Outdoors

Meet: Pasir Ris (EW1) MRT Station Passenger Service Centre When: Thursday 14th May, 5 pm\* \*This is a Rain or Shine event. Please take a good lunch or bring along some snacks if you feel hungry along the way. We will walk the Pasir Ris Park and head towards Lorong Halus. We will explore the **Lorong Halus Wetland**, a picturesque area that promises to whisk you out of Singapore, with ponds surrounded by tall reeds and white rocky fields, a hidden dirt track, and a bridge where you can get a perfect view of the sunset. Then we head across the iconic Lorong Halus Red Bridge, which straddles the Sungei Serangoon river. From there, we shall head to a high vantage point to capture the wonderful sunset view of the Halus Bridge. Join in the walk, and enjoy the wonderful views of Singapore and the nature surrounding you. We shall have dinner at Punggol. See you there! :-) What to bring: \- Shades \- umbrellas \- Water \- Good walking shoes \- Long pants preferred \- Mosquito Repellent \- Portable fan Event communication will be through the event chat. Please check the event chat on the day of the event so that you will be updated on any changes. Please try to be punctual. There will be 5 minutes grace for attendance taking. Please remember that we cannot wait because this would be unfair to those already present. Please keep in mind that I may not respond to messages sent after the walk starts because I will be busy helping the attendees and leading the walk. Please be sure to RSVP responsibly to help those who are on the waitlist get the chance to come for the walks. ***You should confirm your RSVPs the day before the event to allow those on the waitlist time to schedule for the event.*** Thank you for your kind understanding. Disclaimer: Your physical well-being is your responsibility. Exercise care while you walk. Please let me know when you feel unwell and need to drop out. Walking comes with a risk of personal injury. ***By joining the walk, you accept responsibility for your safety and join the walk at your own risk. The organizer(s) will not be responsible or held liable for any accidents or injuries during or arising from the event.***

Ready to learn a fun and exciting sport while getting some exercise? Our pickleball group classes offer a welcoming and supportive environment where you can learn and improve your skills while also making new friends. Our certified coaches will guide you through the basics of the game and help you to develop your technique and strategy. So, whether you are a seasoned athlete or just starting out, come join us for a thrilling and energizing game of pickleball! ### **Booking Information** * Please contact **98225900** to find out how to book this class. * The instructor will reach out to you once you've booked the class ### **Cancellation Policy** Credits will be considered used if class is cancelled within 24 hours before the start of the lesson

***Adult Basketball (Ages 18+) – “Game Ready”*** Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, our adult sessions provide skill development, fitness training, and competitive play. These sessions focus on shooting accuracy, defensive strategies, and game execution, ensuring players stay sharp and active. ### **Address** 604 Elias Rd, Block 604, Singapore 510604 ### **Schedule** Thursdays 5PM - 6PM ### **Booking Information** * Please contact **98225900** to find out how to book this class. * The instructor will reach out to you once you've booked the class.

Boxing is a combat sport that utilises punches, footwork, and head movement. Also known as “The Sweet Science”, it is best known for its efficiency of hitting without getting hit. Students will be taught the proper mechanics behind generating fast and powerful punches, as well as evading punches through evasive movements and footwork. Classes are taught in a controlled and conducive environment to ensure the safety of all members. ### **Address** 701A Yishun Ave 5, #02-01A, Singapore 761701 ### **Schedule** Thursdays 530PM - 630PM ### **Booking Information** * Please contact **98225900** to find out how to book this class. * The instructor will reach out to you once you've booked the class.

