Los Angeles

…Platform 37\* (pictured: the east elevation from York Way) More than 20 years ago, the celebrated ‘blue veil’ in Allies + Morrison’s Masterplan drawings defined a long, imperforate block here, literally following the paths the railways had made, entering and spreading out across the site. An initial proposal, by AHMM, was abandoned in 2016, after joint Google founder Larry Page described it as ‘too boring’. Danish metamodernist Bjarte Ingels and critic-of-the-UK-architectural-profession Thomas Heatherwick were appointed to collaboratively re-design Google’s new ‘groundscraper’, 3rd largest office building in the UK\*\*, intended to accommodate all 7000 London 'Googlers’. It is almost finished, expected to open this autumn, and is the final piece in the King’s Cross Central puzzle. We're going to meet outside Thomas Heatherwick’s new Studio in Argyle Street, then see AHMM’s 10-storey Belgrove House, the London Discovery Research Centre\*\*\* intended for research into diseases of ageing and human biology, and then the site in Midland Road, where Richard Rogers’ British Library Extension, including tunnels and passageways for Crossrail 2, will soon be taking shape. It requires the demolition of Long & Kentish’s Centre for Conservation, which was only completed in 2007! Adjacent is HOK/PLP’s Francis Crick Institute, and then, passing through St Pancras International Station we emerge in Pancras Square, to see Google’s current building at No 6. Cutting through the station forecourt, we enter the casbah-like ‘Regent Quarter’, the first area around King’s Cross Station to be regenerated. Its small-scale offices, retail and leisure businesses are in a mixture of refurbished and new buildings arranged around an informal network of passageways and back courts, which leads us to York Way and the stunning, extraordinary east elevation of Platform 37, superbly juxtaposed with the glazed north gables of Lewis Cubitt’s 1852 twin train-sheds. At this point in the walk, it’s too early to make up your mind about the design, but it’s obviously without precedent\*\*\*\*, and, possibly, is not the work of a human hand! From the towpath of the Regent’s Canal, we can see the north elevation, rearing up from the end of the 330m long building, equivalent to a 80-storey skyscraper on its side. Finally, King’s Boulevard! Here it is the backdrop to the busiest desire-line in London! Anticipation, excitement, car-free of course, safe and secure, and bike-free, thanks to the wardens. We’ll probably never get to see inside, but I can describe the structural system, hanging the floors from intermediate trusses leaving continuous, and single-, double- and triple-height workspaces in open accommodation, producing continuously cascading work environments, running from one end of the building to the other, very much like open-gangway railway carriages. On the ground floor will be retail, plus Google’s own *AI Exchange*, a public venue ‘designed to demystify artificial intelligence through free educational programming, interactive exhibitions, and cultural events’. It’s dedicated to exploring AI's impact on society and increasing public understanding. But this building's contribution is to the public realm: like a geological feature: an escarpment, an endless cliff, meandering along a human coast of footfall. Not as sophisticated as Foster's Bloomberg, not as pure as Piano's Paddington Square. A flag waving in a breeze will never conform to a geometric pattern: it’s a dashed-off sketch, not a thesis! But even so, unique, different, memorable and like many of Google’s products, ‘free’ to Londoners! By the way, if AI is half as good as they say, why does Google need so many staff? And such a big building? And what do all those staff do? I will explain. Hope you can come! Andy \* Google’s new, recently announced, official name for their London HQ. \*\*only Nos 22 and 100 Bishopsgate are larger. \*\*\*Developed by Precis Advisory for US pharmaceutical giant Merck, who terminated their involvement last September, but the shell is now topped out and nearing completion. \*\*\*\* perhaps echoes of the London Bloomberg Building, the Centre Pompidou and the Chips Building by Will Alsop?

