City Walks
Ontmoet andere mensen bij je in de buurt die geïnteresseerd zijn in City Walks: wissel ervaringen uit, inspireer en moedig elkaar aan! Word lid van een groep over City Walks.
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Ja! Bekijk city walks evenementen die vandaag plaatsvinden hier. Dit zijn persoonlijke bijeenkomsten waar je medeliefhebbers kunt ontmoeten en direct kunt deelnemen aan activiteiten.
Ontdek alle city walks evenementen die deze week plaatsvinden hier. Plan vooruit en doe mee aan spannende meetups gedurende de week.
Zeker! Vind city walks evenementen bij jou in de buurt hier. Verbind met je lokale gemeenschap en ontdek evenementen in jouw omgeving.
City Walks Evenementen Vandaag
Doe mee aan de City Walks evenementen die nu plaatsvinden
Maakavond Meet Je Stad - Fijnstof en Temperatuur
Tijdens de maakavonden van Meet Je Stad soldeer je je eigen meetkastje dat temperatuur, luchtvochtigheid en fijnstof\* kan meten. Het solderen is geschikt voor iedereen: van beginner tot expert! Daarnaast bieden we begeleiding, dus hoef je niet bang te zijn dat je er niet uit komt. Ter deelname betaal je €15 voor de materialen. Vaak lukt het niet om al het soldeerwerk binnen één avond af te krijgen, maar dit is geen probleem; tijdens onze volgende maakavonden kun je langskomen om je werk af te maken. Inmiddels zijn er in de stad Utrecht nu zo’n 150 mensen die hun eigen meetkastje hebben gesoldeerd.
Als je kastje af is wordt hij geregistreerd en kun je hem bij jou thuis ophangen/neerzetten. Hierbij krijg je instructies zodat je de juiste locatie kunt kiezen en je metingen zo betrouwbaar mogelijk zijn. Als het dan eenmaal hangt kun je via de kaart op de [website van Meet Je Stad](https://meetjestad.net/index3.php?loc=Tb) bijhouden welke metingen je kastje neemt: zo kun je bijvoorbeeld zien op welke momenten het bij jou het warmst is en vergelijkingen maken met waardes van andere meetkastjes. Dat kan door middel van [deze tool](https://mjs-datavisualisation-fez7kynngq-ez.a.run.app/) die je helpt om grafieken te maken. Dan kan je er achter komen hoe jouw omgeving ervoor staat in vergelijking met de rest van de stad.
Meet Je Stad organiseert ook kennisavonden met gastsprekers die vertellen over hitte, fijnstof en andere burgerinitiatieven in de stad. Dit zijn ook gelijk geschikte momenten voor deelnemers om met elkaar in discussie te gaan over hun metingen en ondervindingen. Zo hopen we een netwerk van betrokken inwoners te creëren en meer te weten te komen over de milieuomstandigheden in de stad!
*\*De fijnstofsensor is optioneel en kost 20 euro extra. Indien je deze bij je meetkastje wilt moet je deze via een draad met een stroombron binnen 15 meter kunnen verbinden.*
**Organisatie:** Milieucentrum Utrecht (MCU) in samenwerking met de Makerscommunity HaHaHo.
**Locatie:** Bibliotheek Neude, Huis van Actief Burgerschap (begane grond)
**Kosten:** 15 euro voor materiaalkosten, 20 euro extra voor fijnstofsensor.
(Meet-up suggereert bij het aanmaken van een account dat een betaald abonnement vereist is. Dit is niet zo, op de pagina waar gevraagd wordt om een abonnement te kiezen staat rechts bovenin de optie "Ga door met het gratis plan".)
*Bij te weinig aanmeldingen kan de workshop afgelast worden.*
RustWeek 2026
RustWeek 2026 is a major Rust community event taking place May 18–23, 2026 in Utrecht, Netherlands.
