Roller Coasters

This month we will get together at Teerenpeli in the centre of Helsinki. This will be an informal get together and everyone is welcome! Please note that there is no formal agenda (or presentations), and everyone is free to bring up topics they’d like to discuss. For those of you who are attending for the first time, this will be a perfect opportunity for you to meet some of the members of the community. The meetup starts at 17:30. You’ll find us at a table with the WordPress logo. As always, bring your laptops along if you need help with any WordPress related issues. There are always people there who will be able to help you or point you in the right direction. \-\-\- The WordPress Helsinki meetup group aims to bring together people of all skill levels, from beginners to WordPress professionals. If you have any questions, leave a comment or contact us directly here on [Meetup](https://www.meetup.com/wphelsinki/discussions/). You can also find us on [LinkedIN](https://fi.linkedin.com/company/wordpress-finland) and [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/WPHelsinki/). If you prefer a more direct approach, you can find most of the community members on the #meetups-helsinki channel on [WordPress Finland Slack](https://fi.wordpress.org/chat/). **Talks** If you’d like to speak at an upcoming meetup or suggest some topics you’d like to hear about, leave a comment on our [meetup board](https://www.meetup.com/wphelsinki/discussions/) or contact us on the #meetups-helsinki channel on Slack. **Slack** The local Finnish Slack community is a great place to meet other WordPress enthusiasts online and get help and advice with WordPress-related issues. We’ve written a brief introduction on our meetup page if you’re interested in joining: [https://fi.wordpress.org/chat/](https://fi.wordpress.org/chat/) **Sponsorship** Our meetups are run by volunteers and could always use some support from the professional community. If your company is interested in sponsoring an upcoming meetup or hearing more about it, leave a message on the #meetups-helsinki channel on Slack or contact us directly through our meetup page. **Meetups in other cities in Finland** [Jyväskylä](http://meetup.com/Jyvaskyla-WordPress-Meetup/) [Seinäjoki](https://www.meetup.com/Seinajoki-WordPress-Meetup/) [Tampere](http://meetup.com/Tampere-WordPress-Meetup/) [Turku](http://meetup.com/Turku-WordPress-Meetup/)

**All are welcome**, wherever you are in your running/walking journey! We meet at Lapinlahti’s sauna, and the run begins promptly at 6:00 PM. **Please arrive early to get ready.** * There is a changing room, a few lockers, and a bathroom available. * We will run from the sauna to the Sibelius Monument and back — a total distance of 6–6.5 km. * The sauna house will be locked while we are out running. * After the run, we will swim, hang out, and enjoy the sauna until **8:00 PM**. * We kindly ask everyone to leave by 8:00 PM. * **To ensure fair participation, if you are no longer able to join, please cancel at least 3 hours in advance so individuals on the waitlist may attend.** * *Zero Tolerance for Harassment* **Hosted by: Nia & Olli** Contact: Nia – +358 408223934 **HOW TO FIND US:** When arriving at the main gates of Lapinlahden Lähde, turn right and head towards the water. Lapinlahti's sauna is located halfway between the yellow main building and the red Venetsia building We want everyone to feel welcome and safe. **By participating, you agree to:** • Respect others – Be mindful of personal boundaries, privacy, and consent. • Listen actively – Give space for all voices and avoid dominating conversations. • Use inclusive language – Avoid offensive, discriminatory, or exclusionary remarks. • Be considerate in the sauna – Some people may prefer quiet or need space. • Address issues kindly – If a problem arises, bring it up respectfully or with the hosts. Tervetuloa Run to Saunaan! Tapaamme Lapinlahden saunalla ja lähdemme juoksemaan noin kello 18.00. Tulethan ajoissa! • Käytössä on pukuhuone, lokeroita ja vessat. • Juoksemme saunalta Sibelius-monumentille ja takaisin. Kokonaismatka on noin 6-6,5 km. • Sauna on lukossa juoksun ajan. Juoksun jälkeen saunomme, uimme ja vietämme aikaa yhdessä kello 20.00 saakka. Kello 20.00 jälkeen meidän täytyy poistua. Tapahtuman järjestävät: Nia ja Olli Voit soittaa Nialle: +358 408223934 MITEN MEIDÄT LÖYTÄÄ: Kun saavut Lapinlahden Lähteen pääporteille, käänny oikealle kohti merta. Lapinlahden sauna on keltaisen päärakennuksen ja punaisen Venetsia-rakennuksen puolivälissä. Haluamme, että kaikilla on turvallinen olo. Run to Sauna -tapahtumissa noudatamme seuraavia periaatteita: • Kunnioitamme toistemme rajoja ja yksityisyyttä. • Annamme kaikille tilaa osallistua keskusteluun. • Puhumme kaikista ihmisistä ja ihmisryhmistä kunnioittavasti. • Olemme ystävällisiä toisillemme. • Ongelmatapauksissa voit kääntyä ohjaajien puoleen. **MIITTI’s Principles for safer space:** MIITTI wants to nourish a safe and pleasant environment for everyone, where everyone can feel safe as themselves. By joining as a volunteer, employee or participant of the event or activity, you agree to follow the guidelines below *Non-discrimination* I do not make assumptions about people based on their external characteristics or names. I treat all participants with respect, and I don’t use language or take actions that discriminate based on race, gender, sexuality, disability, age, religion, or any other characteristic. I respect pronouns and names. *Boundaries* I respect others' personal space and boundaries, both physical and mental. I acknowledge that I cannot know someone else's boundaries without asking first. I ask before touching. I listen to others and adapt my behavior if someone indicates that my behavior makes them feel uncomfortable. *Creating Safe Environment* Everyone is responsible for contributing to a safe and respectful environment. If I witness harassment, I do my part to support those who experience inappropriate or offensive treatment. *Zero Tolerance for Harassment* Our space upholds a strict zero-tolerance policy towards any form of harassment. Harassment, whether verbal, physical, or online, will not be tolerated. If you experience or witness inappropriate behavior or harassment at our events, please report it to the MIITTI or Lapinlahden Lähde staff. If you want to be part of the MIITTI community, follow us on our other platforms: IG: [instagram.com/miitti1](http://instagram.com/miitti1) Facebook: [facebook.com/miitti1](http://facebook.com/miitti1) Web: [lapinlahdenlahde.fi/projekti/miitti](http://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/projekti/miitti) Whatsapp: Join our Whatsapp community network to join your favourite group and stay connected with the other members! When you participate in one of our groups or events, just ask the group facilitator to add you to the community!

Språkcaféet är en öppen diskussionsgrupp för dig som är intresserad av att öva svenska. Välkommen till Oodi för att samtala på svenska, dricka te, lära känna nya människor och utveckla dina språkkunskaper. Tröskeln är låg alla är välkomna till språkcaféet. Vi träffas på andra våningen i grupprum 7. Språkcaféet ordnas i samarbete med Föreningen Luckan. NÄR? Varje onsdag från 28 januari till 1 juli 2026, kl. 17.30–19.00 VAR? Tölöviksgatan 4 / Helsingfors centrumbibliotek Oodi Grupprum 7, våning 2 HUR? Gratis, men antalet platser är begränsattill 20 personer – säkra din plats i tid. Läs mer här: [https://helmet.finna.fi/FeedContent/LinkedEvents?id=helsinki:agilmfuur4](https://helmet.finna.fi/FeedContent/LinkedEvents?id=helsinki%3Aagilmfuur4&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBEyOXJVem4wcG9zTFNnWkZhb3NydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7oA9f7wT-vg1TTAOolBX-DIa5v2kNy3WWYaRoGIQ61b0FwKnNRIpM8iS_SNA_aem_3IiwBU4uC18LCxtcZztCzQ) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- The Language Café is an open discussion group for people interested in practicing Swedish. Come to Ode to discuss in Swedish, drink tea, get to know new people and practice your language skills. We have a low threshold, everyone is welcome to the language café and we meet on the second floor in group room 7. The language café is organised in cooperation with Föreningen Luckan. WHEN? Every Wednesday starting 28th Jan - 1st July 2026 from 17.30-19.00 WHERE? Tölöviksgatan 4 / Helsinki Central Library Oodi, Group room 7, second floor HOW? Free, however, the space is limited to 20 people so make sure to grab a seat. Read more here: [https://helmet.finna.fi/FeedContent/LinkedEvents?id=helsinki:agilmfuur4](https://helmet.finna.fi/FeedContent/LinkedEvents?id=helsinki%3Aagilmfuur4&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBEyOXJVem4wcG9zTFNnWkZhb3NydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5tA7X3DwdnHkLD_aFYiMP70HkHr0Sb51r5vMwwTnCaNWoZQI38y7VBcXHTqQ_aem_ankM-3hEAv-lqwS8R76POA)

Zurihac shirts, or other Haskell events paraphernalia mark the spot! :D You're invited to Haskell Office Hours, a laid-back meetup where you can ask questions, get help setting up the Haskell toolchain, or just hang out with fellow Haskellers. This meetup is geared for newcomers, but experts are also welcome to show up and join in the knowledge-sharing. This meetup will occur every second week and RSVP is preferred. Meetup starts at 19:00 and runs until 20:00. For more coordination, join our [Newcomers Matrix room!](https://matrix.to/#/!wnXpJkwWACgSBBzwDh:matrix.org?via=chreekat.net&via=matrix.org&via=rauhala.info) Happy Haskelling!

Learning Finnish in Finland can be difficult because Finns tend to switch to English. That is one of the reasons people like our Finnish language café: you get to practice Finnish with Finns :) The events are completely free and there is always a native speaker to facilitate the conversation and to help find the right words. The coffee is good too ☕😋🇦🇹 Tervetuloa! When? ⏰ Usually Tuesday to Friday from 15:00 - 16:00 Where? 📍 In a cozy Viennese coffee house: The Good Coffee Company, Eerikinkatu 33, Helsinki The Good Coffee Company A Taste of Vienna 🇦🇹 Eerikinkatu 33, 00180 Helsinki Please visit our Facebook page for updates and changes: https://www.facebook.com/TheGoodCoffeeCompany/events

Are you looking to expand your network, gain insights on two way integration and mentorship? Join us for the FIKA Mentorship Autumn 2025 Closing Event, an evening that will bring together professionals, mentors, and mentees to reflect, connect, and be inspired. WHEN: 3rd June at 17:30-19:30 WHERE: Luckan, Georgsgatan/Yrjönkatu 27, Helsinki 💬 During the event there will be a storytelling session where participants from the FIKA mentorship autumn 2025 cohort will share about their experiences, what they learnt and achieved together during the six-month mentorship programme 🤝 Come meet like-minded individuals and take part in interactive activities designed to stir meaningful conversations in a relaxed and welcoming setting. Whether you're curious about mentorship, interested in integration work, or simply looking to connect with a diverse and engaged community then this is an event you won’t want to miss. 📌 Free of charge & open to all 👉 Register here: [https://lnkd.in/dT-eXADg](https://lnkd.in/dT-eXADg) We look forward to seeing you all there!

Join us this June for a relaxed Atlassian hangout where we’ll talk all things Atlassian, exchange experiences and connect with fellow community members over refreshing drinks and delicious bites. Whether you’re a long-time expert or just getting started, come by for great conversations, new connections, and a fun evening together. Agenda --- Hosted By Sebastian Rosenqvist, Community Champion Blerine Muliqi, Community Champion --- Global Partner Atlassian (http://atlassian.com) Millions of users globally rely on Atlassian products every day for improving software development, project management, collaboration, and code quality. For over a decade, Atlassian customers have come together to network, share ideas, solve problems, and find new ways to use Atlassian products. Today, more than 15,000 people take part in Atlassian community events in more than 30 countries. --- Complete your event RSVP here: https://ace.atlassian.com/events/details/atlassian-helsinki-presents-atlassian-community-hangout/.

**HOW TO FIND US** Outdoors: We meet **every Sunday at 15:00** in the **Töölönlahti Park**, opposite the entrance to Pikku-Finlandia. If you’re walking from Oodi, pass the playground with the big swings and the volleyball court. On the left, you’ll find us in the **area with benches, hammocks, and yellow chairs**. Indoors: When it's cold or rainy we move to the **top floor** of the **Oodi** Library, on the stairs opposite the children’s area. It's a good idea to **keep your sketchbook visible** so others can easily recognize that you're there for the sketching meetup. And if you’re a regular participant, making it clear that you're part of the sketching group can be very helpful for newcomers! \*\*\* **HOW IT WORKS** At each meetup, attendees take turns being the model for a quick **10-minute sketch session**. One person poses, everyone else sketches, then we rotate. \*\*\* **WHAT TO BRING** Pencils and paper (or any sketching tools you like). No fees, no pressure. The only thing we ask is that everyone takes a turn posing for the group. You can sit however you feel comfortable — the 10 minutes go by quickly! Draw as much as you like, skip a round if you’re tired or just want to chat, and leave whenever it suits you. The event continues as long as there’s interest. \*\*\* **STAYING CONNECTED** **Only people who have attended at least one meetup will be accepted into the WhatsApp group**. To be added, please ask other participants at the meetup — a few members have permission to approve new people, and at least one of them will likely be present. \*\*\* **SOCIAL MEDIA** If you’d like to share your drawings from the meetup, you can send on WhatsApp group or use the Instagram collab function (instagram.com/sketchy.collective). We warmly encourage everyone to share their work and take part in building our international sketching gallery — together with artists from all the cities where Sketchy Collective meetups are organized. Please note that photos may be taken during the meetup and shared on our social media. If you’d rather not be in photos, please let the person taking photos know so they can avoid photographing you. If you’re taking photos, please make sure people know about it and can choose whether they want to be included or not.

You're welcome to join us for our film club featuring classic movies from all decades! After the screening, we'll gather somewhere nearby to discuss the film and share our appreciation for the art of cinema. -- This time our featured film is Stanley Kubrick's Full Metal Jacket, screening at Kino Regina in the Helsinki Central Library Oodi: > Full Metal Jacket is a 1987 war film directed and produced by Stanley Kubrick from a screenplay he co-wrote with Michael Herr and Gustav Hasford. The film is based on Hasford's 1979 autobiographical novel The Short-Timers. It stars Matthew Modine, R. Lee Ermey, Vincent D'Onofrio, Adam Baldwin, Dorian Harewood, and Arliss Howard. > The storyline follows a platoon of U.S. Marines through their boot camp training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina. The first half of the film focuses primarily on privates J. T. Davis and Leonard Lawrence, nicknamed "Joker" and "Pyle" respectively, who struggle under their abusive drill instructor, Gunnery Sergeant Hartman. The second half portrays the experiences of Joker and other Marines in the Vietnamese cities of Da Nang and Huế during the Tet Offensive of the Vietnam War. The film's title refers to the full metal jacket bullet used by military servicemen. The tickets to this screening cost 10€. Make sure to reserve yours before they run out: [https://kinoregina.fi/elokuva/104618/](https://kinoregina.fi/elokuva/104618/) -- After the screening, we'll gather near the theater exit before sitting down somewhere nearby to discuss our experience.

Here’s an opportunity to learn Swedish over a good cup of coffee or tea ☕😋🇦🇹 for free! The events are free and there is always a native speaker to facilitate the conversation and to help find the right words. In addition, we offer free (yes, free) coffee, tea, and biscuits to participants! På svenska, men på olika sätt Att prata med folk på café kan vara både nöje och utmaning. Hos oss serverar vi kaffe med mycket glädje och inspiration. Tillsammans lyssnar, pratar, läser, berättar eller skriver vi nyfiket och glatt oavsett om du har den finlandssvenska kulturen redan i blodet eller vill bekanta dig med den. Vi erbjuder deltagarna gratis kaffe eller te med lite tilltugg. When? ⏰ Usually Thursdays at 16:00 Where? 📍 In a cozy Viennese café: The Good Coffee Company, Eerikinkatu 33, Helsinki Välkommen! **The Good Coffee Company** **A Taste of Vienna 🇦🇹** Eerikinkatu 33, 00180 Helsinki Please visit our Facebook Page for updates and changes: **[https://www.facebook.com/TheGoodCoffeeCompany/events](https://www.facebook.com/TheGoodCoffeeCompany/events)**

Hello sporty population! Join us for badminton and meet people from around the world! Everyone is welcome, whether you’re a beginner or already experienced. **IMPORTANT**: Spots are limited, so please reserve yours in advance. Only registered participants can join to ensure fair access for everyone. If you mark “going” but do not attend, or fail to cancel at least 1 day before(By 9pm Saturday), you may be suspended from the next two sessions. 📍 Location: Talihalli Huopalahti ⏰ Time: 11:00–12:30 🏸 Courts: 9, 10, and 11 You can meet us at the entrance a little before 11:00 or come directly to the courts (**please do not enter before our booking starts**). Who can join? • Open to everyone, regardless of background or gender • No badminton skills needed – beginners are welcome • **Age limit: 16+** Event is free, but please bring your rackets and indoor shoes, or you can borrow a racket from the hall for free if needed. We are committed to making our events and activities accessible to those who need them most. Therefore, **individuals with a refugee background are welcome to attend free of charge without prior registration.** If you plan to join, simply send a message to Alaa to let us know you’re coming. This approach is intentional. Many refugees and newcomers face practical, cultural, and psychological barriers that can make formal registration difficult or discouraging. By removing this requirement, we aim to create a more inclusive, low-threshold environment where participation feels safe, simple, and welcoming. Our events are designed to support the mental health and well-being of refugees and immigrants, while also encouraging dialogue that challenges cross-cultural stigmas and stereotypes. We believe open access is an important step in building trust, increasing participation, and creating meaningful connections across communities. After badminton, we'll enjoy Talihalli's sauna and maybe go to a local restaurant to grab some lunch after the game. Warm welcome! 📞 Questions / Contact: Alaa – 040 5656096 Arun - 050 3206169 If you want to be part of the MIITTI community, follow us on our other platforms: WhatsApp: Join our Whatsapp community network to join your favourite group and stay connected with the other members! When you participate in one of our groups or events, just ask the group facilitator to add you to the community! [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/miitti1) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/miitti1) [Website](https://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/en/projekti/miitti)

PyData London 2026 brings together data scientists, engineers, and researchers from around the world for three days of insightful talks, tutorials, and community connection. Hosted in one of Europe’s leading tech hubs, the event highlights the latest developments in Python, machine learning, and data science. Attendees can expect a mix of cutting-edge research, real-world applications, and opportunities to network with industry leaders. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, PyData London offers something for every level of the data science community. **THIS IS NOT A TICKET- TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED ON CONFERENCE WEBSITE.** https://pydata.org/london2026

**Founders Running Club** (FRC) brings founders, investors, tech, creative people and startup enthusiasts together for weekly easy runs and networking. We like to be comfortable when we run and finish with coffee and conversations. Choose your pace or follow a pacer—pets, friends, family, are welcome. 🗓️ Launched in San Francisco, July 16, 2022 🌍 Now in 35+ cities 📅 Running + Networking events + Community **Join the community** [http://foundersrc.com/chats](http://foundersrc.com/chats) **Stay updated**: Instagram [http://instagram.com/foundersrc/](http://instagram.com/foundersrc/) Podcast [http://podcast.foundersrc.com/](http://podcast.foundersrc.com/) LinkedIn [http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/](http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/) Strava [http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC](http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC) Website [http://foundersrc.com/](http://foundersrc.com/)

Welcome to join our Ren Xue Yuan Gong practice with Ren Xue Finland at Lapinlahden Lähde! The practice is simple but yet practical and powerful. It is easy to learn and will help you: -gain energy, feel less tired and stressed -more mental clarity, easier to concentrate -boost your immune system Time: Sundays 15:30 - 17:00 WHERE: Tallipääty, MIITTI office Lapinlahden Lähde Lapinlahdenpolku 8 00180 Helsinki NOTE: occasionally, the lesson will be held in Wanha labra (through Kahvila Lähde, above the stairs of the auditorium) About REN XUE Ren Xue is a comprehensive system for uplifting human life. It includes a unique form of Qigong (Yuan Qigong); three foundational theories (Theory of Qi, Theory of Consciousness, Theory of Totality) and a large body of teachings. It was created by world-renowned teacher and healer Yuan Tze who continues to offer online and in-person events worldwide. Ren Xue combines ancient Chinese wisdom traditions with modern insights into health and well-being. The goal of Ren Xue is to help individuals improve their physical, emotional, and mental health through a holistic approach that emphasizes the connection between the mind, body, and spirit. REN XUE FINLAND Ren Xue Finland (RXF) is the Finnish branch of the global movement, an organization dedicated to the promotion and teaching of Ren Xue and its associated practices, including Yuan Gong and Yuan Ming Medicine. It provides easy entry into the Ren Xue system through local in-person sessions, online courses and workshops/retreats. Other learning methods can be found here: Ren Xue TV, a YouTube channel and Learn Ren Xue website. More about Ren Xue: [https://www.renxueinternational.org](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.renxueinternational.org%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR06uJQRSC7BE3zhPePQ7X_KO7WXa60cr7NK25KdOqfbSIHpYqBLO3dYgVM_aem_alDR7a6KhbNhG3u9NhCUVA&h=AT18asmYaRkvHCJemaC7rr9GVu579uflDCg7T6mLNodWdtMVhuxwFhIyz0p5ONeJbm3WQ3ZGIwONIa0_pDvih4t9BCCJUBkjhK4BdIMEl4aQ_qPzR5ykW-aiOndhYDPeAW9_2_eWZaMsv889HKbp8_c&__tn__=q&c%5B0%5D=AT35KTjVjr2kCnYHrXXjXPxEGFK-RFbZnFVdDmWrTe5WwbSZZ5ulNxFEjPPhejS8Pf4xetwkU1hhM1P2K_ABugpnXL6w-CKE25ARXwtLSexv-4fPJ4s2_Kcqgj3g2XWjCVkPPgcjwrPoNWOvdKa2f1VqyVa-2kcTojodTS3wn9zrnRjZLcG7)/

Do you sometimes feel like you do well in life then something happens and you slide back, never quite getting ahead. At this Meetup you'll find out how to identify what actually causes the lows, the highs and everything in between. More importantly you’ll get the secret of how to gain control over your life so the highs are higher and the lows go away. Wouldn’t it be nice to stop the wild roller coaster ride for good? Or at least make it a fun roller coaster ride, with more ups and downs. There is a hidden factor that will be going over and you’re going to be quite surprised what it is and how much it affects your life. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to the event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is hosted at the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center.

Do you sometimes feel like you do well in life then something happens and you slide back, never quite getting ahead. At this Meetup you'll find out how to identify what actually causes the lows, the highs and everything in between. More importantly you’ll get the secret of how to gain control over your life so the highs are higher and the lows go away. Wouldn’t it be nice to stop the wild roller coaster ride for good? Or at least make it a fun roller coaster ride, with more ups and downs. There is a hidden factor that will be going over and you’re going to be quite surprised what it is and how much it affects your life. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to the event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is hosted at the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center.