**SUMMARY (all info is approximate!)** **Distance**: 27.5km (17 miles) **Ascent:** 426m **Duration**: 7-8 hours walking (4km/hr) **Grade**: Energetic **HIGHLIGHTS** * Circular from Haddenham & Thame Parkway over rolling hills of western Aylesbury Vale * A delightful mix of woodlands, arable fields * Slow ascents and descents linking 4 hilltop villages on remote paths * Great views over 5 counties from hilltop village of Brill * Thatched roofs and quaint pubs along the way. This is a beautiful part of the Aylesbury Vale in Bucklnghamshire, with fantastic views, quaint villages, rolling hills, white cows and stallion horses. The morning will be filled with meandering over open fields and a bracing for a slow uphill hike to the top of the hill at Brill for a great views and a pub stop – bring sandwiches as we are stopping for refreshments only. In the afternoon, we will continue to another two villages of Ashendon and Nether Winchendon before we make our way back to Haddenham. At 27.5km, it will be a long and energetic day out – and you will discover countryside which is very different to the normal meetup hikes and rewarded with quaint pubs with thatched roofs - and of course, there is a pub in Haddenham for post hike drinks! *ps. My walks make time to enjoy the views, take in local history and have time for taking photos* **COST AND LOGISTICS** **Cost**: £10 **Start**: 8.30 Meet for a group save ticket **Meet:** 8:45 for those who buy their own tickets & walk to train **Finish:** 6pm in Haddenham for an optional pub visit. **Recommended morning train from London** **Dep**: 09:02 London Marylebone **Arr:** 09:41 Haddenham and Thame Parkway **Return** It is impossible to promise a specified finish train and time, but we aim to return to London from 18.06 (arrives at 18.45) or 18.17 (arrives 19.10), 19.06 (arrives 19.45) **Recommended train ticket** Off-Peak Day Return to Petersfield · **£22.60 group save/ network rail price** Recommended: Buy a yearly Network Railcard for reduced train prices www.network-railcard.co.uk **Meeting Point:** Marylebone Station - In front of timetable noticeboards **REVIEWS** [Trip Advisor](https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g186338-d19994843-Reviews-AAA_Hiking_Outdoor_Group-London_England.html) \| [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/AAAHikingUK/reviews) \| [MeetUp](https://www.meetup.com/aaa-outdoor-hiking-adventure-travel/feedback-overview/) **PRICE INCLUDES** · Guided hike planned and led by an experienced AAA leader, trained in Outdoor First Aid. **PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE** · Travel costs · Lunch, drinks or any refreshments · PayPal fees **RECOMMENDED KIT LIST** [(](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/kitlist)complete list[)](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/kitlist) · Suitable hiking shoes or boots · Packed lunch and snacks · Water - 2 litres recommended · Waterproof jacket and trousers (Please no jeans!) · Warm windproof layer e.g. Down/Primaloft/Fleece · Wicking base layer e.g. Polyester/Tencel/Merino **CANCELLING/REFUNDS** If you can no longer join the hike, please message the Host listed on here, and update your RSVP status to 'Not going', to allow others to take your place. If the hike is full, and you have messaged us and have changed your RSVP to 'Not going', we will refund you, less than the PayPal/Meetup fees. To obtain this, please email info@aaalondongroup.com **after the event**, with the email address you use on your PayPal account and transaction reference. If the hike is not full, unfortunately we will not be able to provide any refund. **QUESTIONS** If you have any other questions, please check visit our [FAQ page](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/frequently-asked-questions). If you are still unsure, contact the event Host shown on this page. We have operated over 1,000 events without significant incidents in the last ten years, achieved through meticulous planning. All participants (members and their guests) in any AAA Hiking event or activity are personally responsible for their fitness, safety and welfare, and must be equipped accordingly. If you have signed up for the event, you acknowledge and accept the AAA London Group Terms and Conditions. © AAA London Group Ltd. Errors and Omissions Excepted

