Crowdfunding

**Looking for a business networking event in London for finance, banking, fintech professionals** \- while also connecting with founders\, tech professionals and the wider business ecosystem? Join us in Covent Garden for a founder\-led networking evening co\-organised by London tech startups GMax Card\, Getshop Today and Ciitab\. **What to Expect** * Connect with professionals in finance, FinTech, investment banking, B2B and tech * Build valuable business relationships across the finance, business and startup ecosystem * Exchange ideas, spot trends, and uncover opportunities * A lightly structured event - not a random mingle, not an overcrowded conference An atmosphere that feels high-quality yet relaxed, with space for real conversations. Hosts are there from the start to help with introductions. **Who You’ll Meet** * Finance, banking & investment professionals * FinTech & B2B professionals * Startup founders & entrepreneurs * Tech, product & digital professionals * Business owners & decision-makers **How the Evening Flows** 18:30 - Arrival 19:00 - Short introductions 19:30 - Open networking 21:30 - Close Hosts are there from the start to help with introductions. **Venue: Sycamore Bar, Middle Eight Hotel** A refined, design-led bar inside the 5-star Middle Eight Hotel. Located in the heart of Covent Garden, within walking distance of Holborn, Covent Garden, and Tottenham Court Road stations. **Entry & GMax Cards** * Free RSVP: Event access * Paid ticket (when available): Includes a contactless GMax Card (ask host to claim; not distributed automatically) **Dress Code** Business / smart **Important Info** * 18+ (ID may be required) * Photos/video by CineEye Audiovisual Production Studio (inform us if you prefer not to appear) * Attendance is at your own risk. Organisers and the venue are not liable for any injury, loss, or damage. **Limited spots - register early!**

You can expect a friendly introduction to the sport, but in all honesty you will dive in at the deep end to learn UWR. Please bring swimwear and an open mind and expectation to have fun. We can lend an UWR hat, snorkle, mask and fins. Although if you have them already it is better to bring your own. Expect to swim, dive to 4m depth, hold your breath longer than you thought you could, be involved in drills and games. It is full contact and you will be wrestling other players to take the ball and pass to your team or score a goal. Please get on touch with questions or intent to attend prior to session so that we can support with kit etc.

Our monthly Causevest Meetup. ( This is just a chilled out afterwork spot where we eat drink and talk crypto) Learn about all cryptocurrencies investing, security , wallet setup, ask me anything. Guest speakers and obtain a new insight into the possibility of blockchain technology with our development team. To be updated - Join us on telegram https://t.me/joinchat/FuQGSRJkhCx3gEdlupYL9g

Ultimate Frisbee Pickup! All experience welcome! Main details: • For first-timers: you're very welcome, no experience necessary, we can teach you the rules and how to play. You just need a willingness to run around a LOT! Bring trainers (or cleats/football boots) and clothes you can run in and plenty of water • Please try to bring both a light top and a dark top as this makes splitting into balanced teams easier • Throwing from 6:00pm, we'll kick off a friendly pick-up game as soon as we get numbers. It's fine if you can only make it later on - we play with substitutes so you can join in at any point. If no one is there when you arrive, don't worry, people are probably just late! If the meetup is not cancelled, frisbee will be happening! • Afterwards we always head to a pub garden and have a drink or two :) • Frisbee is a non-contact sport, but the occasional bumps can happen, we're all playing at our own risk

PLEASE NOTE YOU MUST book and pay for your ticket in advance at https://www.londonfintechs.com/ The London Fintechs Committee would like to extend you an invitation to our May 2026 Networking Breakfast to be held in the private lounge of the famous Bonds of Mayfair - and hope you can join us for a delicious pre-work breakfast and productive business networking to make new contacts and deals for 2026+ We now have over 4000 diverse and relevant London members so it’s the perfect opportunity for making new business connections. See photos from our latest events at https://www.londonfintechs.com/ PLEASE NOTE YOU MUST book and pay for your ticket in advance at https://www.londonfintechs.com/ ALSO PLEASE NOTE we take most of our event bookings through our website and EventBrite so the numbers booked is much larger than displayed on this Meetup page (normally about 30-50 guests for our breakfasts).

**Join us in a north London park to learn to play kubb like a pro with Adam from Redbourn Kubb.** No experience or equipment required, just good vibes ✌️ We will play from around 18:00 until 19:30pm, so come along at any time during that time and join a game. The game does not require strength, stamina, or speed, it is a game of precision, accuracy and strategy. Once you try it, you'll never look back. **Kubb rules:** We play kubb in singles or teams and the rules of how to play can be found here: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffJB_31TS_8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffJB_31TS_8) Thank you to Adam for coaching these regular Thursday evening sessions for us to enjoy and improve at kubb. **Google maps location:** St Pancras Gardens, Pancras Road, London, NW1 1UL [https://maps.app.goo.gl/TXY5rVmejPWaSde36](https://maps.app.goo.gl/TXY5rVmejPWaSde36) After kubb, some people may go for drinks in a nearby pub. There is a Kubb Croquet Club WhatsApp group to be kept updated on what is happening in the club. This will be shared in the event comments. **NEAREST TUBE STATION:** King's Cross St. Pancras **NEAREST TRAIN STATIONS:** King's Cross and St Pancras **BUS:** Check [https://tfl.gov.uk/plan-a-journey/](https://tfl.gov.uk/plan-a-journey/) Please read our code conduct, which all attendees are require to follow: **\- We play kubb to have fun \- that said please do obey the rules of the game while playing\, treat other participants with respect\, play in the spirit of the game\, and don’t argue about the rules/scoring\.** **\- By attending this event you agree that your safety and your personal belongings are your own responsibility and that the organisers are not responsible or liable for them\.** **\- The organisers are happy to show you how to play the game and use the kubb equipment\, but it is your responsibility to use it safely\. Please return the equipment at the end of a game\.** **\- This event is open to all\, and attendees are expected to be respectful and inclusive\. Any abusive\, discriminatory\, confrontational or bullying behaviour will not be tolerated and may result in the attendee being asked to leave\. Everyone deserves to feel welcome\.** **\- Attendees are responsible for their own behaviour\. The organisers are not liable for the behaviour of any attendee\.** **\- Please respect the area where we play and do not leave rubbish behind\.**

**​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. ​9:15 Bag drop at the Regent's Bar and Kitchen, Regent's Park: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MmZdAVM8yXT9euKc7 ​9:30 Warm Up starts at the Inner Circle & York Bridge, South Gate: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/qw45ehLmDQY7maMD6](https://maps.app.goo.gl/qw45ehLmDQY7maMD6) 🗓️ Launched in San Francisco, July 16, 2022 🌍 Now in 27 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/)**

**Join us in Enfield Croquet Club to play like a pro on their beautiful dedicated lawns for a free croquet coaching session!** No experience or equipment required, just good vibes ✌️ **However you do need to pre-register via the email address course@enfieldcroquet.org to ensure there is space for you play, as this is open to local Enfielders too and some spaces may be booked up already.** In this free session they will share their skills and tips to become a better croquet player. All equipment is provided, with coaching delivered by experienced club members; just wear flat shoes or trainers. Please arrive by 9.45 am for a 10 am start and the session will finish around 1pm. 24 players can be on the lawns at any given time. **\*\* As stated above, it is very important that people pre-register early to avoid disappointment through the official Enfield Croquet Club email [course@enfieldcroquet.org](http://course@enfieldcroquet.org%2A%2A/) as there are limited mallets and lawn space\*\*** The game does not require strength, stamina, or speed, it is a game of precision, accuracy and strategy. Once you try it, you'll never look back. Following your session you will be told about membership offers if you would like to keep playing at Enfield. Details of this can be found here: [http://www.enfieldcroquet.org/join-us/](http://www.enfieldcroquet.org/join-us/) Attendees are welcome to bring a packed lunch, hang out, and carry on playing in the afternoon if they like. There's food outlets nearby. There is a Kubb Croquet Club WhatsApp group to be kept updated on what is happening in the club. This will be shared in the event comments. **NEAREST STATIONS:** Bush Hill Park or Enfield Town, Weaver Line, London Overground. **BUS:** The 192 goes from either station. The ‘Fotheringham Road’ bus stop is the nearest to the croquet club. **VENUE:** Enfield Croquet Club, Cecil Ave, Enfield, EN1 1PS Please read our code conduct, which all attendees are require to follow: **\- We play croquet to have fun \- that said please do obey the rules of the game while playing\, treat other participants with respect\, play in the spirit of the game\, and don’t argue about the rules/scoring\.** **\- By attending this event you agree that your safety and your personal belongings are your own responsibility and that the organisers are not responsible or liable for them\.** **\- The organisers are happy to show you how to play the game and use the croquet equipment\, but it is your responsibility to use it safely\. Please return the equipment at the end of a game\.** **\- This event is open to all\, and attendees are expected to be respectful and inclusive\. Any abusive\, discriminatory\, confrontational or bullying behaviour will not be tolerated and may result in the attendee being asked to leave\. Everyone deserves to feel welcome\.** **\- Attendees are responsible for their own behaviour\. The organisers are not liable for the behaviour of any attendee\.** **\- Please respect the area where we play and do not leave rubbish behind\.**

