Fundraising Events

​​​**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 50+ cities 📅 Running + Networking events + Community ​​​**Join the community** [http://foundersrc.com/chats](http://foundersrc.com/chats) Singapore Instagram http://instagram.com/frc_singapore ​​​**Global FRC**: Instagram [http://instagram.com/foundersrc/](http://instagram.com/foundersrc/) 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/)

**Best** value Saturday night in Tanjong Pagar" or "of free-flow for $25—the ultimate girls' night out." • Interactive Polls: If you're posting this on a story, use a sticker asking, "Classic or Lychee Martini?" to get people engaging with the post. Event Details • Venue: NHC @ Tanjong Pagar (118 Tanjong Pagar Road). • Price: $25+ for free-flow martini buffet. • Timing: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM. FREE FLOW 120 MIN TAKE THE LAST ODER 20 MINS BEFORE THE GIVEN TIMES PLEASE ORDER ONES BY ONES NOT ALL THE SAME TIMES! PLEASE DONT LEAVE ANY LEFTOVERS BEHIND!! THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING!

Calling all competitive spirits! Join us for an adrenaline-pumping day of **dragon boating** designed for team players who thrive on challenge and camaraderie. Whether you’re an experienced paddler or eager to test your grit for the first time, this is your chance to push yourself, build team synergy, and enjoy some friendly competition on the water. After training, kick back with a cold beer (or a non-alcoholic drink) and soak in the stunning sunset with your crew. Click on the link below to sign up! [https://tinyurl.com/newpaddler2024](https://tinyurl.com/newpaddler2024). **Details of the event:** Time: 2:30pm pls be punctual. Cage will close at 2:45pm sharp. Price: SGD 25 can be paid at the venue or via Paynow during RSVP. Attire: * **Bring atleast 1 liter WATER BOTTLE** to the boat! [#ReduceSingleUsePlastic](https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/reducesingleuseplastic?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZXfrs-dICVI-TFJNA1Akk7G6_MS3hlt4aBHNLxQGpK_xHWL7Ivg2rst-MA0LzjJdCd8bjyfUXMmdvrpBdI-PaCnZXd0LryMSI2mqYzsOEtDrQmL7-l0LRf82viJTGzEp1w&__tn__=q) \- Any outdoor workout attire \+ rubber slippers or water shoes \- Bring sun protection \- Your belongings will be locked in the cage If you require more information on the event you can drop us a msg or click on the link to chat with us. [https://chat.whatsapp.com/IVS3j8ZBQpc7TFotOyfi1D](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IVS3j8ZBQpc7TFotOyfi1D)

Best value Saturday night in Tanjong Pagar" or "of free-flow for $25—the ultimate girls' night out." • Interactive Polls: If you're posting this on a story, use a sticker asking, "Classic or Lychee Martini?" to get people engaging with the post. Event Details Recap • Venue: NHC @ Tanjong Pagar (118 Tanjong Pagar Road). • Price: $25+ for free-flow martini buffet. • Timing: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM. FREE FLOW 120 MIN TAKE THE LAST ODER 20 MINS BEFORE THE GIVEN TIMES PLEASE ORDER ONES BY ONES NOT ALL THE SAME TIMES! PLEASE DONT LEAVE ANY LEFTOVERS BEHIND!! THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING!

A relaxed Saturday night for people who enjoy light, easy-to-learn board games — nothing too serious, just fun gameplay and good company. \> **Beginner-Friendly**; host will introduce & teach games \> Expect a mix of **light strategy, social deduction** and **party games** \> More than 100 *Games: Azul, Splendor, Citadels, Hanabi, Scout, Nana, Codenames, Taboo, Coup, Avalon, Secret Hitler, Werewords & more!* \> Welcome to bring your own game\! \(Any genre\) 🎫 Entry: **$12/pax** *\> Inclusive of boardgaming and 2 drinks* \> Food available at venue if dinner required 👥 Participants: Expected attendance is larger than rsvp list as there will be attendees from the afternoon session joining 🏠 Venue: **The Noodle Place** **15A Circular Road (2nd Floor)** Nearest MRT: Clark Quay / Raffles Place ⌚ Duration: **7.15pm-10.30pm** \> Last game at 10pm \> Join the afternoon session if you are early\! **Do Whatsapp 8337-0678 to confirm your attendance** and share about your game genre preference, if any, so we can put you on a suitable table! \>\>\>\>\> By signing up for the event, you agree to the following: 🪑 Be mindful of your RSVP! Update 4 hours prior to the event if something else comes up and you can’t attend so someone else can join the fun! 📸 Photos will be taken during the event for publicity purposes. Please sound out if uncomfortable. 🚫 No soliciting, MLM, investment pitches or harassment. Let's keep it friendly! No outside food please! For inclusivity, gameplay will be in English and may be less accessible if you’re not fluent. **‼️ No refunds for sudden unavailability. In the event of cancellation, a full refund will be provided promptly.** For more information, please feel free to whatsapp 8337-0678

**Football, fun, and new friends await! Join us for a friendly 5v5 match at Cage Kallang. let’s make it a game to remember with awesome people and good vibes!** 🔥 New in town or just visiting? Come unwind with a friendly 5v5 game—easygoing vibes, cool evening breeze, and a great way to meet people and enjoy the beautiful game. There will be an official host will facilitate the game to ensure safety and rotate teams if applicable. Please note: \- Be on time to ensure game starts promptly\. \- Teams will be formed and play will begin\. Normal rules apply\. \- Where there is a third team\, a series of rotating games lasting 10 minutes will be played. As always, keep games safe and friendly: watch the tackles, avoid sliding, and exhibit great sportsmanship! **\*\*Please note that RSVP on this event doesn't mean you've successfully booked the game. Contact us via WhatsApp +65 88144810 for more details.\*\***

Come enjoy yr beer, music, art fringe activities & make new friends! **[Tix link Heineken Afterwork: First Sip House - RSVP tix is required to attend](https://s.klook.com/c/mwYgmLJ9y2)** **[Official instagram Page](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYFFu2oM75x/?igsh=MndjbWpndWRwdmti)** ***Items to bring*** 1. Umbrella (Optional) 2. Water bottle (Optional) Attire: Smart Casual attire Tentative Program Schedule (subject to changes) 4.30pm: Meet at Maxwell mrt Ctrl Stn 4.45pm: Head off to Dinner nearby 5pm - 6pm: Early Dinner (Optional) 6.15pm: Arrive at 36 Keong Siak Road & enjoy dance DJ music, Pure Malt Beertail & Bites (tix at different price), snack, drinks, venue/activities exploration 9.30pm: Head off for fun bonding over traditional desserts/chillax (Optional) 10.30pm-11.30pm: Home sweet Home time Please READ everything below We want to ensure a fun and happy gathering where u can let down yr hair and be yrselves. RSVP event Confirm yr attendance \*U will receive a whatsapps msg from me via contact no * Transfer $4 (for lady) & $5 (for men) as admin fee via Paylah/Paynow to me * Send yr screenshot pic of yr Paylah/Paynow transferred fee details to me * I will add u into the whatsapps channel upon fulfilling the condition \*No refunds given for admin fee. Yr slot can be replaced with another person If anyone wants to accompany u as guest, pls ask him/her to pay $4 or $5 admin fee too \*Important note No harassment and false accusations will be tolerated among members. Please refrain from ptv msging members

Soak in the golden-hour glow from CapitaSpring’s Sky Garden as the city transits from sunset to starlight. 🌆🏙 Afterward, we’ll head to Lau Pa Sat for dinner beneath its historic arches. It’ll be a relaxed evening of panoramic views, great food and nice company! **This is a limited tickets event. 🎟 🎫 Kindly only confirm if you are sure that you can make it, as last min drop-out deprive others a real chance to join. 😊** To protect your privacy, we do not collect telephone numbers 📵. Communication will be through the Event chat. Kindly check for any updates, especially on the day of the event, so that you will be updated on any changes. The route may be amended or the hike postponed in the event of inclement weather, for the safety of our walkers. 🚶🚶‍♂️ Exercise care while you walk. Please inform us when you feel unwell and need to drop out. *Disclaimer: By joining this walk, you assume responsibility for your own safety and well-being 🚸, and will not hold the organizers/hosts liable for any loss or injury or other unforeseen events, ensuring a shared commitment to a safe and enjoyable experience for all. 😊 Thank you. 🙏 Photo credit: Mothership

**WHO SHOULD ATTEND?** This group is ideal for anyone who’s new to trail running in the forest. Whether you prefer a slow, moderate, or fast pace, you're welcome to join — we each run at our own speed, with no pressure to keep up with others. *** **WHAT TO EXPECT ?** Our participants range in age from 29 to 65, and everyone has a different level of fitness. That's why we encourage everyone to run at a pace that suits them — **we do not pace one another**. Each run typically lasts **30 to 40 minutes**, depending on individual fitness levels. We usually have around **9 to 12 runners** per session. After the run, we often gather for a quick drink or casual dinner — a nice way to wind down and socialize. *** **DISTANCE COVERED** Approximately **5 to 6 km** per run. *** **VENUE** We explore various trail locations across Singapore, but our **main base is Bukit Timah Nature Reserve**. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ \*This Sunday Trail Run_17 May 2026\* \*MacRitchie Reservoir\* \*Meeting/Start Point\*: Main Pavilion (where the water dispensers & toilets are located) 1km away from Caldecott MRT, 10-12 min walk [https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Caldecott/Mushroom+Cafe,+Lornie+Rd,+Singapore+570000/@1.3396728,103.8362843,17z/am=t/data=!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x31da17437b4187b7:0x2079bf25e6b7f5bf!2m2!1d103.8398365!2d1.3373567!1m5!1m1!1s0x31da10b2e23a47c7:0x7e5d0289f16a8612!2m2!1d103.8349069!2d1.342418!3e2](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Caldecott/Mushroom+Cafe,+Lornie+Rd,+Singapore+570000/@1.3396728,103.8362843,17z/am=t/data=!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x31da17437b4187b7:0x2079bf25e6b7f5bf!2m2!1d103.8398365!2d1.3373567!1m5!1m1!1s0x31da10b2e23a47c7:0x7e5d0289f16a8612!2m2!1d103.8349069!2d1.342418!3e2) \*Run Start Time\*: 5pm Please be at the meetup start point by 4.45pm. Unable to wait for latecomers . \*Route\*: Trail next to Prunus Boardwalk 2 Way Run (back to Start Point ) \*Distance\*: 5-6 km \*Dinner/Drink\*: Gink-Go Open Air Cafe at MacRitchie.

**Check out [funeventssg](https://www.instagram.com/funeventssg/) Instagram for the latest updates!** **[Social Event for the Young @ Heart] Sing Nostalgia with New Friends Your Age!** **As per the title, there will be various rooms for various age groups so do come and sing your era's songs with new friends of your age group! Feel free to hop around to other rooms to make new friends too!** **There will also be a cookie break for those who wants to chat with their new friends at the lounge over atas cookies sponsored by funeventssg!** **Both locals & expats are welcome! All ages are welcome!** **Everyone is welcome, regardless of race, language, religion or nationality! Bring your friends & family & make special song requests for a truly personalised experience!** **If you are bringing your friends & family, please type your group leader's name when you RSVP so that the best arrangements can be made for you! For the shy ones, feel free to join us if you simply want to listen!** **Date: 17 May 2026 Sunday** **Time: 6.30pm to 10.30pm** **Location: Cash Studio Clarke Quay Central** 6 Eu Tong Sen St, #03-21, Singapore 059817 **Entry Fee: SGD18 nett** **inclusive of FREEFLOW non-alcoholic drinks!** *** **IMPORTANT:** **1 You need to register for this event.** You have to pay a much higher entry fee & may not be guaranteed of a seat if registration is not done. **2 Upon entry, you have to make payment of SGD18nett to Cash Studio. Inform the staff you are there for a Meetup event & keep the receipt as proof of payment.** Thereafter, you will be given a wrist tag & you are free to move around the various themed rooms to enjoy the songs & ambience! **3 Participants are strictly not allowed to take photographs or video recording of others at the event without permission.** The organiser has the right to ban & evict anyone who refuses to adhere to this rule. **4 Photographs will be taken by the organiser at the event for marketing & publicity.** Should you be uncomfortable with that, kindly inform the organiser to omit you in the photographs. **5 Please be considerate. As seats are limited, kindly un-RSVP if you are unable to make it.** **6 Please ensure you have no close contact with Covid-19/Mpox positive person(s) within the last 5 days.** **7 Please wash your hands with soap & be hygienic at all times. If you are holding the microphone, kindly ensure your hands are clean & have no food etc.** **8 Please take turns & wait for your turn *(one song per turn)* to sing.** This is to ensure that everyone has a chance to participate in the singing. **9 No form of solicitation, MLM, investment, scam or harassment will be tolerated.** Kindly inform the organiser on the spot should you encounter anything that makes you uncomfortable. **10 Please take care of your personal belongings. Exchange of any contact information is solely at your own discretion. The organiser is not accountable for any incidents or loss of personal belongings.** **The organiser reserves the right to deny entry to anyone who fails to comply with the rules.** **By signing up for this event, I agree to the terms & conditions stated above to ensure a safe and conducive environment for all! :)**

**Prawning & BBQ Social: Sunday Sunset Catch!** **Looking for a relaxing way to wrap up your weekend? Join us for a hands-on Prawning & BBQ session at Hai Bin! Whether you're a seasoned pro or have never held a rod before, it’s all about the thrill of the catch and the delicious reward afterward.** **We’ll spend an hour and a half at the ponds, followed by a communal BBQ to enjoy the freshest prawns possible—the ones we catch ourselves!** **Event Details** * **Date: Sunday, 17 May** * **Time: 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM** * **Location: Hai Bin Prawning** **6 Tebing Ln, #01-04, Singapore 828835** * **Cost: $24 per person (Includes rod rental and bait)** **Admin fee $7** **The Game Plan** * **7:30 PM – 7:45 PM: Meet & Greet. We'll gather at the entrance to get our rods and bait.** * **7:45 PM – 9:15 PM: 1.5 Hours of Prawning. We have a 30-minute grace period for latecomers, but the sooner you start, the more you catch!** * **9:15 PM – 9:45 PM: BBQ Time. We’ll head to the pits to salt and grill our catch for a fresh Sunday night snack.** **What to Bring** * **Patience & Good Vibes: Prawning is a game of skill (and a little luck!).** * **Casual Wear: It can get a bit warm around the BBQ pits.** * **Small Change: For drinks or extra snacks available at the venue.** **RSVP Note: Please note that your attendance is only confirmed by early payment to Kimi at 8796 4912. The event is subjected to cancellation if the minimum attendance of 4 is not met. In the event of cancellation, you will be refunded in full. Confirm your attendance ASAP with us for the event to go ahead! See you by the water! Ji**

