Log Management

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🏃‍♂️ Sunday Vacations | Train Together, Finish Together --- Thinking about joining the **20km of Brussels on May 31st**… but don’t want to train alone? 👉 Join our **after-work training group** and prepare together in a fun, social, and motivating atmosphere. Whether you're a beginner or already running regularly — **you’re welcome.** --- ## 📆 Weekly Runs (April → May) We train **twice a week after work**: ### 🔵 Once per week – Easy Social Run 👉 Perfect to build consistency and meet the group --- ### 🟣 Once per week – Long Run (Main Session) * Distance increases every week * Structured pace groups 👉 This is the **key session** to prepare for the 20km --- ## 🏳️ Follow Your Flag (Pace Groups) To keep things simple, we use the official **20km Brussels pacemaker system**: * 🟠 **Beginner (≈ 2h15)** Run/walk friendly — just aim to finish * 🟣 **Steady (≈ 2h00)** Comfortable and regular pace * 🟢 **Intermediate (≈ 1h45)** Faster group for those who want a challenge 👉 Not sure? Start easy — you can switch anytime. --- ## 📊 Long Run Progression We gradually build up to the race: 6 km → 8 km → 10 km → 12 km → 14 km → 16 km → 18 km 🔥 * lighter week before the race --- ## 🏁 Goal 📅 Sunday 31 May 2026 🎯 Run the 20km of Brussels — together --- ## 💡 What to expect * Friendly, international group 🌍 * No one left behind * Natural pace groups * Motivating and social vibe 👉 We start together, run in groups, and finish together. --- ## ☕ After the run Optional drink or snack — because it’s also about **meeting people and having fun** --- ## ⚠️ Practical info * Bring water * Wear proper running shoes * Join at your own responsibility * Beginners welcome --- ## 🌍 About Sunday Vacations We are a **Brussels-based community** organizing social activities, hikes, and trips. 👉 This training is part of our mission: **bringing people together through shared experiences** --- ## 🔗 Participation To join, a **Sunday Vacations membership** is required: * Explorer (€5/year) → + €5 organizing fee * Voyager (€50/year) → no organizing fee * Ambassador (€150/year) → no organizing fee + perks 👉 Details: [www.sundayvacations.com/membership](http://www.sundayvacations.com/membership) --- 🔥 Don’t train alone — join us and enjoy the journey to the 20km!

Join us for a 3 day intensive trekking in the Julian Alps and one cultural evening in Venice (for those who survive)! The Julian Alps are a stunning, limestone-dominated mountain range stretching from northeastern Italy into northwestern Slovenia. We will operate on the border of Italy and Slovenia (Julian Prealps). Possible attack on the Kanin summit (2587m). Very good physical condition required (approximately 800m ascents with 10-15kg backpacks per day,6-8h trek/day). 2 nights in unmanned mountain huts, last night near Venice (sightseeing/Vivalidi's concert?). Mountain/snow experience/equipment not required. The schedule: 22.5 - 04:00 a.m. departure (the car of the trip leader) to Charleroi Airport, flight: 06:45 to Venice Treviso (or the day earlier for those who prefer)-> Stolvizza (by rented car - possibility of teleworking from the car in the morning of 22/5 for those who can ;)(650m)-> mountain hut 1 (1450m), possible ascent towards Kanin summit on the same day (or the next one). 23.5 - mountain hut 1-> Bivacco Franco (1700m) -> (optional) pass Med Baban (2031m)-> Forcella Predolina->Monte Guarda and Plange-> mountain hut 2 (1200m). 24.5 - mountain hut 2-> Monte Plagne->Capella del Chila->Stolvizza (car)->evening in Venice->Hotel 25.5 (national holidays in BE) flight from Venice Treviso 11:50 (or 17:50 or the next day for those, who wish) to Charleroi ->13:30 return to BXL by the car of trip leader around 15:00. We will share the real costs equally + small organising fee for the Sunday Vacations/ Ujamaa ASBL platform. Budget (excluding meals, attractions in Venice and flight tickets-currently at 150E return ticket): car (Italy+Belgium+parking)+fuel, 1x20kg checked-in luggage, hotel in Venice (1 night) = around 150 EUR/pp. 4 or 9 people maximum (mountain huts/cars constraints)