**\*FREE FOR MEMBERS, JOIN WHEN YOU ARRIVE!\*** Come and join us at the **Living Room Club Glengal Groove** on Fridays between 1 p.m. and 3 pm to upcycle second-hand clothes. We gather for creative transformation and upcycling of second-hand clothing items and materials to sell in our cafe. The income from this project supports our Homeless Project in Soho. For further information, please contact Neide on 07585560345

**RSVP TO ATTEND THIS EVENT. ALL TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE TO ATTEND THIS EVENT..** **Welcome to Socialite Connections – Business Networking: AI, Digital, Tech & Fintech Professional** Join us for an exciting evening designed to connect with people in **AI, Digital, Tech & Fintech Industry**. This event brings together solution providers, **entrepreneurs, company directors, and professionals** eager to explore and make new connections. People in this industry gather together to discuss innovation and build connections. This is a dynamic event where visionary minds converge, ideas spark, and transformative connections are made. **Ticket & Entry: Here is the payment link:** https://www.fatsoma.com/e/qlitqhy1/ai-digital-tech-fintech-startups-and-professionals-at-mint-leaf-bank **We start the event at 6.00pm with a warm welcome.** Having an open-minded approach is ideal, as it will enable you to establish new connections. We have hired the private room downstairs. **Mint Leaf Lounge -** Situated next to the iconic Bank of England, Mint Leaf Lounge serves innovative Indian cuisine in an elegant and stylish setting. Oozing luxury, Mint Leaf Lounge welcomes guests for lunch, dinner and drinks alike. While Indian cuisine is their most sought after fare, the cocktails are also to be admired. **Event Schedule** **18:00 – 21:00 \| When you arrive\,** your name will be checked off the guest list, you will be given a name badge and you will be introduced to each other. **19:00 – 19:30 \| One Minute Elevator Pitch:** All attendees will be given the opportunity to introduce themselves to everyone in the room to talk about your startups or ideals. (Pitch starts at 19.00pm sharp, please dont be late) **19:30 \- 21:00 \| Network & chill\,** It will be a free form event where guests can mingle amongst each other in a relaxed environment, when the pitches are finished. **Why Attend?** Socialite Connections is connecting the future of Innovation with **AI, Digital, Tech & Fintech Professionals.** It is a hub for visionary thinkers, innovators, and trailblazers to converge, collaborate, and shape the future of technology. Our events provide a relaxed and dynamic environment for building meaningful connections. **One Minute Elevator Pitch:** All attendees will be given the opportunity to introduce themselves to everyone in the room talk about your startups or ideals. (Pitch starts at 19:00pm sharp, please dont be late) **Who Should Attend** This event is the perfect opportunity to network, gain insights into the latest technological trends, and forge valuable partnerships. **Tech entrepreneurs, AI specialists, Transformation experts, Fintech innovators, Startup founders, AI and tech entrepreneurs, Digital innovators, Tech start-ups, Investors in the tech space, IT and Technology Professionals, Cybersecurity Experts, IT Managers and Leaders, Software Developers, Working Professionals.** **Tickets are limited to just 40 attendees.** We like to make sure everyone gets the opportunity to talk to each other. **Ticket & Entry: Here is the payment link:** https://www.fatsoma.com/e/qlitqhy1/ai-digital-tech-fintech-startups-and-professionals-at-mint-leaf-bank You are invited to join the dedicated Whatsapp group for the event and start networking before the actual event. Register now to secure your spot and be part of this transformative networking experience! **Tickets need to be bought online in advance to attend this event. Tickets are not available at the door.** **Refund policy: There is no refund at this event.**

