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Doubles Volleyball - Competitive
BB/A level @Bluemont Park
Doubles Volleyball - Competitive BB-A level @Bluemont Park
Let's get together to play some fun A level Doubles games at Bluemont.
Format: Doubles
COST: FREE
Court Type: Outdoor grass
Minimum Skill Requirements: A level (click [here](https://docs.google.com/document/u/2/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/mobilebasic) for details)
Attention:
1. This event is not always on a first come, first served basis. Those who can bring a net and ball, may get priority over others on the waitlist.
1. Since skill levels are self-reported, some attendees may not meet the expected level in reality, so we encourage you to choose a partner you can enjoy the game with, and since this is a competitive event, it is okay if you make a strong team and win all the games.
1. Since people arrive at different times, each group of
1. Players will set up and claim a net as they arrive, and may continue playing without rotating until all nets are set.
———
Smiley Social documents:
[Group Rules](https://docs.google.com/document/u/2/d/1HrG35p_0M08leRvCp8XWG3CMkr_GL928XFabl5T6Dvg/mobilebasic)
[Liability Waiver](https://docs.google.com/document/u/2/d/1W2mq-7m99lmvd7gdWYaSUFtvVg4UGnzV6koafAbHmco/mobilebasic)
[Volleyball Levels](https://docs.google.com/document/u/2/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/mobilebasic)
Monday Meditation Circle
**Join us for quiet and simple Zen meditation practice, grounded in community.** Suitable for beginners. An authorized Zen teacher offers teaching and instruction. We sit in chairs for 10 and 20 minutes of silence and breath practice, and do 5 minutes of walking meditation. We end with 15 minutes of conversation, poetry, tea and snacks before heading home. All are welcome. No experience necessary.
***Enjoy the peace of mind that meditation can bring when supported by others in this peaceful environment.***
**Who we are**
We meet weekly since 2024. We typically gather with 6-12 of us for seated and walking Zen meditation. Brief meditation instruction offered at the beginning.
Profs & Pints DC: How AI Alters Thinking
[Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“How AI Alters Thinking,”** on dealing with artificial intelligence’s capacity to change and undermine our thought processes, with Eli Alshanetsky, assistant professor of philosophy at Temple University, principal investigator at its Cognitive Integrity Lab, and author of an upcoming book on AI and freedom of thought.
[Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-how-ai-alters-thinking](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-how-ai-alters-thinking) .]
Doctors who give bad advice can be sued for malpractice. Teachers belong to a profession with set standards. When artificial intelligence guides you, however, that guidance comes with a disclaimer: Use at your own risk.
Every day millions of people take that risk, and usually AI seems genuinely helpful. But even if AI gives us good answers, might its use over time do bad things to how we think?
Explore the relationship between AI and our own minds with Eli Alshanetsky, whose Cognitive Integrity Lab studies how artificial intelligence changes how we think, learn, and build trust. Author of *Articulating a Thought* and the upcoming book *Freedom of Thought in the Age of AI*, he’s on the cutting edge of efforts to answer AI-related questions such as: How can we tell when work is truly our own? How can technology support rather than replace authorship and reflection? What does trust mean when AI mediates our relationships with others and with our own thoughts?
To set up his discussion of potential consequences of AI, he’ll describe how social media’s impact on society serves as a preview.
Social media didn’t just give people what they wanted to click on, it actually changed what they regarded as click-worthy. It broke attention spans and fueled radicalization across millions of very different people. It left us with people who doom-scroll for hours, who can’t focus, who don’t know what to trust anymore.
If you’d shown people this version of themselves ten years ago, would they have chosen it?
Artificial intelligence is making a similar deal with us, but the stakes are higher. It isn’t chasing clicks. It’s optimized for giving you the most satisfying response to whatever is on your mind right now.
The risk over time isn’t just that you’ll get lazy. More profoundly, even when you think hard, your sense of what counts as good thinking—as well as what sounds like you—will shift to match what AI has been feeding you.
We’ll consider what kind of person this produces and whether this is someone we want to be or want children to become. Professor Alshanetsky will lay out a practical framework, which he calls “the interaction layer,” for using AI without letting it replace the thinking it’s supposed to support. He’ll also talk about what AI-related concerns should be the focus of parents and educators. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.)
Image: Illustration by David S. Soriano / Creative Commons.