We do cycles of 4-6 weeks, with a progressive intensity, and the last session is lighter. Program: 15’ warm up **To be defined** Cool down to get back to the starting point… or more S=All out sprint RF = Run fast, at MAS (Maximum aerobic speed) CF = Run comfortably fast (1h threshold) J = Jog, recuperation Notes: It should take about one hour in total, as the cool down will end when we reach back to the meeting point. It's NOT required to have an activity tracker or smart watch to be able to follow the program, as I'll be giving signals with a whistle. For the "run" part, you can follow your own pace and we'll be regrouping in the "jog" part. Intervals training is not advised for total beginners. To have an idea, the average pace at the warm up is around 5'45"/km-6'/km so this pace should feel very comfortable ***Acknowledgement of member responsibility and release of liability.*** By signing up for this event, you agree to release the organizers from any responsibility and liability in all claims. As the participation is strictly voluntary and you freely choose to join, it is the responsibility of individuals participating to ensure that they are fit enough and have adequate coverage to protect themselves.

Join us for a full day of collaborative work at HSBXL! This event is open to everyone who enjoys working in a community environment, whether you're advancing on business ventures, freelance projects, or creative endeavors. Bring your laptops, your enthusiasm, and your projects to collaborate, learn, and share in the main room of our spacious hackerspace. During this **8-hour co-working event**, you'll have the opportunity to work on your project, ask for feedback, offer help to others, and if you wish, share your achievements at the end of the day. **Please Note**: While HSBXL has multiple rooms for various purposes, this coworking event is taking place in the main room. It's important to note that online meetings should be avoided during this event to prevent noise disturbance and to maintain a conducive work environment for everyone. \#\#\# What the day will look like: 1\. Introduction and setting up: Find a comfortable spot in the main room\, set up your workspace and grab a Club Mate\, soft drink\, or a coffee to get your day started\. 2\. Work Session: Dive into your project\, seek assistance\, and collaborate with others\. 3\. Sharing Session: Optional\, but encouraged\! Share what you've worked on\, your challenges\, and triumphs\. \#\#\# How to get to HSBXL: HSBXL is located in Brussels. For detailed instructions on how to get to the hackerspace, please visit [here](https://hsbxl.be/enter/). If you encounter any issues while trying to get in, you can contact us at +32 28804004. Please note that the phone is inside the space. Alternatively, you can also reach out to us in our [Matrix chatroom](https://matrix.to/#/#hsbxl:matrix.org). \#\#\# Requirements Please bring your laptop, and if you have, an extension cord. The space has WiFi, but having your own internet backup solution can also be useful. Join us at this **8-hour co-working day** in the main room of HSBXL, and we hope you'll have made progress on your projects, learned something new, and most importantly, enjoyed the power of community collaboration. Whether you're a freelancer, entrepreneur, or creative, we welcome you to this day of productivity, sharing, and collaboration.