**PLEASE PURCHASE YOUR TICKET VIA THIS LINK ONLY:** **[TICKETS](https://fatso.ma/3foN).** Step into a bold new creative playground at **L’arch** — a 1,200 sq ft converted railway arch launching this spring as a striking photoshoot space designed for powerful visual storytelling. This immersive urban venue blends industrial edge with theatrical elegance, offering a dynamic backdrop for high-impact content, fashion editorials, and artistic collaborations. **Theme: “Iconic Statements”** Inspired by underground culture, high fashion, and futuristic fantasy, this shoot fuses burlesque drama,, and urban-core aesthetics — all elevated with elegance and class. It’s about reclaiming space, pushing boundaries, and creating visuals that feel iconic, rebellious, and unforgettable. Whether you’re shooting, modeling, styling, or showcasing your work — this space is built to transform creative visions into standout content. **WHAT TO EXPECT** ✨ 4-Hour Collaborative Photoshoot 👠 Live Catwalk Runway Moments throughout the session 🤝 Network While Shooting — connect, collaborate, and create in real time 🎥 High-Volume Content Opportunities • Behind-the-scenes • Backstage footage ⚡ Relaxed but High-Energy Creative Vibe Designed to maximise output while keeping it fun and supportive. **VENUE HIGHLIGHTS – L’ARCH SHOOTING LOCATION** 🎹 Baby Grand Piano 👗 Plush Dressing & Prep Area 👑 Statement Throne with Wings 💡 Neon Runway Catwalk 🎨 Graffiti Walls & Industrial Textures 🛋 Semi-Circle Sofa for Editorial Setups 🔆 Iconic Illuminated Signage 🏢 Expansive 1,200 sq ft Open-Plan Layout **Who’s this for?** ✔ Photographers & Content Creators (All skill levels welcome) ✔ Models & Performers (No experience required) ✔ Designers, Stylists, MUAs & Visual Artists ✔ Anyone looking to collaborate, create, and elevate their portfolio DRESS CODE – MODELS Models should arrive with 1–3 of their own looks prepared before the shoot. If designers are joining, they will be present to provide additional outfit changes on the day. STYLE DIRECTION Think editorial, bold, and expressive. ✨ Burlesque glamour, class & elegance ✨ Futuristic silhouettes ✨ Elevated urban looks ENCOURAGED ELEMENTS Corsetry • Leather • Metallics • Tailoring Dramatic accessories • Statement makeup Bring pieces that tell a story — this is a space to go all in. **Collaboration Disclaimer:** This is a collaborative shoot. • No additional charges should apply for models to receive photos. • All imagery created must be shared without logos or watermarks. • Everyone involved will be encouraged to collaborate via Instagram & credit all creatives appropriately. We’ll ensure all participants are informed and aligned to keep the collaboration fair, respectful, and transparent. **Want in?** Once you grab your ticket, email [welove.socialise@gmail.com](mailto:welove.socialise@gmail.com) with your WhatsApp number and Instagram handle. You’ll be added to the WhatsApp group chat at least 2 weeks (if not before) before the event where all final details will be shared. 📍 Exact location revealed to ticket holders only 📸 Follow us on IG **@welove_shoots** for updates and previews

