Altered Art

[English below] Prenez votre carnet, vos crayons, vos aquarelles, vos pastels ou tout autres ustensiles et venez profiter d'une séance de croquis en plein air dans le beau cadre du jardin du Luxembourg - entre les allées ombragées, les parterres de fleurs, les statues et les figures des visiteurs, vous n'aures pas de mal à trouver votre sujet, et les fameuses chaises vertes du Jardin nous permettrons de nous installer confortablement en groupe. Tous niveaux bienvenus ! Le matériel n'est pas fourni. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Grab your sketchbook, pencils, watercolours, pastels or any other art supplies and come enjoy an outdoor sketching session in the beautiful setting of the Jardin du Luxembourg – amongst the shaded paths, flowerbeds, statues and passers-by, you’ll have no trouble finding a subject, and the garden’s famous green chairs will allow us to settle down comfortably as a group. All levels welcome! Materials are not provided.

🔥 Friendly Art gallery Crawl of Paris🍹🍸☀️✨ Please take a moment to read this full description for all details. Meeting point below 👇 \-\-\- 📍 ✨ New Official WhatsApp Group ✨ : We’ve opened a fresh & secure group for all 👉 Join here : https://chat.whatsapp.com/Kvvw9pO4hGZEGSodSZXjhY?mode=gi_t ⚡ Stay updated on: Upcoming gallery crawls After-events vibes 👉To be accepted fastly from the waiting list, please write: “I’m not a robot” 🤖😉) We’ll also share live updates during the tour in this group. \-\-\- 👋 WHAT IS IT? An Art Gallery Crawl — a friendly evening tour of art openings where you get to: ✨ Explore contemporary art ✨ Meet the artists in person ✨ Connect with international & local friendly people \-\-\- 🌎 WHO IS IT FOR? Perfect for anyone who: \- Loves discovering contemporary art in a fun & social way \- Is curious and enjoys unique cultural experiences Wants to explore Paris, the City of Lights, differently \-\-\- 🕖 WHEN? Every Saturday evening (+ occasional mid-week specials). Each tour is unique, with new exhibitions & artists every time. 👉 . (Explanations OF artists will be in english or sometimes in french) \-\-\- 🚩 PROGRAM OF THE DAy 3 art Steps 🎨✨ 3 art opening exhibitions with artists exhibiting in art galeries, MEET US at 5.55pm at : \- 16 Rue des Rosiers\, 75004 Paris Metro Saint Paul line 1 Google Maps link : https://maps.app.goo.gl/TLUHXcL7cwn7mWGz7 ⏱️ Departure for the next gallery: 6.35pM (note: No possible to join us after this first step ) ❗ Don’t go inside without the host – wait at the entrance. If you’re late: 📲 Text only: +33 6 24 73 13 32 or check the new WhatsApp group. \-\-\- 🔍 HOW TO FIND US? We’ll meet in front of the door of the exhibition. Look for the red & white Meetup badge around the host’s neck. \-\-\- ✅ RECOMMENDATIONS : 👟 Wear comfortable shoes 👕 Dress code: Come as you are ! 😉 🚲 Please avoid scooters, bikes, or cars – we walk together. ☔ Rain or shine, the tour goes on 💪. 👜 Please don’t bring big bags (to be careful with the artworks) \-\-\- 💶 FEE : \- 15 euros on site \(cash only\) for the full tour\. * This fee will be asked to pay the organisation of the tour . * 💡 Please prepare exact cash in advance to avoid delays. * 🍷Free Drinks provided . \-\-\- 📌 IMPORTANT NOTES : ❌ Cancellation: If you can’t attend, please unsubscribe & message the organizer. 📸 Photos may be taken during the tour. If you prefer not to appear, let us know in advance before the tour . \-\-\- ❤️ JOIN THE COMMUNITY : 📍 New WhatsApp group 👉 Join here https://chat.whatsapp.com/Kvvw9pO4hGZEGSodSZXjhY?mode=gi_t Let’s keep exploring & connecting through art together. See you soon! Your Art Social Circuit team 👍