## 💃 Dance & Meet Experience – Afterwork pour danser et rencontrer *Scroll down for EN* 📅 Vendredi 22 Mai 📍 Barabar 🕖 18h – 21h Et si on changeait la façon de faire des rencontres à Bruxelles ? Bienvenue à **Dance & Meet Experience**, un concept original qui mêle **danse, rencontres et bonne énergie** dans une atmosphère conviviale et élégante. Inspiré de la nouvelle tendance des **soirées dansantes en début de soirée**, cet événement vous permet de profiter pleinement de l’ambiance festive **sans devoir sortir toute la nuit**. Après le travail, venez vous détendre, bouger, rencontrer de nouvelles personnes et partager un moment vibrant — tout en gardant votre soirée libre. *** ### ✨ Le concept **Dance & Meet Experience** n’est pas simplement une soirée. C’est une **expérience sociale autour de la danse**, conçue pour favoriser des rencontres naturelles et authentiques. La soirée combine : • une atmosphère chaleureuse et ouverte • de la musique entraînante pour faire bouger tout le monde • des rencontres spontanées • une énergie festive mais détendue Pas de pression, pas de formats artificiels : **la musique et la danse créent naturellement les connexions.** *** ### 💫 Ce qui vous attend • une ambiance internationale et conviviale • un dancefloor accessible à tous • des rencontres simples et naturelles • une énergie afterwork positive Que vous veniez **seul(e) ou avec des amis**, l’atmosphère est faite pour que chacun se sente rapidement à l’aise. *** ### 🕺 Pour qui ? Pour les personnes à Bruxelles qui ont envie de : • rencontrer de nouvelles personnes • danser et relâcher la pression de la journée • vivre une soirée élégante et différente *** 👗 **Dress code :** smart casual / chic décontracté 📍 Lieu : Barabar 📅 Date : Friday 22 Mai ⏰ Horaire : 18h – 21h 🎟 **Ticket\*:** 12 euros **\*Restez en contact** avec l'**ambassadeur** pour l'obtenir. ✨ **Danser. Rencontrer. Ressentir l’expérience.** # 💃 Dance & Meet Experience – Afterwork Party & Social Vibes 📅 Friday 22 Mai 📍 Barabar – Brussels 🕖 18:00 – 21:00 Looking for a different way to meet new people in Brussels? Welcome to **Dance & Meet Experience**, a fresh social concept where **music, movement and connection** meet in a relaxed and elegant atmosphere. Inspired by the new wave of **early-night dance events**, this experience offers the joy of dancing and socializing **without the late-night exhaustion**. The idea is simple: come after work, move your body, meet inspiring people and enjoy a vibrant evening — all while still having your night ahead. ✨ **The concept** Dance & Meet Experience is not just a party. It’s a **social dance experience designed to spark authentic connections**. The evening blends: • a friendly and stylish crowd • uplifting music to get everyone on the dancefloor • spontaneous encounters and conversations • a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere No pressure, no complicated icebreakers — **just music, energy and human connection**. 💫 **What to expect** • A welcoming international crowd • Great music to dance and connect • A social atmosphere where meeting people feels natural • A vibrant afterwork energy Whether you come **with friends or alone**, you will quickly feel part of the experience. 🕺 **Who is it for?** Professionals, expats, creatives and curious minds in Brussels who want to: • meet new people • dance and release stress • enjoy a classy yet relaxed social evening 💡 **Dress code:** Smart casual / stylish 📍 **Location:** Barabar – Brussels 📅 **Date:** Friday 22 May ⏰ **Time:** 18:00 – 21:00 🎟 **Ticket\*:** 12 euros \***Stay in contact** with the **ambassador** to obtain it. Come for the music. Stay for the connections. ✨ **Dance. Meet. Experience.**

Ready to shake off the work week and channel your inner rockstar? Join us for an unforgettable night of music, drinks, and questionable vocal choices at Red Karaoke in the heart of Brussels! Whether you’re a shower-singer extraordinaire or a seasoned stage pro, this is your night to shine. From timeless classics to the latest chart-toppers, we’ve got a microphone with your name on it. 🕒 The Game Plan * When: This Friday * Time: 9:00 PM (We’ll grab drinks first to find our "liquid courage") * Where: Red Karaoke, Brussels * Vibe: High energy, zero judgment, and 100% fun. 📝 What to Expect * Meet & Greet: We’ll gather at the bar at 9:00 PM to introduce ourselves before the singing starts. * The Playlist: Red Karaoke has an extensive library. Start thinking of your "go-to" song now! * No Pressure: Not a singer? No problem! We need enthusiastic backup dancers and professional "applause-givers" too. 📍 Logistics * Entry: Please RSVP so I can manage the table/booth booking. * Costs: Everyone covers their own drinks and their share of the room/singing fee (if applicable). * Finding Us: I’ll post our exact spot in the comments/chat on the night of the event. Look for the group laughing the loudest! > Pro Tip: Friday nights get busy! Please arrive on time so we can maximize our stage time. Let’s make some noise, Brussels! 🥂

Let's meet to write ! Schedule : 11:00 - 11:30 am : Presentation tour. Share briefly with the group about your project and your "goal of the day". 11:30 - 13:30 : Let's write ! 13:30 : Conclusion tour. Did you achieve your goal of the day ? See you soon !

**🃏 WHAT WE PLAY** We focus on **social interaction games** that are **fun, easy to learn, and engaging**. * **Thursdays** and Saturday nights are for **fun, social games** like Dixit, Coup, Skull, Codenames, Colt Express, Secret Hitler, Exploding Kittens, Bang and more!… Easy to learn, quick to laugh! * **Mondays** are for **deeper strategic games**, for players who love to plan and outthink opponents. Of course, these are just guidelines — you’re always welcome to bring and play whatever game you love! *** **🕖 SCHEDULE** * We meet at **7:00 PM**, with an **intro round at 7:15 PM**. * Arriving later? No problem! Just see a host — we’ll do our best to find you a seat. You might need to wait for a game to finish before joining the next one. **🎉 Good News! BFG is Free Again** As of July 1st, 2025, BFG is once again **free to join**, just like last year! The costs of running the group are now shared by the hosts. If you enjoy the events and want to say thanks, you're very welcome to **offer a drink (or two 😉) to a host** during the evening. A huge thank you to everyone who supported us financially earlier this year — you helped keep the group going, and we truly appreciate it. 🙏 *** **🎒 WHAT TO BRING** * Bring your favorite games and feel free to mention them in the comments. * If we’re meeting in a **park**, bring snacks, drinks, and something comfy to sit on — the grass can be damp even in summer! *** **☕ IF THE VENUE IS A CAFÉ** Please order **at least one drink** to support the venue, and pay directly at the bar. *** **✅ REGISTRATION** Please RSVP to help us plan for space and group sizes. **⌛ WAITLIST ETIQUETTE** * If you can’t make it, cancel **before 7 PM the day before** to give someone else a chance. * If you're **on the waitlist** and your plans change, cancel your RSVP so others aren't left hanging. *** **🤝 WANT TO HOST?** Interested in becoming a host or helping out? Let us know — we’d love to have you on board! *** **💬 FEEDBACK WELCOME** Suggestions or ideas? Drop us a message anytime — we’re always looking to make BFG even better. *** ### **🌟 Let’s have fun, discover great** **games, and build and make new friends** *** ###

Hi everyone, This coffee morning event is @MIR Concept Coffee Store! Saturday, 23 May 2026, from 10:00 - 13:00. MIR opened its doors 4 years ago, right off Place Jourdan. Doriana, the owner, is a super nice host, and is excited to have our group as her café. The café is very beautiful and has great coffee, and many yummy food options. Their Instagram channel: https://www.instagram.com/mirconceptstore/ **The address is:** MIR Concept Coffee Store Rue Gray 4A 1040 Etterbeek *** 1. The **prime time** of the event is **10:30 - 12:30**. That's when most people will be there. 2. When you enter the gallery, it's either on the right-hand side or left-hand side of its hallway, depending which entrance you take. 3. If you intend **to join past 12:00** (high noon), then there is no need to register. Just come and join! 4. **DON'T forget to cancel** if you can't join! 5. **Please, be respectful towards each other during the event. (And after ;))** **As always, feel free to follow us on INSTAGRAM!** [https://instagram.com/weekendmorningcoffee?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==](https://instagram.com/weekendmorningcoffee?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==) **THE STRUCTURE of THE EVENT:** * I will post the event on Saturday/Sunday evening for the following Saturday. * I send out a reminder to everyone on Friday. * There is sometimes a waiting list. * In case RSVP is closed (once there are 10-15 people on the waiting list), I might reopen it on Friday, depending on the number of cancellations in the meantime. * **For everyone on the waiting,** please check your status and messages on Friday evening the latest. I message everyone on the waiting list on Friday. * **Please, move to "not going" AS SOON AS you know that you can't come anymore, that includes everyone who is on the waiting list.** **IMPORTANT:** * **Please, be respectful towards each other during the event. (And after ;))** * When you register yourself, be careful not to register accidentally a +1 guest (unless you bring a guest). It happens very often. * If you have any questions then, message me. *** **A MESSAGE FOR NEWCOMERS:** *In the three years of hosting this coffee group, I have met many people who struggle with anxieties when coming to an event for the first time. Sometimes, it took them more than one attempt before being able to join.* *Occasionally, people reach out to me before the event, and I have always been grateful for that as it offers the opportunity to communicate with each other and to find the best and most gentle way for that person to join the group.* *I would like to encourage everyone who struggles with this to contact me before. It would really be too bad if you can't join us, as it mostly gets better the second or third time you come.* *In addition to that, if you arrive and notice any signs of nervousness or fear, you can always let me know right then.* **THANK YOU AND SEE YOU ALL ON Saturday!**

Hi everyone. For anyone and everyone who wants to climb some walls, no matter your skill level. Usually we stick around for a drink after. Arkose has a balcony/rooftop, perfect now that the weather is getting better. **Practical info** Location: Arkose Canal. Address: Rue Willy de Bruyn Straat 52, 1000 Brussels First time at Arkose? Entry & rental shoes for €10 via the website: https://arkose.com/en/canal?lang=en I will meet you at 12pm at the main hall. If you are joining later, change and meet us inside at the wall. I am easy to find. Or send me a message.

This Sunday we will do around 10Km walk in the sonian forest starting from the parking by Bistro Pilko. The walk will look like this: https://mapy.com/s/nudoluhave After the walk we will stay for a drink/bite in the terrace of Bistro Pilko. For further details, you can contact me +32472828639

Calm your mind and bring energy to your body by practicing Chen Taiji. Taiji is a an internal martial art rooted on Taoist concepts. It can be practiced at any age and brings many health benefits. Besides this, it is still a martial art, meaning that most of the techniques and movement have a martial explanation and can be used for self defense. We meet near the kiosk (or on the side of the football field) Full practice including: \- Relaxation \- Stretching \- Basic Taiji techniques \- Laojia Yi Lu Form \- Martial Applications Bring comfortable clothes and water (or tea). Don't worry if you arrive late, just join us silently to not interrupt the other practitioners.

You are invited to join hike #2 of the Meetup group "**Walking, Talking, maybe a Picknick**". **Intro** We're going to hike **22km** on the **Kalmthoutse heide**, one of the most scenic nature areas of Belgium. This time we start from **station Wildert**, finishing at the Arboretum near Station Kalmthout. Contrary to Kalmthout station, sufficient car parking space available at station Wildert. **By car** Participants arriving by car in station Wildert carpark (Sint-Jansstraat 28, Essen), after the hike will obviously need to take a train from Kalmthout back to their car. Travel time Bxl to Wildert by car approx 1h15. Travel time Kalmthout to Wildert by train 4 minutes (17:20/18:20) To car arrivals, please be on time as **We will leave at 10:30.** **By train** Travel time **BxlC** to Wildert approx 1h30+. **08:49** platform 1 Travel time **AntwC** to Wildert approx 30+ min. 09:50 platform 21 The train should arrive Wildert 10:24. **We will start the hike at 10:30.** Travel time Kalmthout to Bxl 1h20 16:41/17:41/... platform 1 **The hike and your preparation** This 22km hike will take approx 6 hours, including necessary breaks. Bring-your-own-lunch, as we will be not close to catering of any kind . The weather forecast suggests sunny, few clouds, 24 °C, make sure to carry enough water, a hat and sun cream. **Optional** After the hike participants may want to join for a drink on the terrace of the Arboretum buffet. The **Arboretum** closes at 17h. Some may want to visit the excellent Arboretum, currently with plenty plants like Rododendron/Azalea/etc in spring blossom. Later some may also want to join for a diner at a Kalmthout/Wildert restaurant. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ To cover my costs as a Meetup organiser I'm going to ask for a voluntary calendar year contribution starting with hike #2. #/ Price / Contribution **Community contribution:** €5 for non members Includes: *Event organisation - Group coordination *Guided community hiking experience Not included: - Train tickets *Food & drinks - Personal expenses ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