Get ready to be inspired by **Mohammed Qahtani**, an internationally renowned speaker, as he takes the stage at the **District 102 Annual Conference 2026**. 🎤 **Topic: The Power of Speech** Words can influence minds, move hearts, and shape destinies. Discover how powerful communication can elevate **confidence, leadership, and impact — beyond borders**. This is more than a conference. It’s an experience of **growth, connection, and transformation** — designed for anyone who wants to speak with clarity and lead with confidence. 📍**Lotus Desaru Beach Resort & Spa** 👉 **Get your tickets now:** [https://d102tm.org/annual-conference-2026/#tickets-section](https://d102tm.org/annual-conference-2026/#tickets-section)

Prepare for a powerful and thought-provoking session with **Greg Van Borssum** at the **District 102 Annual Conference 2026**. 🧠 **Topic: *Are You Okay?*** In a fast-moving world, this session invites you to pause, reflect, and reconnect — with yourself and with others. Greg will explore awareness, resilience, and the unspoken conversations that truly matter, delivered with depth, clarity, and impact. This is more than a talk. It’s an experience that challenges perspectives and sparks meaningful conversations — **Beyond Borders**. 📍**Lotus Desaru Beach Resort & Spa** 👉 **Secure your seat now:** [https://d102tm.org/annual-conference-2026/#tickets-section](https://d102tm.org/annual-conference-2026/#tickets-section)

Exercise can be divided into three levels: 🏃‍♀️ Beginner | Get started easily 🏋️‍♂️ Intermediate | Increase your challenge and improve your fitness and strength 🔥 Advanced | Push your limits and push your boundaries HIIT is suitable for everyone! Just starting out? No problem! Our instructors will help you find your rhythm. Want to get stronger? We'll help you push your limits! 📅 Every Saturday · 10:30 AM 📍 Aperia Mall Outdoor Sports Area ☀️ Come and get some exercise and make your weekend more energetic! 运动可以分为三个阶段： 🏃‍♀️ 初级｜新手入门，轻松动起来 🏋️‍♂️ 中级｜增加挑战，提升体能与力量 🔥 高级｜挑战极限，突破自我 HIIT 运动适合所有人！ 刚开始？没关系，教练带你找到节奏。 想更强？我们陪你一起燃烧极限！ 📅 每周六 · 10:30AM 📍 Aperia Mall 户外运动区 ☀️ 一起来挥汗打卡，让周末更有活力！

Welcome to my sailboat. **Please read this notice**. These are crew opportunities, not for passengers, non-swimmers, people afraid of the water or get seasick. Bring a change of clothes, a towel, a hat, non-marking footwear with heelstrap and sunblock. There is a toilet and drinking water on board. Participants like to contribute to expenses in appreciation of this opportunity. **Also**, please confirm your attendance by SMS or Whatsapp on Saturday for sailing on Sunday, to avoid no-shows and missed sailings. No-shows deprive others of a place, so be responsible and remove your reservation if you are not attending, and please do it in good time. Places unconfirmed by Saturday will not be reserved, and I can't wait for you if I'm not sure you're coming. Keep me informed and reply to my messages. Don't be late. Thank you. Derek 9807-5827.

🏓 Pickleball Meet-Up — Sat 16 May (Punggol) Hey everyone! Got a court booked this Saturday. Do join us ! 📍 Play! Pickle, Punggol 📅 Sat, 16 May 2026 ⏰ 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM (2 hours) Afterwards, we can have a short break at a nearby cafe! All levels welcome — beginners totally fine, happy to rally and teach the basics. Paddles available if you don't have one yet. New to pickleball? 🏓 It's like tennis but easier — smaller court, lighter paddle, plastic ball. Beginner-friendly, low impact, and one of the fastest-growing sports in the world right now. You'll be rallying in minutes. ☔ Fully sheltered courts — game is on regardless of weather.

**Please click [https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17uoRde1QL/](https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17uoRde1QL/) .** **For full trip details, please WhatsApp:** Kelvin- [https://wa.me/6593838649](https://wa.me/6593838649) Magdalene - [https://wa.me/6597914105](https://wa.me/6597914105) **For more adventure trips, please click** [https://linktr.ee/thetravellingbackpack](https://linktr.ee/thetravellingbackpack)

**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.

Join us this Thursday (5/14) at 6:30 pm at Rocky Fork Metro Park in Westerville as we walk about 2.5 miles of a fully paved trail. The Beech Woodland trail is a flat yet scenic trail with a variety of landscapes. Let’s take it in together!

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!

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