Portrait/Nu Dessin et peinture d'après modèle vivant! Dans le 11ème à Paris tous les niveaux sont les bienvenus, vous pouvez visiter notre site pour plus d'infos ou de questions http://www.conservatoiredessinpeintureparis.com ou 06 22 14 87 36 Portrait and nude Life drawing and painting session in our new studio All levels are welcome, for more info : 00 33 6 14 87 36 or http://www.conservatoiredessinpeintureparis.com https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/c/7/5/e/600_466311038.jpeg https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/c/7/4/e/600_466311022.jpeg https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/c/7/5/3/600_466311027.jpeg https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/c/7/5/6/600_466311030.jpeg https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/c/7/4/c/600_466311020.jpeg https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/2/9/0/600_465937520.jpeg https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/2/c/f/600_465937583.jpeg https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/2/8/5/600_453813413.jpeg https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/2/9/3/600_453813427.jpeg https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/2/a/e/600_453813454.jpeg https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/5/3/7/c/600_439941372.jpeg https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/5/3/5/6/600_439941334.jpeg https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/5/3/b/a/600_439941434.jpeg https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/5/3/e/6/600_439941478.jpeg https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/6/e/a/600_436906826.jpeg https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/7/a/5/600_436907013.jpeg https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/7/a/b/600_436907019.jpeg https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/5/4/5/5/600_439941589.jpeg https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/5/5/d/0/600_439941968.jpeg

5 places maximum pour préserver un espace intime 📩 Réservation par message privé 💫 Confirmation après échange Et si vous veniez créer sans pression ? Un espace pour déposer, explorer, respirer. L’atelier invite à peindre librement, sans technique imposée ni objectif de résultat. Il s’agit d’explorer le geste, la couleur et la matière, d’expérimenter et de laisser émerger ce qui vient, dans un cadre bienveillant et respectueux. Aucune compétence artistique n’est requise. Cet atelier s’adresse à toute personne curieuse de créer autrement et de s’accorder un temps hors du quotidien. Le matériel est fourni (toiles, peintures, outils). Chacun repart avec sa création. ⸻ À qui s’adresse cet atelier ? • À celles et ceux qui souhaitent explorer leur créativité sans pression • Aux personnes débutantes comme aux plus habituées • À toute personne ayant envie d’un moment créatif, simple et inspirant ⸻ Mon approche Artiste autodidacte, je conçois la peinture comme un espace de liberté et d’exploration personnelle. Cet atelier est pensé comme un laboratoire d’expression, sans attente ni jugement, où l’on vient simplement expérimenter et créer. ⸻ Infos pratiques • 📍 Lieu : Boulogne Billancourt (adresse précisée après inscription) • ⏳ Durée : 1h30 à 2h • 🎨 Matériel fourni • 👥 Groupe en petit comité

C’est un moment simple pour dessiner ensemble, tous niveaux bienvenus. Je serai là pour guider un peu si besoin. ✏️ Amenez votre matériel (papier, encre, feutre) Si ça t’intéresse, tu es le/la bienvenu(e) 🙂 👉 Rejoins notre groupe WhatsApp pour plus de détails, les nouveautés et toutes les infos pratiques : https://chat.whatsapp.com/D7kcVcXndwZIXbuKpj8TT0?mode=gi_t Mon TikTok avec des astuces de dessin : https://www.tiktok.com/@m_art.marta P.S. Sympa l’idée de prolonger la rencontre autour d’un verre ! 🍷

