free. Free parking in church lot. For more information contact me or check out our website: [www.bigscioty.com](http://www.bigscioty.com/) Please bring your own refillable water bottle.

We may pick a specific topic and post in advance or may discuss current events and various ad hoc topics . We would love to spend time hanging out and getting to know one another. Atheist, agnostics, other non-theists, and atheist-friendly people are welcome to join us. Note: COUNT operates a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions (http://www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions/) to promote discussions among members and visitors.

**History** [Prairie Oaks Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/prairie-oaks/) sits along the Franklin and Madison County border, west of Columbus near areas like Hilliard and West Jefferson. The land was part of the broader push in the late 1990s and early 2000s to expand the Metro Parks system into the northwest and western quadrants of the county. Metro Parks began acquiring parcels for what would become Prairie Oaks during the millennium era, as part of a wave of new parks aimed at protecting natural features around Big Darby Creek. Much of the property had been altered by past uses, including farming and quarrying, which left behind pits that later became the Darby Bend Lakes. The park's creation reflected growing interest in preserving remnants of the Darby Plains ecosystem, one of Ohio's original prairie regions that had largely disappeared after European settlement. The park officially opened to the public in 2000, making it one of the newer additions to the Metro Parks lineup at the time. As the 12th park in the system, it joined others acquired around the turn of the century, like Glacier Ridge. Initial access focused on basic trails and the scenic Big Darby Creek, a State and National Scenic River that winds through the property. Restoration efforts kicked off soon after opening, with crews using seeds native to the Darby Plains to replant nearly 500 acres of tallgrass prairie and grasslands. These plantings aimed to revive the open oak savannas that once characterized the area before widespread agriculture in the 1800s. Over the first decade, Prairie Oaks grew in popularity for its mix of restored habitats and recreational features. The former quarry in the eastern section transformed into the Darby Bend Lakes area, where four connected lakes now offer boating, fishing, and a dedicated dog swim spot. Trails expanded to showcase the prairie blooms, especially in summer and fall when asters and goldenrods light up the fields. Partnerships with groups like The Nature Conservancy highlighted the park's role in protecting the Darby Creek watershed, often called one of the "Last Great Places" for its water quality and biodiversity. Visitors from around central Ohio started discovering it as a quieter alternative to busier spots closer in. Restoration work continued into the 2010s, including wet prairie projects on about 190 acres to enhance hydrology and native plant diversity. The park's size reached over 2,200 acres, incorporating more floodplain along Big Darby Creek for flood storage and wildlife habitat. Amenities like parking at Sycamore Plains and Darby Bend Lakes improved access, drawing hikers, kayakers, and birders. Events and programs began emphasizing the prairie theme, from guided walks on blooming seasons to educational talks about pre-settlement landscapes. These efforts helped solidify Prairie Oaks as a showcase for ecological recovery in the Metro Parks system. Today, Prairie Oaks stands out for blending restored prairie with creek-side adventure, just a short drive from the west side. Its history mirrors the Metro Parks' shift toward large-scale habitat restoration in the 21st century. The park continues to evolve with ongoing stewardship, protecting what remains of the Darby Plains while offering locals a place to experience tallgrass vistas and oak openings. Whether paddling the lakes or walking the trails, it's a reminder of how much the region has changed since settlement — and how intentional work can bring some of it back. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Prairie Oaks](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/POK_map_1980.jpg). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Coneflower, Alder, and Sycamore Plains Trails, and, depending on conditions, the Osage Opening and Tall Grass Trails, or Lake View, Mound, Darby Creek Greenway, and River Rock Trails around the lakes. Either way, we'll go around 4.5 to 5 miles. For the most part, this won't be a terribly strenuous hike; Prairie Oaks tends to be flat. However, some of the hike won't be shaded, so be prepared for the possibility of some sun. Parts of the trails may also be muddy or wet, so I recommend [hiking shoes](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D972KN3W) and a change of socks. **Where We'll Meet** * Enter the Park at the main entrance at 3225 NE Plain City-Georgesville Rd. If you put "Prairie Oaks Metro Parks" into your Google Maps, it should default to this main address (but double-check to be sure). * After you enter the Park, the first parking lot on your right is the Park Office. Keep driving past this lot. * Enter the second parking lot you come to (which is also on your right). There's a picnic area, playground, and latrine here. There's no water fountain, though, so I recommend you bring water of your own, at least for after the hike. * I've included a screen shot in the Photos, below, where I've circled in blue the main Park entrance as well as the picnic area we're meeting at. **After the Hike** After we're done surveying the prairie grasses, we'll head over to [Crooked Can Brewing](https://crookedcanohio.com/) for [drinks](https://www.crookedcanohio.com/beer) and [food](https://www.crookedcanohio.com/center-street-market). The brewery has an entire food court, and they have a large free parking lot next to the [Early Television Museum](https://www.earlytelevision.org/). The actual address of the brewery is [5354 Center St, Hilliard, OH 43026](https://www.google.com/maps/place/5354+Center+St,+Hilliard,+OH+43026/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x883893f9ede6d5fb:0xbecf42d7055d9006?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks.