Cultural Activities

好多時會有客人問我哋我哋嘅Meetup Party Games活動會玩啲乜嘢？其實就係例如9 Upper, 狼人真言，Flip 7，歌迷序會等等好玩流行嘅輕鬆桌遊，由當日嘅活動主持決定最終玩邊幾隻！ 其實玩邊隻game唔係重點。重點係個活動好唔好玩！我哋好多活動都有好多人參加. 所以不必多說，你應該知道究竟發生了什麼事！ **今日活動資訊:** 費用: [$105 / Girls $75] Meetup報名 👨$100 👧$70 Pay at entrance. 包飲品一盒, extra飲品每盒$5. 🔔 人多, 或員工/主持忙於教玩遊戲時可能沒暇收取場費, 請利用櫃面PayMe code/Ali Pay /FPS號碼自行支付. 如發現有故意走數情況, 會被放進Meeple Tree 黑名單. 🔔 必須在此報名. 🔔 場地沒有食物提供, 但歡迎帶外賣上來食. 🔔 宣傳其他場地/放飛機/遊戲過程中態度惡劣者會被放進黑名單. 🔔 入埸請除鞋. 埸內拖鞋祗供店內用, 請勿著出店外. 🔔 報名參加Meetup活動, 當系統問你"Are you bringing anyone"時, 如果你祗是一個人來, 毋須㩒+1 (+1代表會帶朋友來的意思). 🔔 我哋嘅活動主持人有時會因為工作或者學業關係臨時嚟唔到，Meeple Tree 保留臨時更換主持嘅可能性。🙏 🔔 本會因放飛機(活動開始前24小時內退出者)被移除人數: 102 🔔 Meeple Tree保留參加者名單最後決定權. 🔔 Follow我哋IG: mtboardgame / boardgame_hk

**今日活動資訊:** 費用: [$105 / Girls $75] Meetup報名 👨$100 👧$70 Pay at entrance. 包飲品一盒, extra飲品每盒$5. 🔔 人多, 或員工/主持忙於教玩遊戲時可能沒暇收取場費, 請利用櫃面PayMe code/Ali Pay /FPS號碼自行支付. 如發現有故意走數情況, 會被放進Meeple Tree 黑名單. 🔔 必須在此報名. 🔔 場地沒有食物提供, 但歡迎帶外賣上來食. 🔔 宣傳其他場地/放飛機/遊戲過程中態度惡劣者會被放進黑名單. 🔔 入埸請除鞋. 埸內拖鞋祗供店內用, 請勿著出店外. 🔔 報名參加Meetup活動, 當系統問你"Are you bringing anyone"時, 如果你祗是一個人來, 毋須㩒+1 (+1代表會帶朋友來的意思). 🔔 我哋嘅活動主持人有時會因為工作或者學業關係臨時嚟唔到，Meeple Tree 保留臨時更換主持嘅可能性。🙏 🔔 本會因放飛機(活動開始前24小時內退出者)被移除人數: 102 🔔 Meeple Tree保留參加者名單最後決定權. 🔔 Follow我哋IG: mtboardgame / boardgame_hk

覺得自己圈子細咗,想識返一班新朋友可以得閒篤下波🎱 ,掉飛鏢🎯? 我哋為你安排咗 3個鐘一次過滿足兩個願望～篤波嘅，同場仲有英式同美式可以選擇添😍😍 📅 日期：4月25日（星期六） ⏰ 時間：下午3pm-6pm 📍 地點：紅磡新旺會 紅磡馬頭圍道37-39號紅磡商業中心B座 3樓（黃埔地鐵站步行約7分鐘） 💰 費用： Yolo Not Solo WhatsApp 會員價： 篤波 🎱 每位$150（3小時） 非會員價：篤波 🎱：每位 $180 \* 掟飛鏢 🎯 每局 $5（隨意加碼，逐局計） 🍽️ 活動後可自由決定一齊晚飯，繼續吹水😉 飯局只安排給有參與當日活動的人士🙏🏻🙏🏻 💡 唔使等位、唔使轉場，同朋友一齊充實玩盡下晝！ 認識同頻啦🥳

**今日活動資訊:** 費用: [$105 / Girls $75] Meetup報名 👨$100 👧$70 Pay at entrance. 包飲品一盒, extra飲品每盒$5. 🔔 人多, 或員工/主持忙於教玩遊戲時可能沒暇收取場費, 請利用櫃面PayMe code/Ali Pay /FPS號碼自行支付. 如發現有故意走數情況, 會被放進Meeple Tree 黑名單. 🔔 必須在此報名. 🔔 場地沒有食物提供, 但歡迎帶外賣上來食. 🔔 宣傳其他場地/放飛機/遊戲過程中態度惡劣者會被放進黑名單. 🔔 入埸請除鞋. 埸內拖鞋祗供店內用, 請勿著出店外. 🔔 報名參加Meetup活動, 當系統問你"Are you bringing anyone"時, 如果你祗是一個人來, 毋須㩒+1 (+1代表會帶朋友來的意思). 🔔 我哋嘅活動主持人有時會因為工作或者學業關係臨時嚟唔到，Meeple Tree 保留臨時更換主持嘅可能性。🙏 🔔 本會因放飛機(活動開始前24小時內退出者)被移除人數: 102 🔔 Meeple Tree保留參加者名單最後決定權. 🔔 Follow我哋IG: mtboardgame / boardgame_hk

**今日活動資訊:** \- 費用: 👨$105 👧$85\(Meetup報名平$5\) Pay at entrance\. 包飲品一盒\, extra飲品每盒$5\. \- 人多\, 或員工/主持忙於教玩遊戲時可能沒暇收取場費\, \- 請利用櫃面PayMe code/Ali Pay /FPS號碼自行支付\. \- 如發現有故意走數情況\, 會被放進Meeple Tree 黑名單\. \- 必須在此報名\. \- 場地沒有食物提供\, 但歡迎帶外賣上來食\. \- 宣傳其他場地/放飛機/遊戲過程中態度惡劣者會被放進黑名單\. \- 入埸請除鞋\. 埸內拖鞋祗供店內用\, 請勿著出店外\. \- 報名參加Meetup活動\, 當系統問你"Are you bringing anyone"時\, 如果你祗是一個人來\, 毋須㩒\+1 \(\+1代表會帶朋友來的意思\)\. \- 我哋嘅活動主持人有時會因為工作或者學業關係臨時嚟唔到，Meeple Tree 保留臨時更換主持嘅可能性。 \- 本會因放飛機\(活動開始前24小時內退出者\)被移除人數: 102 \- Meeple Tree保留參加者名單最後決定權\. \- Follow我哋IG: mtboardgame / boardgame_hk

The DEADLINE FOR PAYMENT to CONFIRM SPOT is 23 APRIL 2026. FIRST PAY FIRST SERVED. We invite members who are beginners(who needs to learn from zero, or not familiar with rules, characters of tiles, counting of faans/points...) in mahjong playing to join us. Normally it takes around 5 classes, depending on your progress and if you feel ready, before going to advanced level of learning. Any beginner who finished beginner course may be invited to join my mahjong club where you will have a group of learners to practise and play with. The exact location to meet will be advised later. Each spot costs $310(including fee and venue rental, and one non alcoholic drink) REQUIREMENTS : 1. As we need to book the tables in advance, anyone who signed up needs to *confirm spot with payment no later than 23 April 2026*. Once a person has paid $310 via PayMe or FPS to tel # 91784798 (please notify), his/her spot will be confirmed by host. 1. The payment is non-refundable for whatever reason, unless otherwise stated. 1. We aim at having 2 tables, 4 players each(not including teacher). If at the end we have more than 4 but fewer than 8 people, we will refund to those paid beyond 4 in order. Any payments beyond 8 spots will also be refunded. 1. As we need at least 4 people to form a table and do the game, in order to be fair to all players, no late arrival or early leave please. 1. In order to be fair to all players, English speaking in the game is required. 1. If you want to bring any guest not registered, please agree with the host first, as we need to control the number of players and people the venue can accommodate. No extra chair will be available for the guest though. 1. Any person "no show" or do not follow all the requirements here will be removed from this group. 1. If your guest(s) is "no show" or does not follow all the requirements here, you will also be removed from this group. We recommend your guest(s) to sign up himself/herself. 1. Please note we will not play with money as the locals do.

Join us to see cultural events and gathering updates. As well as upcoming Cantonese/ English courses

\*\*\* 呢一場@成業街埸地. 地址: 觀塘成業街16號怡生工業中心A座2樓AII室 我地往後BB狼會預埋我地小樹Hosting 團隊一齊玩! 呢一局輪到 Tina, Cici! 培育狼group新世代! 中手肯包容新手也歡迎👏報名! \*\*\* 未玩過嘅全新手請準時, 我地會2pm開始教玩. 因為流程比較長, 所以開始咗教就不會重覆再為遲到嘅人再由頭開始教過. 🔔 準時開局. 唔會有凖時到場嘅人無了期等遲到嘅人嘅情況出現. 🔔 預準人數. 唔會有太多人/唔夠人/或需要輪流玩情況出現. 🔔 專人控場. 粗暴發言、鬧人、貼面、9玩者會被放進黑名單. 🔔 分開配置玩. 設有Level 1新手局、Level 2中手局. 🚫作弊（浪費大家時間） 🚫鬧人（冇人想放工特登走去俾人鬧） 我地響觀塘駿業里及成業街設有兩個狼人殺場地, 有興趣book埸玩狼請WhatsApp 6794 1166 / 6223 2379 🔔 費用: [$105 / Girls $75(Meetup報名平$5)] Pay at entrance. 包飲品一盒, extra飲品每盒$5. 🔔 場地沒有食物提供, 但歡迎帶外賣上來食. 🔔 宣傳其他場地/放飛機/遊戲過程中態度惡劣者會被放進黑名單. 🔔 入埸請除鞋. 埸內拖鞋祗供店內用, 請勿著出店外. 🔔 報名參加Meetup活動, 當系統問你"Are you bringing anyone"時, 如果你祗是一個人來, 毋須㩒+1 (+1代表會帶朋友來的意思). 🔔 我哋嘅活動主持人有時會因為工作或者學業關係臨時嚟唔到，Meeple Tree 保留臨時更換主持嘅可能性。🙏 🔔 本會因放飛機(活動開始前24小時內退出者)被移除人數: 102 🔔 Meeple Tree保留參加者名單最後決定權. 🔔 Follow我哋IG: mtboardgame / boardgame_hk

Feel free to drop in for an afternoon of pub chess. We welcome players of all skill levels from beginners to grandmasters. There is no entry fee, but please remember to buy a drink to support Trafalgar and to thank them for hosting our group. See you on Sunday at 3pm!

We organise board game meetup each month, which is different from a single table board game session. Multiple gaming tables are hosted in each meetup for the whole afternoon, from beginners to veterans. Everyone can choose their preferred games to learn. If you're new, don't worry and we'll teach all the games. The entry fee for the whole meetup is 60 dollars. Please prepay via [PayMe](payme.hsbc/cathy22) with description "Meetup [Your display name on Meetup]" to guarantee your spot, otherwise seats may not be reserved in advance. Please let us know if you have settled payment or any difficulties on [Payme](payme.hsbc/cathy22). Feel free to DM Cathy for any enquiries about reservation. Features for Our Meetup: 1. Free style - You could come at any time, but please note that you might not get into a game if you come too late. 2. No worries for what to do, we prepare you high quality games and polite players. Ready to come and enjoy a great time with some new friends through our games! 3. Attendees will receive a name badge upon arrival. Your badge must be worn and visible at all times while attending the event. 4. Attendees maybe photographed during the event for HKBGCA marketing and promotion purposes. Game Selection: 1. [Ada’s Dream Deluxe](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/413469/adas-dream) (1-4 players, 150 Min, Difficult) 2. [Earth: Animal kingdom](boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/442298/earth-animal-kingdom) (1-6 players, 120 Min, Difficult) 3. [Eternal Decks](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/424981/eternal-decks) (1-4 players, 60 Min, Medium) 4. [Tower Up](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/393307/tower-up) (2-4 players, 60 Min, Medium) 5. [The Gang Expansion](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/411567/the-gang) (3-6 players, 60 Min, Medium) 6. [Rapa Nui](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/314401/rapa-nui) (2-4 players, 45 Min, Easy) 7. [Tiki Topple](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/34373/tiki-topple) (2-4 players, 30 Min, Easy) 8. [Kronologic: Cuzco 1450](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/406619/kronologic-cuzco-1450) (1-4 players, 30 Min, Easy) 9. [All in Predictions](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/457436/all-in-predictions) (2-5 players, 30 Min, Easy) 10. [Flip 7 Vengeance](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/463441/flip-7-with-a-vengeance) (3-8 players, 20 Min, Easy) Please note no-show policy will be enforced. If you cannot come due to some reason, please let us know so we can find replacement before the meetup starts. Absence without any reason will be blacklisted. Please show good manners and respect to other people during gaming session. Behaviour that causes an uncomfortable or unpleasant atmosphere at the table will result in being removed from our future events until further notice. Hope you enjoy the games we select! The Hong Kong Boardgame Culture Association

social late lunch at IFC, wines with tapas^°^, ...hams & cheese, chicken wings, pickles, sausages, pizza, fruits, calamari, different types of steaks, pasta, risotto, lobster, shell foods etc 😋🌞🎉🎉😱🆕🥞🥯🥩🍖🍔🌭🍕🍝🧆🥙🥗 rooftop causal drinks at IFC, beautiful outdoor lounge, gardens... chit chat with Interesting topics ^°^

Sunshine forecasted Sunday! It’s an enjoyable hike mixed with swimming, or free-of-charge sunbathing. A basic 5k+ hike from Sai Kung town to Trio Beach. It depends if to visit White Horse Point. Let’s have dinner afterwards. Trio Beach is renowned for it its seclusion, located on Pak Sha Wan Peninsula. I really like the beach is “hidden from the plain sight” and contains “soft sand, clean water”. Non-swimmers can rest on benches covered by shade broad roof or simply rent a beach umbrella (about $100).There is a snack store for simple food and drink at the beach, pay cash. We’ll take boat back to Sai Kung town by 5pm to Hebe Haven Pier (白沙灣碼頭).**Cash only** for one-way boat ticket ($15-$20). Please prepare enough cash for payment of your own snacks or meals. *First-time participant please answer all questions posted when you make RSVP.* **REMEMBER please wearing hiking shoes with good grip!** **Meeting** **Date:** Sunday 26 Apr, 2026 **Time**: 1pm **PROMPT** **Gather at**: Minibus Terminal chairs opposite to **CIRCLE K** convenience store, Sai Kung **Hike Ratings:** Speed: 2/5 Hike Length: 5 km+ Total ascent: 81m+ Total descend: 80m+ Surface: 2.2/5 (village paths & chipping-stone trails) **WHAT TO BRING** 1\. A smile 😃 2\. Hat\, sunblock\, sunglasses and umbrella \(flippers & swim stuff if you swim\) 3\. At least 1 litre of energy drinks if in winter\, 2 litres if in summer 4\. Proper clothing & hiking shoes catering for the above\-mentioned event 5\. Hiking/sports backpack\, no shopping bag please 6\. Poles & hiking gloves if you have them 7\. Sweat cloth for replacement **IMPORTANT INFORMATION:** 1/ Please be punctual 2/ Please wear sports attire catering for the event 3/ No radios, No guests\*.\* **OTHER INFORMATION** 1.“No Shows” especially last-minute absence without a head up will be recorded. 2\. Habitual “No Shows” will be removed from the group\. 3\. Be responsible\, please update your RSVP at least 4 hours prior to the activity if you can’t make it\. If it is an hour or less before the event\, please call our Host\. **Disclaimer:** *Hong Kong Healthy Outings organizes events on an amateur basis. By joining the events, all participants are deemed to have read and understood the activity description, to have determined that they are of a suitable fitness level to undertake the events, and to have agreed to exonerate the leaders, the organizers and any other participants in the walks from any liabilities or claims, including but not limited to liabilities and claims as a result of any injuries or deaths or damages arising therefrom.*

# Turn simple clay into a burst of colourful love for Mum! 💖🌺 # Pinch, shape, and dance with the clay like it’s a creative tango 💃 # Craft delicate petals, paint them in bright happy colours 🎨, and build a gorgeous rainbow rose 🌈 or a super cute ring dish/trinket bowl — the perfect handmade Mother’s Day gift! 😍 # No experience needed — just bring your love and good vibes! ✨ # 📅 Sunday, 26 April 2026 # 🕑 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM # 💰 HK$380 per person (includes materials + 1 finished piece) # 👯‍♂️ 10% off for companions — bring your mum, sister or bestie! 💕 # 🍽️Optional light dinner: HK$50+ (as a supportive sponsor — please reserve your spot!) # Come play with clay, create something beautiful, and make memories that last longer than flowers! 🌷💕 # Spots are limited! DM or WhatsApp 60950762 / 5429 4126 to join the fiesta 🎉 # Venue: Studio 1117, Kwai Fong (拾柒工房 葵芳) # IG: [@freeflowceramics](https://www.instagram.com/freeflowceramics/) or studio1117.monster #