🎉 PARIS PUB CRAWL UTLTIMATE NIGHTLIFE EXPERIENCE! 🍻 [Book Now via this link ](https://rivierabarcrawltours.com/tour/pub-crawl-paris/) 🌟 Join the best bar crawl in Paris' Latin Quarter! Meet travelers, expats, solo travelers and locals for an unforgettable night of fun. Our friendly guides ensure everyone feels welcome and included! Walk through the historic streets, discover amazing venues, and turn strangers into friends! Every night is a new adventure with people from around the world! 🌍 💰 EARLY BIRD DEALS LIMITED SPACES\* * 19,90€ Online * 25€ on the Spot\* * Except Special Dates New Year Eve Halloween... 🕒 MEETING POINT: 📍 RoadHouse, 27 Rue de la Huchette, 75005 Paris ⏰ 8:30PM (20H30) 👕 Look for guides in RED t-shirts! 🔥 YOUR NIGHT INCLUDES: WEEKENDS: \- 3 Epic Bars \+ 1 Club ✨ PACKAGE INCLUDES: \- 🎟️ FREE Entry All Venues \- 🥃 Shots \- 💰 Special Drink Deals \- 🎮 Fun Party Games \- 🌍 International Crowd \- 🤝 Solo Traveler Friendly\! ⚠️ IMPORTANT INFO: \- 🪪 Photo ID REQUIRED \- 👔 Smart Casual Dress Code \- ❌ No flip\-flops or tank tops \- 👥 Minimum 15 people GUARANTEED every night\! 📱 FOLLOW THE FUN: \- Instagram: @rivierabarcrawlparis \- Facebook: Riviera Bar Crawl Paris 📞 QUESTIONS ? \- WhatsApp: \+33 649 244 407 \- Email: [info@rivierabarcrawltours.com](mailto:info@rivierabarcrawltours.com) 🔍 Can't find us? Ask the bar staff! 🎟️ BOOK NOW: [rivierabarcrawltours.com](http://rivierabarcrawltours.com/) Join Paris' Biggest Party Squad! 🌟 Don't worry if you see few bookings - we partner with multiple platforms (Meetup & others) to ensure an amazing crowd every night! 🎉

5 places maximum pour préserver un espace intime 📩 Réservation par message privé 💫 Confirmation après échange Et si vous veniez créer sans pression ? Un espace pour déposer, explorer, respirer. L’atelier invite à peindre librement, sans technique imposée ni objectif de résultat. Il s’agit d’explorer le geste, la couleur et la matière, d’expérimenter et de laisser émerger ce qui vient, dans un cadre bienveillant et respectueux. Aucune compétence artistique n’est requise. Cet atelier s’adresse à toute personne curieuse de créer autrement et de s’accorder un temps hors du quotidien. Le matériel est fourni (toiles, peintures, outils). Chacun repart avec sa création. ⸻ À qui s’adresse cet atelier ? • À celles et ceux qui souhaitent explorer leur créativité sans pression • Aux personnes débutantes comme aux plus habituées • À toute personne ayant envie d’un moment créatif, simple et inspirant ⸻ Mon approche Artiste autodidacte, je conçois la peinture comme un espace de liberté et d’exploration personnelle. Cet atelier est pensé comme un laboratoire d’expression, sans attente ni jugement, où l’on vient simplement expérimenter et créer. ⸻ Infos pratiques • 📍 Lieu : Boulogne Billancourt (adresse précisée après inscription) • ⏳ Durée : 1h30 à 2h • 🎨 Matériel fourni • 👥 Groupe en petit comité

Bonjour à toutes et à tous, Et si vous découvriez Paris autrement... à travers les yeux des artistes ? 🎨✨ Je vous emmène pour une balade artistique au cœur de la ville, avec une quarantaine de reproductions de tableaux… à l’endroit où ils ont été peints. Oui, vraiment 👀 Au fil du parcours, vous allez voir apparaître un autre Paris : celui des ateliers, des grandes commandes… et des artistes qui ont cassé les codes. 👉 Départ près de l’Île de la Cité, là où vivaient les premiers enlumineurs 👉 Passage par le Louvre, ancienne résidence d’artistes 👉 Balade dans les Tuileries, vues à travers leur regard 👉 Et fin dans une galerie rive gauche, avec un(e) artiste contemporain(e) Une visite vivante, accessible et pleine de surprises — même si vous pensez “ne rien connaître à l’art” 😉 👉 Départ : 49 quai des Grands Augustins, 75006 Paris 🕐 Durée : 1h30 👥 6 personnes max 🎟️ Prix : 25 € Visite en français (an English-language tour is in preparation, stay tuned !) Pour d'autres dates : https://my.weezevent.com/visite-guidee-paris-vu-par-les-peintres Pour plus d'infos : https://www.parispeinture.com/ Au plaisir de vous retrouver pour cette balade artistique ! Anne