**History** [Chestnut Ridge Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/chestnut-ridge/) is historically significant because it sits on a 300-million-year-old outcropping of Blackhand sandstone. Geographically recognized as the very first foothill of the Appalachian Mountains, the ridge rises 1,116 feet above sea level. Long before European settlement, the land served as a sacred site for ancient civilizations. The park contains the Old Maid's Orchard Mound, an eight-foot-tall burial mound constructed by the Adena culture between 1000 B.C. and 100 B.C. This ancient landmark has remained largely intact and is now protected on the National Register of Historic Places. The documented modern history of the land began with an official survey conducted by Ebenezer Buckingham in 1801. Original land deeds of sale from this period notably bear the signatures of United States Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. In the 1830s, Irish laborers arrived at the ridge to quarry its rich Blackhand sandstone. The blocks they hewed were used to build the crucial locks for the nearby Ohio and Erie Canal. Remnants of this early sandstone quarrying operation can still be spotted by sharp-eyed hikers along the modern trails. Agricultural transformation defined the ridge throughout the mid-to-late 19th century. Settlers discovered that the high elevation created a natural air flow that prevented late-season frost damage to crops. Extensive fruit orchards were planted across the slopes between 1860 and 1880. One notable orchard was established by John Wagner, a Spanish-American War veteran who chose the ridge specifically for its proximity to the bustling Columbus market. The park's current name pays homage to the massive American chestnut trees that once dominated the ridgeline before a devastating ecological blight wiped them out in the early 20th century. The conservation story of the modern 486-acre park began in March 1962. The Metro Parks board announced land acquisition plans to block developers from building a residential housing development called Chestnut Heights. Director-Secretary Walter A. Tucker advocated heavily for the purchase, citing the ridge's immense value as a scenic overlook for central Ohio. The district systematically purchased multiple agricultural parcels over the next two decades. After operating strictly as undeveloped farmland through the 1970s, Chestnut Ridge Metro Park officially opened to the public on December 18, 1988. In recent decades, the park has evolved from a quiet hiking spot into a premier regional destination for outdoor sports. A major turning point occurred in 2010 when the Central Ohio Mountain Biking Organization (COMBO) partnered with the park district to develop new infrastructure. Volunteers worked extensively to construct a single-track mountain bike trail, which officially opened in October 2011. An expert gravity and flow trail featuring advanced jumps was later integrated into the loop in 2016. Today, the park successfully balances its deep ancient, industrial, and agricultural history with active recreation. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Chestnut Ridge](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/CHR_map_1980px_2026.jpg). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Ridge, Meadows, and Homesite Trails, and Law's Lane, which is unmarked on some maps. None of these trails is individually very long, so we will hike a few permutations and loops until we get in 4-5 miles. The hike will be moderately strenuous. **Where We'll Meet** Drive to the rearmost picnic area at the back of the park. There's a latrine here, but there's no water fountain here or anywhere else at Chestnut Ridge. I strongly recommend you bring some water of your own, at least for after the hike. Cell service at the park is spotty, although your GPS will get you there just fine. The map pin I've provided here is exactly where we'll be meeting and should be able to be used directly in Google Maps, although Chestnut Ridge isn't big and you're unlikely to get lost here. **After the Hike** Afterward, we'll head over to [BrewDog DogTap](https://drink.brewdog.com/usa/brewdog-dogtap-columbus) for [drinks](https://usa.brewdog.com/pages/brewdog-lineup) and [food](https://usa.brewdog.com/cdn/shop/files/DogTap_Menu_2025_65e1ff8b-97d4-4f26-80f1-68321d482025.pdf?v=17356939232910340498). They also have an outdoor area that's extremely popular. I've had their burgers and their pizza, and I think they're both very good. I also really like their [Cold Beer](https://usa.brewdog.com/products/cold-beer-2024) (that's its actual name), which is their American light lager. BrewDog's actual address is [96 Gender Rd, Canal Winchester, OH 43110](https://www.google.com/maps/place/96+Gender+Rd,+Canal+Winchester,+OH+43110/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88387c06afa21a85:0x804c611d373d8c54?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111), and they have a large, free parking lot. We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks.

Westerville Pride Festival Sat\. June 6\, 2026 \| 5 PM \- 8 PM If you're thinking of attending, or being a sponsor, vendor, or volunteer, visit our website at https://www.westervillequeercollective.org/pride for more information! Location and other info will be announced soon :)

**Weather permitting**, we’ll take a casual ride from Pickerington Ponds (Glacier Knoll) to Three Creeks and back. Distance is **18–25 miles**, depending on where we turn around and whether we add a side loop. Pace is around **12 mph**, but this is a fun, no‑drop ride — we can slow down as needed. Here’s the **map** showing Glacier Knoll (bike), Confluence Park (flag), and BrewDog: [https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit..](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit..). Text or call Scott at **614‑975‑4458** if you’re coming. Columbus ski club membership not required for this event. CSC assumes no responsibility for the event or any injuries as this is organized by a third party.