The event includes:
\- A 2\-day conference \(May 19\-20\)
\- Optional workshops \(May 18\)
\- Unconf and community days \(May 21\-23\)
Ticket Prices:
\- Individual: EUR 237\.50
\- Employer\-paid: EUR 500\.00
\- Student: EUR 37\.50 \(limited availability\)
Online Attendance: This is primarily an in-person event. No free online streaming option has been announced. Attendance requires travel to Utrecht, Netherlands.
More info and tickets: https://2026.rustweek.org/
Create your rusty steel Rust logo!
Eric Seppanen will host a workshop to create your own rusty logo, using home chemistry to turn shiny steel into an oxidized work of art.
Note: it will take an extra day for the finish to dry, so please ensure you will be around to pick up your rusty logo the next day.
This workshop is held at Kinepolis (the conference venue) and is free of charge for RustWeek attendees.
Looking for more fun things to do during RustWeek? Take a look at our activities page: [https://2026.rustweek.org/events/social-activities/](https://rustweek.org/events/social-activities/), or join our Discord at https://discord.gg/FSwaWZdk6k if you have questions!
Peer Satsang Gathering
Time for our biweekly peer Satsang gathering!
This is an open, equal and low-key gathering for spiritual seekers from all walks of life to get together, talk, feel connected and grow. The gathering will last for about two hours. Bring questions, thoughts, or just your presence. We'll see what unfolds once we're there.
If you're interested but can't make the currently indicated time, the event is full or you have any other questions, get in touch with me at thijshugenholtz@gmail.com and we'll see what we can do!
Location: Buurtcentrum Hart van Noord, Trumanlaan 60 Utrecht but the entrance is opposite Geallieerdenlaan 24
Umbraco Kent Meetup - Hybrid - Monday 18th May 2026 @ 7pm
Please join us for an evening of all things Umbraco - the latest news, community chat, and a talk or two!
For 2026, we will be running both in-person and virtual meetups, alternating every month. For those who can't join in person, virtual attendance is available too, so you can join us no matter where you are!
This month, we have **Owain Jones** talking about building friendly content editing experiences and **Markus Johansson** talking about building packages for Umbraco.
**Owain Jones - Unlocking the Full Potential of Umbraco: Building Friendly Content Editor Experiences**
Umbraco is often called "The Friendly CMS", and it absolutely can be when we, as developers, make the most of what it offers. In this talk, I’ll show how we can utilise Umbraco’s built-in features and community packages to build intuitive, efficient, and friendly experiences for content editors.
**Markus Johansson - Extending Umbraco like a Swede**
In this talk, Markus will share his learnings from over 15 years of extending Umbraco. We’ll get a brief overview of the possibilities introduced with the new backoffice “Bellissima”. He’ll also give us tips and tricks that is useful both when extending Umbraco for a specific project or publishing a package for the Umbraco Marketplace.
There will also be food, drinks and some friendly socialising. What's not to like? 😄
Whether you are an Umbraco novice or a seasoned developer, this is your chance to meet like-minded people to talk about our favourite friendly CMS! No matter what your role is there will be something to learn and your chance to meet other members of the Umbraco community from Kent and the surrounding areas.
Venue
The meetup will be at Dragon Coworking in Rochester (7-8 New Road Avenue, St George's Hotel, Rochester, ME4 6BB), a short walk from Chatham train station and with free on-site parking.
If you wish to use the car park, please access via Gundulph Road, Rochester, ME4 4ED. You can then use the steps between buildings to access the entrance. If the car park is full there is on road parking available, but please check the parking restrictions.
On arrival, please make your way to St George's Hotel reception (where you access Dragon Coworking) and one of the organisers will come and collect you.
**Please note: Do not bring bananas, nuts or pineapple into the coworking space as there are members with allergies.**
Swimming lessons for adults | Beginners
If you are living in The Netherlands, by now, you may well have noticed the amount of open water. If you enjoy cycling in the city, you may wish to feel safer as you navigate the bridges and canals. And you may also want to get ready for visiting the beach, pools or the many lakes this summer.