Join us for an untutored life drawing session with a male model. The session starts with brief warm-up poses of two minutes, followed by a series of 5-25 minute poses. Our models are professional fine art models affiliated with the Beaux-Arts de Paris, Académie de la Grande Chaumière and other Parisian life drawing ateliers. Please bring your preferred art materials. After the session, we come together for a relaxed drink and chat. It's a chance to share your drawings from the session and discuss drawing tips & techniques. You can also connect with fellow artists, exchange contacts, and promote your artistic projects. Please see a detailed schedule below: 5 poses x 2 minutes 3 poses x 5 minutes 2 poses x 10 minutes Break 15 minutes 1 pose x 25 minutes 2 poses x 10 minutes Break 5 minutes Networking (30 minutes) All media are allowed, including pastels, ink, watercolor, or paint. No easels provided. While we recommend bringing your own art supplies, a basic drawing materials set (A4 paper, soft graphite pencil, charcoal stick, and an eraser) is available for purchase at €5. Please notify us in advance if you'd like to purchase the set, and we'll have it ready for you at the session. We kindly ask everyone to RSVP to secure their spot. If you haven't booked, we reserve the right to deny participation if the session is full. For any questions about a specific session, feel free to contact us via Meetup or email your host / organizer at deni@lifedrawingmontmartre.com or maria@lifedrawingmontmartre.com IMPORTANT: We offer a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the event. Refunds are not issued automatically, so please send us a short message via Meetup or email maria@lifedrawingmontmartre.com to request a refund after cancellation. / Atelier libre de dessin d'après modèle vivant avec avec un modèle masculin. Chaque session commence avec des poses d’échauffement, croquis de deux minutes, puis une série de poses de 5 à 25 minutes. Tous les niveaux sont admis ! Les participants doivent amener leurs propres fournitures (papier, crayons, pinceaux, etc). Pour réserver votre place, veuillez payer en ligne. \* Nous offrons un remboursement complet si vous annulez au moins 1 jours avant l’événement. Paintings by Suzanne Valadon, Amedeo Modigliani, Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, Tamara Lempicka, Jean-Léon Gérôme, Henri Matisse.

Ce dimanche nous visitons le musée du Quai Branly et ses jardins (s'il ne pleut pas !). Rendez vous à 14h30 sous le préau devant les billetteries du musée. Apportez votre matériel de dessin, votre carnet de croquis. Tous niveaux bienvenus. Si vous êtes en retard pas de soucis. A 17h, nous nous retrouverons au point de rendez-vous initial pour aller prendre un café ensemble, discuter et partager nos dessins. This Sunday we visit the Quai Branly museum and its gardens (if it doesn't rain!). Meet at 2:30 p.m. under the courtyard in front of the museum ticket offices. Bring your drawing materials, your sketchbook. All levels welcome. If you are late, no worries. At 5 p.m., we will meet at the initial meeting point to have a coffee together, chat and share our drawings.

⚠️ Vous n'avez pas besoin de payer en avance. En cas de problème d'inscription merci de me contacter par message privé. L'application meetup a quelques bugs. ⚠️ L'adresse exacte est envoyée par message privé uniquement. Merci de me confirmer votre présence par message si c'est votre première fois 😊👍 Bonjour, Je souhaite partager ma passion avec ceux qui ont hésité à franchir le premier pas et qui aimeraient découvrir le monde fantastique et paisible des aquarelles. Les débutants qui veulent s'initier aux bases de l'aquarelle sont les bienvenus. L'objectif est bien sûr d'apprendre, mais je l'oriente surtout vers la recherche de son propre style et d'un moment de convivialité autour d'un café et de biscuits. Je vous propose de venir dans mon atelier à Vincennes pour prendre des cours d'aquarelle de 2h dans un cadre agréable et créatif. (métro 1 ou rer A) Je fournis tout le matériel nécessaire. La séance est à 22€. Pour plus d'info : Instagram : www.instagram.com/wildlittlemango Facebook : Wild Little Mango YouTube : www.youtube.com/channel/UCUBj7wQgPx5blqYFv5S0Z3w N'hésitez pas à me contacter pour plus de renseignements. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ⚠️ If you have any difficulties registering, please contact me by private message. The meetup app encounters a lot of bugs 🙁 ⚠️ Hello, I want to share the passion I have for watercolor with people who want an initiation of this fantastic and peaceful art. The purpose is to learn the basic technical skill but the main part is to find its own style of pouring the colour into a nice time around cakes and coffees (or tea). The session costs 22€. I can invite you in my personal workshop in Vincennes (métro 1 or rer A) for 2h of creativity. All watercolor supplies is provided, just bring your smile :) You can also check my gallery at : my Instagram : www.instagram.com/wildlittlemango my Facebook page : Wild little mango my Youtube channel : www.youtube.com/channel/UCUBj7wQgPx5blqYFv5S0Z3w Do not hesitate to contact me for further information. Julie

Capture **Brutalist Architecture in Paris (16th Arrondissement)** Walk, shoot, and connect with photographers & creators. Beginners, enthusiasts, and pros — all are welcome. –––––––––– EVENT DETAILS **Date:** 16.05.2026 **Time:** 17:30 – 19:30 **Meeting Point:** [Le Monument Aux Morts De Paul Landowski](https://maps.app.goo.gl/uDfw9zi2mtYm6sQd9) –––––––––– EVENT FLOW **17:30** \| Meet & Connect We’ll gather at the meeting point, introduce ourselves, and warm up creatively. **17:50** \| Main Walk \(Golden Hour\) Capturing different Brutalist Buildings, Reflections and Structures. **19:30** → Optional dinner or drinks nearby. –––––––––– IMPORTANT This isn’t a class. It’s not a tour. It’s a creative meetup. We’ll walk. We’ll shoot. We’ll connect. –––––––––– WHAT TO EXPECT Bring your: • Film camera • Digital camera • Smartphone • Curiosity Whether you're a beginner, seasoned photographer, content creator, or just creatively curious — you’re welcome here. Come solo or bring friends. Spots are limited — reserve your place ASAP. –––––––––– **STAY CONNECTED** 📍 Join our [WhatsApp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EyCHL9D1uLf46I11oPmegs?mode=gi_t) group for live location & updates. 📸 Follow [@takeaphotowalkcommunity](https://www.instagram.com/takeaphotowalkcommunity/) and tag us in your photos. –––––––––– **ABOUT TAKE A PHOTO WALK** Founded in Barcelona in July 2024, Take a Photo Walk connects photographers and creators around the world through real-life creative experiences. Now **Paris** is part of the story.