A walk through the majestic landscaping of Dulwich Park, the American Gardens and the charmingly picturesque Dulwich Village. LEAFY SUBURBS, OPULENCE, MANSIONS, PARKLANDS, GARDENS, LAKE followed by SOCIALISING with CHEAP FOODS and DRINKS in a convivial pub atmoshere. **WALK START POINT: Forest Hill Station** (National Rail and London Overground Zone 3). WALK DISTANCE: Approx 5.5 miles. WALK END POINT: Denmark Hill Station - National Rail and London Overground Zone 2). WALK ROUTE: A WALK THROUGH LEAFY SUBURBS of South London. Our walk takes us through HORNIMAN GARDENS, AMERICAN GARDENS in DULWICH PARK and RUSKIN PARK before finishing at 'The Fox on the Hill' near Denmark Hill Station. WALK STOP OUT POINT: Nearby bus routes during most of the walk. *The American Gardens:* Designed around sweeping lawns lined with Azaleas and Rhododendrons. One of the less well-known facts about Dulwich Park is that it was visited annually by Queen Mary who came to see the Rhododendrons and Azaleas. Queen Mary was consort to George V which means that she was Queen Elizabeth II’s grandmother. Queen Mary visited every year in May. In her honour, the park has a Queen Mary Gate named after her which stands beside the road called Dulwich Common. The gates are nearest to the American Gardens. **Scroll down to see Disclaimer and Notice of Risks.** ENJOY UNIQUE HEALTHY WALKS IN STUNNING GREEN SPACES OR ALONG WATERWAYS IN LONDON. STRENGTHEN NEW FRIENDSHIPS IN A PUB SOCIAL AFTER THE WALK. **COST of EVENT**: **All of the walks on this group are only £5 each to attend. Payment is not collected before the day of the event to allow you maximum flexibility. Why pay more on other groups for overpriced walks with no afterwalk socialising!!** **The walk is free for holders of the Ken's Events Membership Card.** Enjoy London! Get out and about and see your city in the company of new people! Explore and enjoy London's abundant green spaces and surprising surrounding countryside. Give up the city streets for a day and breathe some fresh air. Improve your overall fitness levels and make some great new friends at the same time. Take this opportunity to visit green parts of London, unknown to most people, and that you would not otherwise have an opportunity to see. Social Event: Our walks are social walks, where the emphasis is on meeting new people, enjoying nature, healthy exercise, and fresh air. Our walks are not interrupted with running commentaries or historical lectures, although occasionally features of significance may be pointed out. As such our walks will be continuous with few stops and it is your responsibilty to keep walkers ahead in view and to follow the direction of the walk. WE ALWAYS END THE WALK AT A PUB WHERE THE SOCIALISING CAN CONTINUE. RISKS for all walks: Please dress appropriately for weather conditions and carry a bottle of water and necessary medication. You need to be moderately fit for this walk and be able to walk for four miles without a break. In these walks we use; pavements, cross busy roads, public parkland, towpaths alongside water, other public paths, rights of way, bridlepaths, country lanes and other established paths and tracks through woodland, bush and countryside. Please only wear good sturdy shoes, preferably walking boots and take care as surfaces may be uneven, tree roots may protrude, there may be low overhanging branches and some paths are also used by joggers and cyclists and sometimes cars (country lanes). Some tracks may be muddy and slippery. On occasion wild,domestic and farm animals may also encountered. If you require insurance for these walks then you must arrange this yourself. No large dogs or small children please. Please arrive in good time to allow opportunity to use toilets at the start of the walk as there may not be any toilet breaks available during the walk. WANT TO COME ON ANOTHER WALK? For a list of future walks go to[ http://www.meetup.com/KENS-EVENTS-EXPLORE-LONDON-SECRETS/events/](https://www.meetup.com/KENS-EVENTS-EXPLORE-LONDON-SECRETS/events/) DISCAIMER All Ken's Events are subject to a disclaimer. Please click here [http://www.meetup.com/kens-events-explore-london-secrets/](http://www.meetup.com/kens-events-explore-london-secrets/) to find out more about Kens Events/Walks and click on 'read more' to see full disclaimer. COST of EVENT: A £5 meetup organiser's contribution will be collected from attendees who do not hold the Ken's Events Membership Card. The walk is free for holders of this card. Please post no pre-event messages unless you are posting something relevant for the whole group and only post photos of other members with their consent. Kens Events also has a Facebook Page, Instagram and Twitter accounts. [http://www.facebook.com/Kens.events](http://www.facebook.com/Kens.events) Instagram Page [Kenswalks](https://www.instagram.com/weekendgreenwalks/) Twitter [@KenEvents](http://www.twitter.com/KenEvents) Kens Events also has a Facebook Group that you can join. [http://www.facebook.com/groups/Kensevents](http://www.facebook.com/Kens.events) RAIN POLICY: Our walks normally go ahead as planned even if it rains. Light rain is not usually a problem . However if torrentail rain is forecast, please check back to this webpage on the morning of the event around 10am for the latest update. Tell your friends you are going! When you arrive at the starting point look Ken with the 'KEN'S EVENTS'/MEETUP Flag or Badge.