Learning how to swim takes approx 1 year and it all starts with the very first lesson. New comers enroll via our website and pay € 30,50, this is the first lesson and a goody bag. After the class you agree with the personal swim coach how to continue to obtain your final objectives.
Enrolling is only possible via [www.your-personal-swim-coach.nl ](https://www.your-personal-swim-coach.nl/)hence a rvsp via meetup is not enough.
Monday Night - East - 54K
A great ride along the Vecht and Gein rivers. You will love this route.
Please ride single file along the winding river as there can be cars around each corner.
**Route:** https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/441606271
GPX: https://drive.google.com/file/d/17-T_pT_GH3QKSFcH1WWgfArvxSdAkVzO/view?usp=sharing
**Afterwards:** Drinks at Polder
https://maps.app.goo.gl/tbt5DDG7YLU3uWvaA
**Rules:**
\- Download the route to your cycling computer so you can always find your way home
\- Make sure to arrive on time
\- Before you ride\, decide as a group how you want to ride: you can split up in a fast and a slow group or stay together\, but make sure to discuss what pace you are going to ride and whether you are going to wait if someone is slower than the group\, or not\.
City Walks Evenementen Deze Week
Ontdek wat er de komende dagen gebeurt
❤️🥾 Walk & Picknick with Queer Refugees 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Come along, lovely queer hikers! 🌿✨
This time we’re serving an easy-going queer nature moment with a short loop through **Landgoed Heidestein** near Zeist. Think dreamy forest paths, shimmering fens, a peaceful forest pond, and heather fields - a lot of diversity for such a short walk :)
We’re teaming up with **Cocktail (COC’s group for LGBTQIA+ refugees & asylum seekers)** for this event, so besides soaking up nature, we’re creating space for connection, sharing stories, and learning from each other’s journeys and experiences. Expect a vibe that’s part hike, part picknick, part wholesome community exchange. 🌈
Bring your snacks and blankets, as we’ll pause along the way for a relaxed picnic moment together.
Because queer joy isn’t just about where we go, but who we walk with. 💖
**Practical info**
📏 **Distance:** 5 or 7 km (loop walk)
📍 **Start:** Bus stop Prinses Margrietlaan, Zeist (5km option) Driebergen-Zeist station (7km option)
🏁 **End:** Back at the starting point
🥾 **Level:** easy - chill pace
🤝 **Meeting point:** outside the train station **Driebergen-Zeist at 13:45** or bus stop **Prinses Margrietlaan (Zeist) at 14:20**
❗You’re welcome to join from another direction. If you come by car you can park at P+R Driebergen-Zeist.
Please note: we published this hike with Cocktail simultaneously, which is also why we lowered the participant number from Hiking Queer NL's side.
Pack your:
🍱 snacks
🚰 water
🧥 rain coat/umbrella
☀️ sun screen
🏳️🌈 anything else you might need
❌ If you signed up and cannot make it in the end, please cancel your RSVP attendance so we know how many people will show up and someone else can take your place instead.
💗 A voluntary donation helps us to keep the Meetup group up and running :) you can either pay via a Tikkie or in cash after we finish the hike.
*Hiking Queers Netherlands & Cocktail (COC)*
Utrecht Cafe Crawl #3: Vaartsche Rijn canal walk
Welcome to the third edition of the Cafe Crawl series! 🥐☕
This time we're heading just outside the city center to explore the cafes of the Vaartsche Rijn area and further down in the south of Utrecht.
We meet at Vaartsche Rijn station and from there we'll take a scenic walk along the canals and waterways of this quieter, lesser-known part of Utrecht, stopping at three carefully selected cafes along the way.
At each stop we'll sit down, enjoy something to eat or drink, and get to know the people around us. You'll be put in small groups that switch a few times, so by the end you'll have had genuine conversations with a good mix of people.