**Némo Biennial 2025 is back in Paris and across Île-de-France! 🌟** This major event dedicated to contemporary and digital art explores the connections between the real, the virtual, and the imaginary. Expect immersive installations, audiovisual performances, and unique interactive experiences that push the boundaries of creativity. **What’s on the program?** • Artworks and devices that blur the line between humans and machines 🤖 • Captivating sensory and visual performances 🎭 • Innovative creations from artists, designers, and researchers from around the world 🌍 We will be visiting exhibitions at **CENTQUATRE-PARIS**, one of the key venues of this edition. It will be a great moment to share impressions, discuss the artworks, and enjoy an inspiring collective experience together. 💫 More information: [https://www.biennalenemo.fr/](https://www.biennalenemo.fr/) **Want to get more involved?** Become a **co-organizer, event organizer, or assistant organizer** and help plan the outing, suggest ideas, or give a hand so everything runs smoothly. 📩 **How to participate**: Just reply directly to this message on Meetup and let us know your interests or availability. Let’s organize everything together to make this an unforgettable experience! 💫 **Spread the word!** If you have friends or colleagues who might enjoy this kind of cultural outing, invite them to join our Meetup group! The more passionate people we have, the more fun, lively, and inspiring our experiences become. 🎊 See you soon, **The Art&More Team**

Join us for a revitalizing late morning of wellness and connection in the heart of the 10th arrondissement of Paris! Begin your experience with an introduction to the concept and space, where you'll learn about the inspiration behind this vibrant studio dedicated to pilates on the mat and on reformer. Next, one of the studio’s expert coaches will guide you through a 50-minute reformer pilates session, suitable for all levels. Don’t forget your grip socks—they’re essential for the class! (You can bring your own or purchase some at the studio.) After the session, gather in the cozy coffee shop area for an opening circle while savouring a delicious drink as you connect with friends. 💫 **Les Amis** is a women-only community of friendly souls. We provide access to hundreds of experiences that explore your passions and connect you with other event participants. **Check our website to learn more, and apply to join our community and events**: [lesamis.cc/apply](https://www.lesamis.cc/apply)

Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.

We are a real world Martial arts group. \ Called DO JUNG ISHU (the art of fighting) \ Based off of Jeet kune do we just continued where Bruce Lee left off. \ We have been around a while. \ Every week we get together and work technical skills and full contact spar. \ Almost all of the instructors have been in everything from street fights to the ring and some still compete in cage fighting. \ If you want to take your skills up, improve your confidence, gain self defense skills, get in better shape, test yourself or just want to kill some time and possibly get hit a bit come on down. \ We will be located at 3923 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214 Outside in the grass between the playground and horseshoe area. our instructors are normally in a black and red art of fighting shirt \ if you can not find us call or text me at 6143570295 Saturday 1:30pm Wednesday 5:45pm From Age 16 and up. attendees under the age of 18 must have a guardian with them. \ Wear workout clothes. \ Bring a MOUTHPIECE! \ WE HAVE GLOVES. \ $10 per class $5 per class if you are wearing a club shirt Club shirts are $25 Hope to see you soon. \ let me know if you have any questions :)

NFT's are here to stay folks! This is a group for like minded people interested in understanding, leveraging, using, creating for, profiting from, trading too i suppose, NFT's.. everything around them, complexity, fear and exploits, best practices and more. **PLUS** This group will talk AI ART tools, techniques, artists, video, audio, prototypes and more in the AI assisted production space- ART specifically, but we can get into any aspect of some of the cooler things happening in AI in general.

We are a real world Martial arts group. \ Called DO JUNG ISHU (the art of fighting) \ Based off of Jeet kune do we just continued where Bruce Lee left off. \ We have been around a while. \ Every week we get together and work technical skills and full contact spar. \ Almost all of the instructors have been in everything from street fights to the ring and some still compete in cage fighting. \ If you want to take your skills up, improve your confidence, gain self defense skills, get in better shape, test yourself or just want to kill some time and possibly get hit a bit come on down. \ We will be located at 3923 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214 Outside in the grass between the playground and horseshoe area. our instructors are normally in a black and red art of fighting shirt \ if you can not find us call or text me at 6143570295 Saturday 1:30pm Wednesday 5:45pm From Age 16 and up. attendees under the age of 18 must have a guardian with them. \ Wear workout clothes. \ Bring a MOUTHPIECE! \ WE HAVE GLOVES. \ $10 per class $5 per class if you are wearing a club shirt Club shirts are $25 Hope to see you soon. \ let me know if you have any questions :)

**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.