Cultural Diversity Meetup Group join the group now! INVITE TO JOIN: 0 Cultural Diversity Meetup Group join the group now! [https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/vwqhvtyjccbfc/?eventOrigin=group_events_list](https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/vwqhvtyjccbfc/?eventOrigin=group_events_list) 0 Call for speakers - Diversity and Inclusion meetup group [https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/zwqhvtyjcdbsb/?eventOrigin=group_events_list](https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/zwqhvtyjcdbsb/?eventOrigin=group_events_list) 1 Indonesia workers - Diversity and Inclusion meetup group [https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/kxqhvtyjccbhc/?eventOrigin=group_events_list](https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/kxqhvtyjccbhc/?eventOrigin=group_events_list) 2 Phılıppınes workers - Diversity and Inclusion meetup group [https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/gxqhvtyjccbhc/?eventOrigin=group_events_list](https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/gxqhvtyjccbhc/?eventOrigin=group_events_list) 3 Indian workers - Diversity and Inclusion meetup group [https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/wxqhvtyjccblc/?eventOrigin=group_events_list](https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/wxqhvtyjccblc/?eventOrigin=group_events_list) 4 EGYPT workers - Diversity and Inclusion meetup group [https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/rzqhvtyjcdbqb/?eventOrigin=group_events_list](https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/rzqhvtyjcdbqb/?eventOrigin=group_events_list) 5 Pakıstan workers - Diversity and Inclusion meetup group [https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/dzqhvtyjcdbkb/?eventOrigin=group_events_list](https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/dzqhvtyjcdbkb/?eventOrigin=group_events_list) 6 Thaıland workers - Diversity and Inclusion meetup group [https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/vzqhvtyjccbgc/?eventOrigin=group_events_list](https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/vzqhvtyjccbgc/?eventOrigin=group_events_list) 7 Bangladesh workers - Diversity and Inclusion meetup group [https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/cbrhvtyjccbfc/?eventOrigin=group_events_list](https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/cbrhvtyjccbfc/?eventOrigin=group_events_list) 8 Srilanka workers - Diversity and Inclusion meetup group [https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/rxqhvtyjccbhc/?eventOrigin=group_events_list](https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/rxqhvtyjccbhc/?eventOrigin=group_events_list) 9 Nepal workers - Diversity and Inclusion meetup group [https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/mzqhvtyjccbvb/?eventOrigin=group_events_list](https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/mzqhvtyjccbvb/?eventOrigin=group_events_list) 10 Nigeria workers - Diversity and Inclusion meetup group [https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/vbrhvtyjccbxb/?eventOrigin=group_events_list](https://www.meetup.com/diversityhk/events/vbrhvtyjccbxb/?eventOrigin=group_events_list) Diversity * **What it is**: The presence of people with different backgrounds, experiences, identities, and perspectives (e.g., race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability, culture). * **Analogy**: A diverse team has members from different places, with different skills. Inclusion * **What it is**: Actively creating an environment where everyone feels welcome, respected, supported, and empowered to participate and succeed. * **Analogy**: In an inclusive team, everyone feels comfortable sharing ideas and is heard, not just present.

Dodgeball is back again! If you’ve been wanting to come out, this is an easy one to join. We’ll be playing for about 1.5 to 2 hours, you do not need to bring any equipment, and no experience is needed. We use a specific set of rules and equipment to make the games run better and keep them fun for everybody, not just people who already know how to play. If it rains, the event will be canceled.

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Grandview Grind](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063534163841)!

Columbus Code & Coffee is an inclusive, informal co-working session. People of all skill levels attend, and we love it that way. Many people (optionally) bring projects to work on, and many other people (optionally) socialize the entire time. It's entirely up to you! **What to Expect at the Intro Circle** \~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ Near the beginning of the event (1:30 pm), we do a standup: * Organizer announcements, updates, and logistics Round 1 - (7 secs max): * Your name * What you're working on * What you can help others with Round 2: * Community events you wanna plug. If none, that's cool too. Round 3: * Job opportunities you're hiring for OR announce that you are looking for one. If none, that's cool. After the introduction circle, everything is self-organized! Feel free to work alone, pair up, attend one of our workshops/presentations, or mingle!