Deep Conversations at Bethesda Library
***“I am struck with how rare it is to find a few good friends on the path. It is easy to find people who simply want to sit and be entertained by teachers, or who want to sit and entertain by playing the role of teacher. In other words, the quest for affirmation often outweighs the quest for truth.***
***Yet you may have one or two good friends, and definitely have one or two waiting to be discovered. Find them; be thankful.”***
***— Shawn Nevins***
'What will make me happy in life?' ... 'Am I my thoughts?' ... 'What is Enlightenment?' ... We meet every week to ask questions like these in the pursuit of Self-Knowledge and Truth.
We are interested in topics like: Zen, stoicism, spirituality, psychology, mindfulness, Nisargadatta, non-violent communication, Socrates, existential philosophy, Alan Watts, taoism, Eckhart Tolle, meditation, Ramana Maharshi, etc. But we are not affiliated with any dogma, philosophy, or religion.
Our goal each meeting is to serve as mirrors for one another using question-based inquiry in a safe environment. In a session, every participant takes turns discussing the week's question or topic, and the group asks reflective questions without any agenda besides trying to understand the person's beliefs.
A few other guiding principles of our group:
* No one is obligated to share
* Be honest with yourself and others
* Do not try to convince others to believe or think as you do
* Keep the focus on the person being questioned
We meet at the [Bethesda Library](https://maps.app.goo.gl/GWMozF8zpY1m1PY26) every Monday. The library is a 5 minute walk from the Bethesda Metro on the Red Line, approx 25 minute Metro ride from Metro Center and Gallery Place stations. The library has a a parking lot with metered parking for $1/hour.
\*\*\* WE WILL BE IN MEETING ROOM 3 UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED ----- THE MEETING ROOM IS IN THE BACK OF THE LIBRARY \*\*\*
Please contact us with any questions!
French Class- Foreigner Level
## A low-cost, 6-week beginner-level French course with the non-profit organization, the Global Language Network.
Ready to dive into the world of French? Join our fun and interactive class designed especially for those new to the language.
**Details**
French Foreigner with Juliette
Mondays from 5:30pm - 7:30pm ET
Apr 12th to May 17th
In-person, Farragut Square DC
Ready to learn? **Register [HERE](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSem9IdJEYqsE91SvfEEjIe8FuvoAjOusgE2ab_qkvm3apyjzg/viewform "https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSem9IdJEYqsE91SvfEEjIe8FuvoAjOusgE2ab_qkvm3apyjzg/viewform").**
**Additional Information**
* GLN classes are open to everyone over 18 years of age.
* Have a credit or stipend to apply to your payment? Learn more about our credit, stipend, and refund policy on the [Pricing & Course Levels page.](https://thegln.org/pricing-%26-course-levels "https://thegln.org/pricing-%26-course-levels")
**About GLN**
We are a Washington, DC-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to "Use Language as a Tool to Help Fix Our World." Since 2015 we have been rated #1 Best Language Classes in Washington, DC by Yelp! We are so happy and grateful to have you join our network and we appreciate your support of our mission.
English Class- Frequent Flyer
## A low-cost, 6-week intermediate-level English course with the non-profit organization, the Global Language Network.
Ready to dive into the world of English? Join our fun and interactive class designed especially for those new to the language.
**Details**
English Frequent Flyer with Caroline
Mondays from 6:30pm - 8:30pm ET
Apr 7th to May 18th
In-person, Farragut Square DC
Ready to learn? **Register [HERE](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSem9IdJEYqsE91SvfEEjIe8FuvoAjOusgE2ab_qkvm3apyjzg/viewform).**
**Additional Information**
* GLN classes are open to everyone over 18 years of age.
* Have a credit or stipend to apply to your payment? Learn more about our credit, stipend, and refund policy on the [Pricing & Course Levels page.](https://thegln.org/pricing-%26-course-levels)
**About GLN**
We are a Washington, DC-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to "Use Language as a Tool to Help Fix Our World." Since 2015 we have been rated #1 Best Language Classes in Washington, DC by Yelp! We are so happy and grateful to have you join our network and we appreciate your support of our mission.
今週の緩和ケアイベント
次の数日間に何が起こるかを発見しよう
快乐之学--《菩提道次第广论》共学
踏入《广论》研讨班,对许多人来说是开启生命转变的契机。或许您也会好奇:在繁忙的工作与生活之余,投入时间研读佛典,究竟能为人生带来哪些实质的成长与收获?