How it works: We walk, we discover, we eat something delicious, and we meet new people. The focus is on being in the moment, enjoying the city, and good company.
⚠️ If you're unsure whether you can make it, please free up your spot for someone else.
City escape @ Naarden
We're doing another city escape!
Please note that we're gonna play a game. During the game we'll focus on that. After the game there's time to take pictures and have a drink.
I have a discount, so it's +/- €5,- per person.
Tickets are not refundable. Don't sign up if you're not planning to join.
Join [our chat](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DtI6sOESSE797Q5dR1RzVG) to stay tuned.
TechDay: AI kansen en valkuilen
Donderdag 21 mei 2026 is het weer tijd voor onze Techday: hét vaste moment waarop we kennis delen, elkaar inspireren en nieuwe ideeën direct in de praktijk brengen.
Deze editie pakken we het aan als een conferentie in het klein. Drie sprekers, drie verhalen, één middag – drie verhalen voor de prijs van één.
Wat kun je verwachten?
**Dirk neemt een kijkje onder de motorkap van AI**
AI voelt voor veel mensen als magie. In deze talk probeer ik de magie weg te nemen door een kijkje te nemen onder de motorkap. Een essentieel bouwblok van moderne AI is een neuraal netwerk. Als je begrijpt hoe een neuraal netwerk werkt, is het een stuk makkelijker om te begrijpen hoe en waarom een LLM werkt.
De beste manier om iets te begrijpen is door het te bouwen, vanaf scratch. Dus dat gaan we in deze talk doen. Door dat te doen leren we over artificial neurons, activation functions, backpropagation en meer.
**George vertelt hoe AI Cyberaanvallen verandert**
George Schizas (extern), voormalig IT Manager, nu werkzaam als CISO, vertelt over zijn ervaringen in de Cloud Cyber Security en hoe hackers met behulp van AI nieuwe aanvalsmethoden kunnen gebruiken om kwetsbaarheden op te sporen en te exploiteren. Hij geeft voorbeelden van manieren om in Kubernetes omgevingen in te breken en noemt manieren om dit tegen te gaan.
**Roland duikt in de wereld van de fraude fabriek**
Als ontwikkelaar kom je dagelijks in contact met technologie en de laatste jaren natuurlijk ook vaak met AI. JIJ snapt heel goed wat de voordelen en de gevaren zijn, maar hoe leg je complexe onderwerpen als AI gegenereerde afbeeldingen, Voice Phishing en Hallucinaties uit aan je ouders, de buurvrouw, of je kinderen? Ik neem jullie mee in een realistische situatie waarin Anna en haar familie opgelicht wordt met behulp van verschillende technieken en hoe dit oplichters-landschap met behulp van AI verandert.
**Wanneer:** Donderdag 21 mei 2026
**Wat:** Techday – conferentie-editie “AI kansen en valkuilen”
**Voor wie:** Iedereen (!) die nieuwsgierig is en wil leren
**Agenda**
14:45 - 15:00 - Inloop
15:00 - 16:00 - Neurale netwerken
16:15 - 17:15 - AI risico’s en kansen
17:15 - 18:00 - Eten
18:00 - 18:45 - Fraude fabriek
We zien je graag op de Techday!
[Arnhem] English subs: The President’s Cake
\# This meetup is around a third\-party organizer\, Focus Filmtheater\. You can either purchase your ticket online or right before the session\. **Seats are numbered**. #
**Title**: The President’s Cake
**Language**: Arabic
**Subtitles**: English
**Length**: 106 min
**Director**: Hasan Hadi
**More info**: https://www.focusarnhem.nl/agenda/english-subs-the-presidents-cake/
**Ticket link**: https://www.focusarnhem.nl/tickets/144299/
**Synopsis:**
In poverty-stricken 1990s Iraq, young Lamia is selected to prepare a cake for the President’s birthday. Because basic ingredients are hard to find, Lamia goes on a journey in search of eggs, flour and sugar. It becomes a tender, tragicomic odyssey, offering a child-eye’s view of life under authoritarianism.