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

**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.

**History** The [Franklin Park Conservatory](https://www.fpconservatory.org/)’s roots trace back to 1852 when the Franklin County Agricultural Society purchased 88 acres of land to host the Ohio State Fair. After the fair moved to its permanent home, the city of Columbus transformed the grounds into Franklin Park in 1884. This transition shifted the space from a temporary event site to a dedicated public green space for the growing community. The park became a central hub for outdoor recreation and early civic gatherings in the neighborhood. In 1895, the landmark Victorian-style Palm House opened its doors, drawing heavy inspiration from the Glass Palace of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This iron and glass structure became an immediate icon, housing exotic plants that residents would otherwise never see in the Midwest. It remains the oldest part of the facility and serves as a primary link to the conservatory’s 19th-century origins. For decades, it stood as a singular testament to grand horticultural architecture in Central Ohio. A major turning point arrived in 1992 when Columbus hosted AmeriFlora '92, an international horticultural exhibition. This massive event prompted a $16 million renovation and expansion, adding significantly more greenhouse space and the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse. The festival put the conservatory on the international map and fundamentally changed its scale and ambition. Following the event, the facility transitioned from a city-run park to a private, non-profit organization. In 2003, the conservatory’s identity was further defined through a long-term partnership with world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. After a successful exhibition, the Friends of the Conservatory purchased most of the glass installations, creating the largest permanent collection of Chihuly’s work in a botanical setting. These vibrant glass sculptures are now woven throughout the biomes, blending art with nature. This addition helped cement the conservatory as a premier cultural destination rather than just a botanical garden. Recent years have seen the site expand beyond the glass walls to emphasize community engagement and outdoor education. The 2018 opening of the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden added two acres of interactive landscape designed for hands-on learning. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus also provides local residents with space to grow their own food and learn sustainable practices. Today, the conservatory balances its historic Victorian charm with modern commitments to local ecology and the Columbus community. **Maps of the Conservatory** Here is the [main map](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/franklin-park-zones-scaled.jpg) of the Conservatory grounds. Here's a [map of the areas](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ConstructionMap-2026.jpg) in which the Conservatory has ongoing construction (see below). **Summary** For this event, we'll explore Columbus's highly-rated and very popular Conservatory. As mentioned above, the Conservatory is doing renovations on parts of the facility. These renovations are scheduled to be ongoing until the Fall of next year. Basically, no matter when you go to the Conservatory over the next 18 months, you're going to see some metaphorical orange barrels. So let's just go now. **Tickets and pricing** On the first Sunday of every month, the Conservatory is free for residents of Franklin County and the city of Columbus. You must bring an ID to receive this discount. (Yes, they do check.) Otherwise, tickets are $25.20. Members of the Columbus Zoo (of which I am one) do get a discount on tickets, though I have never actually bought a ticket to the Conservatory (I've always gone on free days). I believe the discount is $4. Parking is always free. If you have additional questions about pricing or whether and for what you qualify, you can reach the Conservatory at 614-715-8000. **Where we'll meet** We will meet just outside the main entrance. I guarantee there's going to be a line. The Conservatory is always popular on free days, and especially in nice weather. **Your GPS is stupid!** Be careful simply typing "Franklin Park Conservatory" in your GPS and going where it tells you. The only way to access the parking lot to the Conservatory is off of Broad Street. Unfortunately, since Google Maps is unable to find its way out of a wet paper bag, it has a tendency to want to take people to a mythical, non-existent Conservatory entrance on Nelson Road. If your GPS does this, just drive to the north side of the Conservatory along Broad Street. Your GPS should then redirect you to the main Conservatory entrance. If your GPS doesn't, then throw your phone away\* and look for the big Conservatory sign on the south side of Broad Street between Nelson Road and Franklin Park West. You also should be able to use the map pin I've provided, below, and it should properly direct you to where you need to drive. \* Don't really do this. **After the event** After stopping to smell the roses, for those that are interested, we'll head to the nearby [Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/) for [drinks](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#draft-list) and [lunch](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#food-menu). The Beer Hall's actual address is [200 Kelton Ave, Columbus, OH 43205](https://www.google.com/maps/place/200+Kelton+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43205/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x883889a94ac4acad:0xadb2e60240dbc38b?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111) (it's literally just on the south side of the Conservatory). Be sure this is where your GPS is taking you when you use it, as the Brewing Company has a taproom on Harrison Avenue that is *not* what you want for this event. We should be at the Beer Hall by 1 if you can't make the Conservatory and just want to join us for drinks.