### **Pickleball Sunset Mixer! 🏓🎉** An evening of dinks, drinks (after maybe), and your shot at pickleball glory. *** **📍 Location:** 317 Outram Rd, Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium, Singapore 169075 🕖 **Time:** **5PM - 7PM** 💵 **Cost:** $22 per person ($5 paddle rental if you don’t have your own trusty weapon). **Early bird rate ($16 excl paddle if you confirm five days with payment before the event)** To lock in your spot and avoid the dreaded FOMO, hit up the payment link below: 📲 **Early Price: [expired]** 📲 **Normal Price: [https://hitpay.link/kuurij](https://hitpay.link/kuurij)** ✅ **Spots are only confirmed when payment is in.** If you usually pay cash, no worries, just continue with that. ⚠️ **Cancellation Policy:** Please give at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations to receive a refund. No refunds for no‑shows or cancellations within 24 hours, unless the whole event is rained out. ### What’s the Plan? We’re going Round Robin style, which is just a nice way of saying you’ll keep playing and meeting new people until your arms fall off. #### 🎮 What’s the Game Plan? Here’s how the courts are split: 🎾 **1 Beginner Court** (*For newcomers or those preferring a relaxed pace*) * Learning court lines, scoring, and basic rules. * Can sustain short rallies and demonstrate basic strokes but still working on consistency. 🏅 **1 Intermediate Court** * Solid consistency, mid-pace rallies * Shot placement is improving, but still work-in-progress * Great for those ready to level up 🏆 **Official Tournament Balls:** All games will be played using **Franklin X-40 tournament balls** for consistency and a high-quality playing experience. **Paddle Queue System:** To keep things fair, players will place their paddles in line in box to indicate their turn in the respective court. **Rules of the Game**: * **Switch It Up**: After every match, you’ll get a new partner and new opponents. * **Scoring**: First to 15 points, rally style (no need to keep track of who’s serving—so much simpler lah). * **Timing**: Each match is capped at 15 minutes, so don’t peng san trying to win. * **Be Nice**: Keep it friendly—this isn’t the SEA Games, okay? *** ### **Why You’ll Love It:** * Play with a variety of kakis and test your skills. * End the day with new friends and maybe a snack after. *** **What to Bring:** * Your paddle (or rent one—we’re not judging). * Water bottle—don’t faint halfway * Your best “aiyah nvm” attitude when the ball goes sideways. 🔔 **Friendly Reminder:** Pickleball is a social and physical activity, please be mindful of your own safety and physical limits. Participation is at your own risk. Stay hydrated, warm up properly, and don’t paiseh to rest if you need to. 💪 🎟️ RSVP Now – Spaces Are Limited!

Come and play some card or boardgames! \> **Beginner-Friendly**; host will introduce & teach games \> **Light strategy, party games and social deduction** if there is enough demand \> *Games: Azul, Carcassone, Citadels, Hanabi, Scout, Codenames, Taboo, Coup, Avalon, Deception, Chameleon, Werewolves & more!* \> Welcome to **bring your own game!** (Any genre) 🎫 **Entry: $15/pax** \> *Inclusive of boardgaming & 2 drinks* \> Food available at venue if dinner required \>\> **Welcome to stay for subsequent boardgame event from 7pm-10pm for free!** (subject to availability, do inform us early) 🏠 Venue: **The Noodle Place** **15A Circular Road (2nd Floor)** *Nearest MRT: Clark Quay / Raffles Place* Do Whatsapp 8337-0678 to confirm your attendance and share about your game genre preference, if any, so we can put you on a suitable table! -- By signing up for the event, you agree to the following: 🪑 Be mindful of your RSVP! Update 4 hours prior to the event if something else comes up and you can’t attend so someone else can join the fun! 📸 Photos will be taken during the event for publicity purposes. Please sound out if uncomfortable. 🚫 No soliciting, MLM, investment pitches or harassment. Let's keep it friendly! For more information, please feel free to whatsapp 8337-0678

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

## 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

Join us as we get together to see the top-reviewed comedy-drama, I LOVE BOOSTERS! The film comes from writer/director Boots Riley and follows a group of shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. Here are details, trailers and our plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: The film follows a group of shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. It is written/directed by Boots Riley (Sorry to Bother You) and stars Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige, Poppy Liu, Eiza González, LaKeith Stanfield, Will Poulter, Don Cheadle, and Demi Moore. BUZZ AND ACCLAIM: I Love Boosters was the opening film at this year’s SXSW Festival and premiered to rave reviews! It is currently earning a tremendous 97% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes where critics call it, “an unexpected celebration of friendship, community, and solidarity.” Others call the film “an exercise in radical empathy,” a “masterful” and “optimistic” film designed to “provoke discussion” while making the audience laugh. TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4lPRISgr9c](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4lPRISgr9c) SUMMER OF ICE CREAM: GRAETER’S! Established way back in 1870 in Cincinnati, this historic, family-owned brand is famous for their delicious small batch ice cream and any chocolate chunk flavors! They are currently the only commercial ice cream maker using the French Pot method that they’ve been using since they first opened! Plus, those chocolate chunks, oh my goodness! Vegan options are available. PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 20 minutes before the show. Advance ticket purchase not required for this theater but Showtime and complete details will be confirmed/announced as the date gets closer. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

**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.

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