Hasan Hadi’s affecting debut feature follows 9-year-old Lamia. She is tasked with bringing a cake to school for the President’s mandatory birthday celebration. Against a backdrop of crippling poverty and food shortages, she journeys from her marshland home to a nearby city in search of ingredients. Coming along with her are her grandmother Bibi, her best friend Saeed and her beloved pet rooster Hindi.
Shot on location in Iraq with nonprofessional actors, this tender, tragicomic odyssey offers a poignant child’s-eye view of life under authoritarian rule. The film was inspired by Hasan Hadi’s childhood memories of 1990s Iraq under Saddam Hussein, and was awarded the Caméra d’Or at Cannes for best first feature.
**How it works**:
I will be at Focus around 18:30, where we can meet before the movie starts. You can message me to find us. Screening starts at 19:00. After the movie, we can have a drink together.
Hope to see you soon!
You & Your Brand: A Casual Sharing Time for Business Owners (online)
**RSVP here via EventBrite [here](https://www.eventbrite.nl/e/you-and-your-brand-a-casual-networking-hour-tickets-1984283125243).**
Expand your visibility.
Join a casual online time to share about you, your brand and business, and learn more about other business owners, locally and globally. Share upcoming events and workshops, too.
After each business owner gets the spotlight to share, we then move into a topic-oriented discussion. This month, the topic is begin chosen by [Isabella Maria Noguera, MSc](https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabellamarianoguera/) over of Be Your Brand Consulting.
Every session closes with gratitude and a creative activity, so have a pen and paper, tablet, or something available in case we write/create/draw.
**RSVP here via EventBrite [here](https://www.eventbrite.nl/e/you-and-your-brand-a-casual-networking-hour-tickets-1984283125243).**
*-*
*\*\*\*The only requirements are a minimum age of 18 years old, be a business owner or preparing to launch,*
*and **at least three attendees** register to make it a worthwhile hour for everyone.\*\*\**
City Walks Evenementen Bij Jou In De Buurt
Maak contact met je lokale City Walks-community
Creekside Hike
Join us this Thursday at 6:30 pm for a nice hike along the Big Walnut Trail along the Gahanna golf course, circling Creekside and back. This 2 mile hike is fully paved and a beautiful walk through the heart of Gahanna.
Walk & Talk About Life's Big Questions
[The Board Walks](http://www.theboardwalks.com/) are for curious people who love deep conversations.
If that sounds like you, **bring a thoughtful topic** and join us for a 5-mile walk (10,000+ steps!).
**HOW IT WORKS**
**Step 1: Bring a topic**
Before you arrive, think of **one** topic you want to explore. A question. A thought that's been on your mind. An obsession you want to geek out on. This is your ticket to the event.
**Step 2: Circle up & share**
We gather in a circle. Your friendly walk host gives a speech to set the tone. Everyone shares: your name, what you're grateful for, and your topic. That's it. 60 seconds.
**Step 3: Walk, talk & float**
We walk 5 miles. You naturally drift into conversation with 2-3 people at a time, pulled by topics that spark your curiosity. When you're ready to move on, just say: "I'm going to float!"
**Step 4: Feel more alive**
Two hours flies by. You're back where you started — but you feel different. More alive. More energized. More connected to yourself and others. That's why regulars join 20+ times.
*For more details, read our [Orientation Guide.](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation)*
**HOW TO BRING A GREAT TOPIC**
A great topic = something you're genuinely curious about.
Recent topics include:
* "What are you passionate about right now?"
* "What makes a good friend?"
* "What's a belief you used to hold that you've completely changed?"
* "How do you want to be remembered?"
* "What would you do if money wasn't a factor?"
Think of your topic like the dish you're bringing to our conversational potluck. If everyone brings an A+ dish (i.e. energizing, uplifting, expansive), we'll all walk away feeling lighter and brighter.