🚨 Spoiler alert: We built the space we couldn’t find. A place where you can show up alone, say hi first, and meet new people naturally. If you’re ready to expand your circle, you’re in the right place. You can check us out on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/_balancers/) 📸🚨 Get ready for another Social🎉 Here’s the Plan: **7:30 PM – Meet Your Team** As you arrive, you’ll receive a coloured wristband placing you into one of the 4 teams for the night. 🔴 Red 🔵 Blue 🟢 Green 🟡 Yellow Your mission? Meet people, win challenges, score points and help your colour climb the live scoreboard projected during the event. **08:15 PM – Challenge Stations Open** Form small teams with people from your colour and go head to head against other teams at the challenge stations around the venue. Winning challenges earns points for your colour on the live scoreboard. No skills needed. Just jump in, mix with new people and have a laugh 🍹 **09:00 PM – Open Social & Mingling** Once the challenges wrap up, the room opens up. This is the moment to mix, chat and get to know new people. **10:00 PM – Music** The DJ takes over and the night shifts into a more relaxed social vibe. Chat, dance and keep the connections going. ⚠️ Please note: Entry is not guaranteed after 10:00 PM **11:30 PM – After Party** For those who want to keep the night going, we’ll head to a venue close by for the after party. ⚠️Please bring ID if you plan to join the after party. ✨ Pro tip Try to arrive by 7:30 PM to enjoy the full experience. 🔹 Many people come alone. That’s completely normal here. 🔹 Our hosts are on the floor helping people meet and get involved. 🔹 Most attendees join through our app, so the Meetup “Going” list represents only a small portion of the actual crowd. **[📲 Download our app](https://onelink.to/balancers)** You can connect with people you meet, access ticket deals, track rewards and see the photo gallery from the night. **[💬 Join our WhatsApp Community](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IJKXDkwUTlmDsYTOCIUg7O)** for last-minute updates and reminders. **Our pillars are Openness, Respect, Inclusivity, Kindness and Authenticity**. *Attendance at this event is subject to our [Code of Conduct](https://www.balancers.app/code-of-conduct) and [Terms of Service](https://www.balancers.app/term-of-service). By joining, you may receive emails about Balancers events and community updates. You can unsubscribe at any time.*

If AI tools are already becoming part of your daily life, this dinner is for you. Explore AI over dinner at a Michelin-listed London restaurant. Tools, opportunities and real conversation. **Meet2Click Curated Conversations** Each Meet2Click Curated Conversation dinner centres around a carefully chosen topic or shared interest, designed to spark thoughtful conversation and meaningful connection. **Curious about how AI is changing our lives — and want to explore it in a relaxed dinner setting?** Artificial Intelligence is evolving rapidly. New tools, ideas, and breakthroughs are reshaping how we work, create, and think. Instead of abstract debate, this evening is about sharing what we’re discovering in real life. Two days before the dinner, guests will receive a short, accessible overview of interesting AI tools — simply to spark ideas. At the table, we’ll explore: • Is AI making us smarter or lazier? • What is the most exciting real-life use of AI right now? • What should humans protect in an AI-driven world? No technical background required. **Launch Season Benefit** During our initial Meet2Click dinners, guests will enjoy **up to 50% off food** at the restaurant. This introductory benefit is available for a limited launch period. Food and drinks are paid individually, directly with the restaurant. **Details** Location: CHEZ MAL BRASSERIE & BAR, 18-21 Charterhouse Square, Barbican, London EC1M 6AH **Date: 8 April 2026, 19.30h** **Ticket price:** £15 per person *(includes your seat and contribution to the evening — food and drinks ordered and paid individually at the restaurant)* Seats are intentionally limited to encourage meaningful conversation and genuine connection. Just an open, relaxed exchange of ideas over dinner. **Additional Information:** Photos or videos may be taken during the event for promotional purposes. Should you wish to opt out, please notify the host upon arrival, and your preferences will be respected.

Join us as we get together to get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event! We have a great little community of Movie Group friends so rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “create a better world” by helping serve those in need. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: FAITH MISSION – GRANT KITCHEN: The Faith Mission kitchen and dining room serves residents 3 meals a day, every day of the year. For this event, our group will help prepare food, serve meals, assist residents in the dining room, wash dishes, and clean surfaces. PLAN: We will be preparing / serving / cleaning for BRUNCH from 10:30am to 12:30pm and have space for a total of 7 volunteers. Please arrive at 10:20am and wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. LOCATION: Faith Mission – Grant Kitchen is located at 245 N. Grant Ave. Enter the kitchen at Dock 1 (in the back of the building), indicated in the attached map. On-site parking in the adjacent lot and street parking is available in the surrounding area. Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing all of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please try to update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. With few exceptions, no shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will not be eligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. Our Partner Agency for this event is Lutheran Social Services! A huge THANK YOU to all of YOU for volunteering at this (and any of our previous) CMG Gives Back events! Should be another good/fun/meaningful time together, Dan