《广论》研讨班秉持着日常老和尚以心灵提升、圆满生命的目标,提供大众身、心、灵健康的学习环境与循序渐进的佛法课程。学员通过听师父的录音带和研讨交流,对佛法建立整体认识,全面的理解,同时学习如何将佛法智慧运用于生活中,打造幸福人生。
**《菩提道次第广论》简介**
佛法大全,给与您心灵滋养,人生方向
次第井然,引领您脚踏实地,步步向上
心智科学,帮助您认识自己,了解他人
幸福教育,教会您正确取舍,离苦得乐
生命教育,陪伴您创造希望,走向美好
Social Hour
Martin Luther King, Jr Memorial Library 901 G
St NW Washington, DC 20001 Room 401 on the 4th floor.
Don’t be shy. This is a good way to make friends who are also into anime. We will be
discussing anime , manga, video games and all things Jpop Culture.
Cosplay (Costume play) is encouraged as long as you don’t bring any prop weapons and keep the
cosplay family friendly. Thank you and we look forward to seeing you there.
This event is free and open to the public.
For more information
Email [president@dcanimeclub.org](mailto:president@dcanimeclub.org).
Call (202) 262-2083
DC Anime Club Main Site www.dcanimeclub.org
Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/DCAnimeClub/
Twitter:https://twitter.com/#!/DCAnimeClub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DCAnimeClub/
Meet up: https://www.meetup.com/DC-Anime-Club/
Youtube:http://www.youtube.com/DCAnimeClub
Tumblr: http://dcanime.tumblr.com/
Photobucket:http://s46.photobucket.com/albums/f115/DCANIMECLUB_photos/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dcanimeclub/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dcanimeclub
Film Night: Soul
Joyful Mind Zendo is happy to invite you to our **second Film Night** on Friday, May 22nd. We will be screening Pete Docter's film, Soul.
**Details:**
* Come at **6:00 PM** to the **basement Zendo (back door)** to help set up.
* The screening will begin promptly at **6:30 PM**.
* Bring pizza, popcorn, dips, or beverages to share.
* The films running time is 101 mins, and will be followed by a short break and discussion.
* Our evening will end by 9:00 PM.
* Here is the [trailer](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DxOsLIiBStEs&ved=2ahUKEwikyd6FhpOUAxW0M1kFHV-7L6UQtwJ6BAgbEAI&usg=AOvVaw1W9KdDXTvHmHJhI5MGLxoZ).
* **See you soon and invite a friend!**
\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-**Film overview**\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-
Think animation is just for kids and can’t contemplate big themes? Think again, and join us for a screening of Pixar’s Oscar-winning film, Soul.
Jamie Foxx voices Joe Gardner, a part-time music teacher and aspiring jazz pianist, whose life is dedicated to making it as a professional musician.
On the day of his big break, he is nearly killed in a freak accident. On a conveyor belt to the “Great Beyond”, Joe escapes to the “Great Before”, a bardo in reverse, where the unborn are prepared for life on Earth. There he meets “22”, voiced by Tina Fey, and together they find out what’s makes life worth living.
It’s rare that any film, animated or live action, can be so entertaining while simultaneously giving you so much to think about.
Stick around after the screening for a discussion of how the film speaks to you.
Friday Curanderismo Cacao Ceremony & Sound Bath For Ancestral Healing
# Cacao comes from a tree that has been used by Mexican, Central and South American indigenous cultures for spirituality and healing purposes. The main characteristic of this sacred medicine is opening the heart. During this ceremony we will practice the sacred ritual of drinking ceremonial grade cacao in its purest form to open our hearts to invite ancestral healing. Ceremony will be followed by a soothing and relaxing sound healing for you to bathe in the sounds of vibrational instruments. Everyone is welcome to join this ceremony.
In this Curanderismo Cacao Ceremony with Sacred Cacao we will respectfully honor the spirit of Cacao in the traditional ways from the Yucatan Peninsula. Ceremony will be lead by Jenny Perez a Curandera and Shamanic Healer who has worked together with her teacher and elders to facilitate Cacao Ceremonies in the most respectful way , honoring the spirit of Cacao and Los Abuelos de la tradicion (The Elders of the curanderismo tradition and guardians of the sacred cacao).\*\*\*No photography, video recording, or recording of any kind is permited during the ceremony without prior written and aproved authorization. No part of this ceremony or its entirety may be replicated or claimed as your own without legal writen concent from Jenny, Curanderas Heart, and her legal team. Failure to comply will result in legal action by Curanderas Heart legal team. Be respecful of this tradition and all the elders involved in making it possible to preserve this tradition and its sacred ways\*\*\*.