**WHAT TO EXPECT**
This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together, beyond small talk. *If you're looking for light banter or a standard networking event, this probably isn't the right fit.*
But if you crave depth, genuine connection, and conversations that make you feel alive? You'll love it here.
**FAQ**
* Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk!
* We have multiple first-timers at each event. We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space.
* We welcome people of **all** ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this space.
* Rain or shine, we've been out here nearly every week since July 2022. If the event is cancelled, we'll let you know.
* Dogs, babies in strollers, parents, and friends are welcome — please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic!
**LOGISTICS**
* If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we suggest skipping the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and your host can't answer messages during the event.
* This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). This format works best when the whole group moves in unison. If you have mobility limitations, we kindly encourage you to find an event better suited to your needs.
* There's a restroom along the route at [Tuttle Park Community Center](https://maps.app.goo.gl/KTZJgLE1CrrbRNmJ7), which is about two‑thirds of the way from [Clinton-Como Park](https://maps.app.goo.gl/z8Cx8evwLiWundMe8) to our [turnback point](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZXk7qUVszLQ8EJxHA).
* Read our [Orientation Guide](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation) for full details.
* If you enjoy the event, send **[this](http://www.theboardwalks.com/)** to a friend or sign up for our **[newsletter](https://theboardwalks.beehiiv.com/)**. We're in multiple cities with more on the way. 🤠👋
**IF YOU WANT TO GO DEEPER...**
[The Board](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board) is the next step: a high-trust collective for renaissance people devoted to creating, connecting, and building lives that light us up.
* This is a global HQ for people who crave big talk, deep connection, and dream collaborations with people across industries. If the walks feel like a spark... The Board is the fire. Apply [here](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board).
Two For Tuesday : Social walk and Duckpin (option)
**Not everyone will come. That is exactly why you should.**
**Two for Tuesdays** is for the people who actually want to get out and do something instead of just talking about it. We’re kicking off the night with a one-hour social walk before Duckpin Social.
**Expect a laid-back** But an Intentional 1 hour walk (2-3 miles), good people, and a better way to spend your Tuesday than staying home and doing the same thing you always do.
**If the weather does not cooperate, we’ll move indoors.**
**This is a paid event.** A small contribution helps keeps events sustainable and ensures those **who RSVP actually show up.**
Payment **Link Found in comments** or you can pay on Venmo, Paypal, @WiseUnlimitedLLC or Cashapp $WiseUnlimitedLLC.
Walk RSVP **$2**
Walk / DuckPin Social **$5**
Walk / DuckPin Social + 1 game of duckpin **$12**
Please be sure **to Put Event and Event Date** in the note when paying RSVP Fee
Worthington's Sip n Stroll!
Come hang out to shop, sip + stroll through [Old Worthington](http://www.experienceworthington.com/)\- an outdoor event along the sidewalks of High St to kickoff the summer shopping season\. The shops will be open late\, store fronts will be decorated and people will be out on the town ready to start spreading warm weather cheer\!\!
**START**: (6pm and earlier) at Graeters Ice Cream shop in the heart of it all.
**NEXT**: about 6:15pm, we'll take a stroll and shop merch and homemade food tents. I'd love to introduce you to a new cafe, [Joyas](https://www.eatatjoyas.com/), along the stroll! (It will be too busy for us all to sit and eat so I'd recommend ordering to go)
**FINALLY**: about 7pm, we'll settle in at House Wine (next to Graeters) for wine sampling and to enjoy our fresh eats!
**PARKING**: Free Public Parking behind House Wine, behind Joyas and street parking.
Columbus Museum of Art, Free Admission Sundays
Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.
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.






















![[Arnhem] English subs: The President’s Cake](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/c/2/7/8/highres_534229784.webp?w=640)