Calling all founders, CEOs, lawyers, doctors, and entrepreneurs to join our special *Founder Edition* of Sip & Read meetup event. Let's sip on fine wine and discuss our first book **The 5AM Club- Own Your Morning Elevate Your Life, by Robin Sharma**. We will pair this book with our favorite wine at **Wine on High** and engage in thought-provoking discussions on startup businesses and entrepreneurship, and network with like-minded individuals in a cozy book club setting. Come prepared to discuss this month's book. At the end of each book club meeting, we will take next book and venue suggestions from the participants for the next meeting. Whether you are a book lover, women entrepreneur, or a content creator, this event is perfect for sharing ideas and insights with other funders and founders in the entrepreneurial world. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to connect, learn, and grow together. Sign up now to reserve your spot! *Fun fact! This meetup was established in 2015 and had over 1,000 members. I had to shut down operations while attending law school, but we're back!!*

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.

## Candle Making Night at The Arcane Foundry \| Design Your Own Custom Candle **SPECIAL PROMOTION**: Buy 3 and get 1 Free! Step into The Arcane Foundry and create your own custom candle from start to finish. This is a laid back, hands-on experience where **you’ll blend fragrances, choose your vessel, and pour your own candle using 100% soy wax**. Whether you’re coming solo or with friends, it’s designed to be simple, creative, and a good time. We’ll walk you through the entire process, from picking your scents to choosing between a traditional cotton wick or a crackling wood wick. You can go with one fragrance or mix your own blend to create something completely unique**. No experience needed**, just show up and we’ll handle the rest. While your candle sets, feel free to hang out, play a game, explore the shop, or just relax and talk. Drinks and snacks are available, and the atmosphere leans into the **fantasy**, **dark academia**, and **gothic horror** vibe The Arcane Foundry is known for. Learn More: [Candle Making in Columbus, Ohio at The Arcane Foundry](https://thearcanefoundry.com/candle-making/) *** ### What to Expect: * Guided candle making experience * Choose your own vessel, wax, wick, and fragrance * 100% soy wax candles * Optional drinks and snacks * Time to relax while your candle cools *** ### Important Notes: * Please arrive on time so we can start together * Candles will need time to set before taking home * This is a beginner-friendly event *** ### RSVP Required Reserve your spot on Meetup to lock in your seat. **Candle Making** (includes vessel, your choice of wick, wax, scented oil, labels and lids) 5oz Glass Jars $15 8oz Candle Tins $25 12oz Glass Candles $35 12oz Amber Jars $40 16 oz Skull or Jack o Lantern Candle Mugs $65 (Limited Edition!) **All materials included. You just bring yourself (and your drink of choice).** **Payments accepted:** * Credit Card * Venmo: @Daclaud-Lee * Cashapp: $DaclaudL

**PLEASE BUY TICKETS THROUGH EVENTBRITE. RSVP THROUGH MEETUP IS NOT A TICKET PURCHASE CONFIRMATION.** Strive welcomes you to 'General Business Networking', Columbus' hottest networking event! We are set in the perfect central location in Downtown for all to join. Are you interested in business? Want to elevate your career? Meet Consultants, Analysts of all types, Bankers, Software Engineers, Entrepreneurs, and more who are active in the space or are eager to get started. **\*\*This will be a multi-vertical event\*\*** **There will be professionals with backgrounds in the arts, finance, tech, real estate, healthcare, and more. Come with an open mind, and leave with connections that wouldn't be possible otherwise!** Pack some business cards and come with an open mind! Meet your future business partners, employers, coworkers, investors, and friends. You don't want to miss this opportunity to expand your network and create a brighter future. We will have a space for our event to check-in. The event will go from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (feel free to come at any point in this timeframe). Name tags will be provided. Business casual dress code. Job fair attire. **Remember, it's not who you know, it's who you meet tomorrow!** We look forward to meeting you at the event! Sincerely, Strive Networking Team *Refund requests are permitted up to 24 hours after purchase, so long as we are not within 48 hours before the event start time. Refunds will be made in full and repaid to your method of payment. Note that we are unable to reimburse PayPal fees.* *Disclaimer: By attending Strive Networking events you agree to photos/videos taken during the event being used to promote future events.*

**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.