Join us for a relaxed and inspiring evening of connection in the elegant lobby and bar at DoubleTree by Hilton London. 💖 This is your opportunity to meet like-minded people who are passionate about fitness, wellness, healthy ageing, and living with more energy and balance. Share stories, experiences, insights, and build meaningful connections over premium tea, coffee, healthy snacks, or a refreshing drink. 🌿🥂 Whether you attended the main workshop or are joining us exclusively for networking, everyone is warmly welcome — women and men alike! **Networking Phase Details:** * **Time:** Following the main event (approx. 4:00 PM onwards) * **Venue:** Comfortable Lobby & Bar, DoubleTree by Hilton London 92 Southampton Row, WC1B 4BH * **Open to:** New attendees joining just for networking Limited spaces available. Come as you are and leave feeling energised, connected, and inspired! 🌟 ### \*\*\*\*\*\*\* \*\*\*\*\*\*\* \*\*\*\*\*\*\* **Some Tips:** 1. **Let’s all commit to updating our RSVPs if plans change**—it helps us plan better and ensures great attendance for everyone. If you RSVP “yes” but don’t attend and don’t update your RSVP, you may be removed from the group to keep things fair. No stress, though—you can rejoin for a small £10 fee! Just send me a DM, and I’ll share the PayPal details to get you back in. 2. **Turn Up on Time at the start!** This helps the quality of the event and helps you. 3. If you are struggling with the **app**, use the web page instead, that's what I use. 4. **Attendee Numbers & Guest Lists:** We have this event listed at least on two groups and the guest list includes attendees from all. You can see the list of attendees here: [https://www.meetup.com/zensingles/](https://www.meetup.com/zensingles/) [https://www.meetup.com/cityzenlondon/](https://www.meetup.com/cityzenlondon/) [https://www.meetup.com/LoveLife](https://www.meetup.com/LoveLife) 5. **Join our** **social media**: **Instagram**: [https://www.instagram.com/cityzen.london/](https://www.instagram.com/cityzen.london/) **X:** [https://x.com/CityZenLondon](https://x.com/CityZenLondon) 6. **Our WhatsApp group:** [See private comment in the comments section below]. We have a few rules including no ads, no DMs unless recipient is in the "Direct Messaging List" or risk removal and £10 rejoin fee. 7. **Support Our Amazing London Event Hosts! 🙌** Our incredible crew of hosts is the heartbeat of London’s buzzing meetup scene, bringing people together for unforgettable experiences that spark connection, growth, and fun! 🌟 From museum adventures to flirty dating mixers, these rockstar hosts pour their energy, time, and passion into creating events that level up your social and communication skills. But hosting isn’t easy—it takes resources, effort, and heart. 💖 Please consider supporting our hosts with a donation to keep the good vibes flowing and help us make London the ultimate social hub! 🚀 Below, meet our hosts for this event and see how you can chip in to fuel their amazing work. **Zen & The Meetup Groups** *The Visionary Social Connector* Zen, our AI guru with 25 years in the game, founded these meetups to transform his own social skills and now helps others do the same. From sparking in-person networking to coordinating epic events, Zen’s passion for connection is unstoppable. Help him keep the momentum going! Support Zen: Donate to cover event planning tools, venue bookings, and more. **[Donation Link](https://paypal.me/Zenswalks)** \*\*\*\* **Disclaimer, Liability Waiver & Media Consent** By attending this event, you acknowledge and agree to the following: **Organiser Identity** – The organiser operates under the community name **“ZEN”**, which is used as an alias for privacy and branding purposes. By joining, you understand that “ZEN” refers to the organiser and/or designated hosts of this event. **Assumption of Risk** – You understand and accept that participation in any social, recreational, or group activity involves inherent risks, including but not limited to personal injury, illness, property damage, or other unforeseen incidents. You voluntarily choose to attend at your own sole risk. **Personal Responsibility** – You are solely responsible for your own safety, health, wellbeing, and personal belongings at all times. It is your responsibility to exercise good judgment, act responsibly, and take appropriate precautions before, during, and after the event. **No Organiser Liability** – The organiser, hosts, volunteers, and the community known as **ZEN** accept no responsibility and shall not be held liable for any injury, loss, damage, accident, theft, or any other issue that may arise as a result of your participation. **Guests** – If you bring guests, you accept full responsibility for their conduct, safety, and understanding of this disclaimer. **Independent Event** – This event may be held in conjunction with other social or non-singles meetup groups. ZEN is not responsible for the actions, behaviour, or arrangements of any third parties. **Media Consent** – By attending this event, you consent to being photographed, filmed, or recorded. You grant ZEN and its organisers the irrevocable right to use such images and recordings for promotional, marketing, social media, and community purposes without compensation or further approval. If you do not wish to be photographed or recorded, it is your responsibility to inform the organiser in advance and to remove yourself from areas where filming or photography is taking place. **Acceptance of Terms** – By attending, you confirm that you have read, understood, and accepted this disclaimer. You release ZEN, its organisers, hosts, volunteers, and members from all claims, demands, or causes of action, whether known or unknown, arising out of your participation or the use of photography/videography captured at the event. Your attendance at this event signifies your full acceptance of this policy. If you do not agree, you should not attend.