Start hydrating yourself a day before the Ceremony
\*\*IMPORTANT NOTE:\*\* It is possible to experience some side effects such as nausea, sweating, headache, and nervousness with overconsumption of cacao. Please consult with your doctor before consuming ceremonial Cacao. This ceremony is not for people who are pregnant and/or have a heart condition or if taking SSRIs medications.
What you may experience during this ceremony:
Heart Opening and Heart Expansion
Connection with your heart and emotions
Transformation
Chakra Balancing
Deep healing of emotional wounds, grief, and traumas
Ability to connect to your higher self, and ancestors.
Improve emotional balance.
Increased feelings of joy, happiness, and inner peace
Ability to create self-love and improve relationships.
What to bring:
Your own water bottle
Comfortable clothes to lay down
An Eye Mask or bandanda if you have one
Your own yoga mat or use one at the studio
Your own blanket or use one at the studio
Optional:A small offering for the altar such as a piece of fruit or flower
About Jenny Perez Curandera: Jenny is a full time Curandera and Shamanic Healer. Her core values are to LIVE IN HARMONY with great spirit, the elements, nature, animals and people. DO NO HARM TO OTHER PEOPLE, PLANTS OR ANIMALS. In the traditional Curanderismo that Jenny practices the foundation is LOVE AND RESPECT to the spirit world, towards animals,plants, people,free will and the elders who guard the curanderismo tradition (Los Abulitos de la tradicion).
Private bookings are available for ancestral healings,energy clearing , energy balancing and tarot readings. If you would like to book a private energy session or tarot reading before/after ceremony send an email to [healing@curanderasheart.com](mailto:healing@curanderasheart.com) or text (703)531-7046 ( Visit our site for more information on our upcoming ancestral healing ceremonies, trauma release ceremonies, cacao ceremonies, full moon ceremonies, women circles, breathwork sessions and energy clearing ceremonies to bring balance to mind, body and spirit) Stay connected via IG @curanderasheart
Curanderas Heart is located in the Westover Village in Arlington VA . 5852 Washington Blvd unit 5 Arlington VA at a walkable neighborhood with food options and street parking. Space is limited allowing all of our events to have an intimate vibe. Due to limited space pre registration and arriving on time is very important.
DATE: Fridays
TIME: 7:30pm-9:30pm Doors will open 30 minutes early ARRIVE ON TIME TO SET UP YOUR SPOT. DON'T KNOCK ON THE DOOR OR DISTURB THE SESSION. ONCE THE DOOR IS CLOSED IT MEANS SESSION IS ALREADY IN PROCESS AND IT WILL NOT OPEN UNTIL THE SESSION IS OVER.
Energy Exchange: $88
Address: 5852 Washington Blvd unit5 Arlington VA 22205
Info: WWW.CURANDERASHEART.COM
[healing@curanderasheart.com](mailto:healing@curanderasheart.com)
703\. 531\.7046 call or text
What you may experience during this session: Improve emotional balance, Increased feelings of joy, happiness, and inner peace. Ability to create self-love and improve relationships
\*\*\*\*Cancellation Policy: Due to the extensive time and effort that it takes to prepare the sacred Cacao there are no refunds for missed or cancelled reservations.\*\*\*\*
Club Meeting
PLEASE READ EVERYTHING!
When you enter the meeting you PLEASE print your first and last name clearly on the sign up sheet.
DC Anime Club Meeting.
2pm at the Martin Luther King, Jr Memorial Library 901 G
St NW Washington, DC 20001 Room 401 on the 4th floor.
In order to become a member of DC Anime Club you MUST do the following:
Attend 2 club meetings but it does not have to be in a row.
Obey the code of conduct which is treat people the way you want to be treated.
Pay club dues which are $5 a month $50 for a year.
We take the following payments and if you plan to pay for friends please say so.
Paypal: [president@dcanimeclub.org](mailto:president@dcanimeclub.org)
Cash App: $DCAC03
Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/DCANIMECLUB
Go Fund me: https://gofund.me/a39ed94a
Cosplay (Costume play) is encouraged as long as you don’t bring any prop weapons and keep the
cosplay family friendly. Thank you and we look forward to seeing you there.
Suggestions welcomed.
This event is free and open to the public. Age range 13 and up. Kids under the age of 13 MUST be accompanied by a parent/ Legal guardian to participate.
For more information
Email [president@dcanimeclub.org](mailto:president@dcanimeclub.org).