**Welcome to The Big One — a night to celebrate, connect, and enjoy it all ✨** One year in — and we’re excited to share it with you. As we wrap up our first year at Crewhaus, we wanted to celebrate it all — properly. And what better way than bringing together everything we’ve built along the way. Throughout the night, you’ll move through familiar moments — small echoes of our different events, from the Crewhaus Social to the Social Passport and the Connection Game, alongside a few fun twists along the way. Different moments will unfold — giving you space to connect and experience all sides of the night in your own way. There’s no single path — just a space to explore, interact, and enjoy what unfolds. If it’s your first time, join us as we celebrate and step into our next chapter. **This night is ours to celebrate — together, as one.** Come be part of it. **Schedule:** **7:30 – 11:30 PM — ✨ The Big One** Step in, mingle, and move through the different moments and experiences unfolding throughout the night. **11:00 PM – 2:00 AM — 💃 Afterparty** If you’d like to continue the night with us, we’ll head over to Be at One, Monument to keep things going and share more moments together. **Crewhaus Exclusive:** 🍸 We’ve secured **2-for-£12 cocktails** **all night** at Be at One — exclusively for Crewhaus members. Make sure to bring your **physical ID** if you are joining us at the afterparty **Event details:** * **Where:** The Hydrant, London EC3R 8BG We’ve got our own floor for the night. We will then head over to Be at One, London EC4R 9AT where we got our own reserved area (3 min-walk from The Hydrant). * **When:** The event runs from 7:30 PM to 2:00 AM. **Why You Should Join:** At Crewhaus, **we don’t just talk about connection – we make it happen.** Come experience it for yourself in a stimulating, fun, and safe environment. Don’t worry about coming by yourself – it’s encouraged (and the purpose of this event). **Stay connected beyond the event:** 📸 Follow our **[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/the_crewhaus/)** page to catch the highlights, stories, and event updates 💬 Join our **[WhatsApp community](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Lcorasf3ocUBFmBmhXeHho)** for updates and announcements **Community Guidelines:** We’re all about good vibes and real connections. We ask that everyone treats each other with kindness, respect, and an open mind. It's simple: be cool, be yourself, and let others do the same. Let’s keep it fun, welcoming, and awesome for everyone!

Weekly cycling club open to members of that club only. Membership enquiries to creativewellnesswon@outlook.com

We will meet outside the Blackhorse tube station (Victoria line and Overground) and make our way to see the wetlands. * Walthamstow Wetlands is a 211-hectare nature reserve adjacent to the River Lea. The reservoirs, under the ownership of Thames Water, also form part of a larger Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation, noted for the mixture of aquatic and terrestrial habitats on site, and for their London-wide importance (especially for birds). * We will finish our walk outside the Blackhorse tube station. Optional drinks/lunch at the end of the walk. What to bring: Comfortable footwear Water Photo-taking gadgets and chargers An umbrella just in case (it's London after all) The walk is free for members who have subscribed for an annual membership. For other members the fee is £5 cash/card on arrival to contribute towards the organiser's meetup fees and costs. The annual pass option is £15 payable by cash or card on the day. This will provide access to at least 40 walks per year (members are welcome to bring a guest to each event). All walks are free for the NHS staff (also welcome to bring a guest). **'No Show' Policy:** *If the member replied 'yes' but did not attend the event, did not update the RSVP and did not inform the organiser on 3 occasions – this triggers an automatic removal from the group. That's once for events with a waiting list.*

**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.

We meet to learn and practice American Sign Language and to grow our familiarity with Deaf culture. Facilitated by hearing folks (with a connection to a professional interpreter) using Deaf-created content. People of all ASL skill levels are welcome! As we learn, we hope to connect more with the Deaf community in Central Ohio. Join us as you're able! Come regularly or just once - whatever you're looking for! Each meetup will explore different topics related to ASL/Deaf culture, and will feature time to practice conversation with one another. Just bring yourself and a willingness to learn!

Join us as we kick off Summer Movie Season with a Happy Hour & a movie event to see the sci-fi action-adventure, THE MANDOLARIAN AND GROGU! The sci-fi action-adventure follows a lone bounty hunter and his apprentice Grogu (Baby Yoda) embark on an exciting new Star Wars adventure. Here are details, a trailer and our plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: In the film, Djarin and his apprentice Grogu are enlisted by the New Republic during a period where remaining Imperial warlords threaten the galaxy. The film is written/directed by Jon Favreau (the mastermind behind the early MCU films) and stars Pedro Pascal, Sigourney Weaver and Jeremy Allen White. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwild1rw7Aw HAPPY HOUR PLAN: For Happy Hour food and drinks before the show we’ll meet in the bar area at nearby Bravo at 5:15pm! We’ll have a section reserved for the group, so keep an eye out for us and we’ll keep one out for you! CMG Pro Tip: If you can, bring cash as it helps make for a quicker exit from the restaurant. MOVIE PLAN: Please purchase your ticket for the 6:45pm showing and meet in the lobby area at 6:30pm! Tickets on sale now and advance purchase as soon as possible is advised! Once you have yours, please list you seat number in the Comments section of this event. Happy Summer and See You Soon, Dan

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!