Call (202) 262-2083
DC Anime Club Main Site www.dcanimeclub.org
Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/DCAnimeClub/
Twitter:https://twitter.com/#!/DCAnimeClub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DCAnimeClub/
Meet up: https://www.meetup.com/DC-Anime-Club/
Youtube:http://www.youtube.com/DCAnimeClub
Tumblr: http://dcanime.tumblr.com/
Photobucket:http://s46.photobucket.com/albums/f115/DCANIMECLUB_photos/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dcanimeclub/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dcanimeclub
Flower Power - Ikebana Edition!
**\*\*\* You must register with DTL to join this event in the Premier Lounge. Link to register is [here](https://dtl.podplay.app/community/events/019da703-93b5-7ddc-8174-22cfe98d6808) \*\*\***
Registration is $25 for DTL members and $30 for all others.
Dive into the enchanting world of **ikebana**, the Japanese art of flower arrangement that celebrates simplicity, harmony, and the beauty of nature. In this vibrant class, you'll learn to create stunning designs that reflect your personal style.
Led by a certified instructor, you'll explore the principles of balance and line as you arrange fresh blooms. Whether you're a novice or just looking to brush up on your skills, this class is the perfect way to unleash your creativity!
**What's included:**
\- All flowers\, kenzan and vases provided\.
\- Step\-by\-step guidance from an experienced instructor
\- A fun\, relaxed atmosphere to explore your artistic side\.
Grab a friend and enjoy a delightful evening filled with laughter, learning, and, of course, beautiful flowers!
Don't miss out on this chance to bring a little zen into your life!
Yu-Gi-Oh Workshop
PLEASE READ EVERYTHING!
When you enter the meeting you PLEASE print your first and last name clearly on the sign up sheet.
DC Anime Club will be hosting an Yu-Gi-Oh Workshop on
2pm at the Martin Luther King, Jr Memorial Library 901 G
St NW Washington, DC 2000 Room 401 on the 4th floor. Come deck build have fun learn the rules of the game. You can trade, have friendly games and enjoy the company of those who love to play Yu-Gi-Oh.
Cosplay (Costume play) is encouraged as long as you don’t bring any prop weapons and keep the
cosplay family friendly. Thank you and we look forward to seeing you there.
Suggestions welcomed.
This event is free and open to the public. Age range 13 and up. Kids under the age of 13 MUST be accompanied by a parent/ Legal guardian to participate.
For more information
Email [president@dcanimeclub.org](mailto:president@dcanimeclub.org).
Call (202) 262-2083
DC Anime Club Main Site www.dcanimeclub.org
Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/DCAnimeClub/
Twitter:https://twitter.com/#!/DCAnimeClub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DCAnimeClub/
Meet up: https://www.meetup.com/DC-Anime-Club/
Youtube:http://www.youtube.com/DCAnimeClub
Tumblr: http://dcanime.tumblr.com/
Photobucket:http://s46.photobucket.com/albums/f115/DCANIMECLUB_photos/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dcanimeclub/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dcanimeclub
あなたの近くの緩和ケアイベント
地元の緩和ケアコミュニティとつながろう
Morning people unite!! 🐤 ☕ + 💬 @ Shibam Coffee
Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Shibam Coffee](https://shibamcoffee.com/)!
Psychic Development Series II - Pueo Group
Private Group. Closed to the Public
Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy.
In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected.
The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve.
I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia
TBD
**Important time note:** Please plan on arriving between 5:30 and 6:00 as the elevators lock after 6 and you'll need to message us and we'll need to come get you.
The building address is 4450 Bridge Park
The entrance is 6620 Mooney St, Suite 400
You will need to scan your ID at the door to get a visitor badge.
**Abstract**
TBD
**YouTube Link**
TBD
Libera Animae - Freeing the Soul
Main Library, Meeting Room 2B
Join us for a welcoming evening of reflection, gentle music, and meaningful conversation. We’ll begin with a short grounding moment, followed by a brief reading from spiritual or philosophical traditions, and an open reflection circle where participants can share (or simply listen).
Libera Animae is an interfaith community focused on inner growth, creativity, and authentic connection.
All backgrounds are welcome.
ASH UU Topic: TBD
ASH is Atheists, Skeptics and Humanists of First Unitarian Universalists of Columbus Ohio
TBD
Snacks are usually available, and you are welcome to bringing something to share!
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.






