**Important time note:** Please plan on arriving between 5:30 and 6:00 as the elevators lock after 6 and you'll need to message us and we'll need to come get you. The building address is 4450 Bridge Park The entrance is 6620 Mooney St, Suite 400 You will need to scan your ID at the door to get a visitor badge. **Abstract** Like it or not, AI agents are now capable of turning a quickly written paragraph of requirements into a pull request that is ready to be integrated into real-world production applications and it's now our responsibility to make sure AI doesn't go rogue and take down prod - or corrupt our data by misunderstanding the requirements or our existing schemas. In this session we'll explore strategies to protect our codebases through unit and integration testing, documentation, and code review along with additional ways of providing context and guard rails to our AI agents as they carry out the work we've assigned them to do. By the time we're done, you'll have a firm grasp of the problem and understand some helpful options for protecting your codebase from vibe coding mishaps getting YOLOed into prod. **YouTube Link** TBD

Start your week the right way with Manic Mondays. Giving you an enjoyable Bachata lesson with a push of cool moves. The second hour has Beginner/Intermediate Salsa on 1. You must understand basic Salsa skills to participate. 730pm-830pm Bachata Cool Moves 830pm-930pm Salsa On 1 (Beginner/Intermediate) 15 for One Class 20 for Both Free Parking & Plenty of Dance Space. Viva Dance Columbus 2809 Festival Lane Dublin OH 43017

**The idea for this group is to build a community where men can gather together and build connections & learn and grow from each other.** How we start each meeting is by each of us checking in with our "roses and thorns" aka what are the good things and the bad things going on in your life recently? Then we will go into a topic discussion. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **COMMUNITY AGREEMENTS** \*\*THERE WILL BE A ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY FOR NO-SHOWS. IF YOU RSVP TO A MEETING AND FAIL TO SHOW UP WITHOUT NOTICE, YOU'LL BE REMOVED FROM THE GROUP. THIS IS TO PRESERVE THE INTEGRITY OF THE GROUP\*\* 1. Confidentiality - EVERYTHING that is shared NEVER leaves this space so that this space remains safe and sacred. There is a zero tolerance policy for this. If a man is in violation of this, they will be permanently removed from the group. 2. Non-Judgement - we respect and honor every man’s truth so that we may receive the same from others. While we may not agree on everything, we commit to respecting every man’s perspectives and engaging in honorable discussion with one another. 3. Be committed - honor your commitment to this group and to yourself. If you attend a meeting, please commit yourself fully to the meeting. Also be committed to your own journey. When we fail, we own it & clean it up. 4. Speak from the heart - this is NOT a space to “look good”, have the “right” answers, and have it all together. Relax and know you are not alone. Be exactly who you are within the safety of this space. 5. Be supportive - This means always willing to provide encouragement to your fellow men, encourage action and momentum in each other’s lives.. Be willing to challenge each other. Be willing to hold each other accountable. 6. Participation - what you receive from this community will be a reflection of what you put into it. Period. We ask that you share your perspectives, reflect on others, and give/receive support when and where it’s needed.

Save the Date - Agenda Forthcoming You're invited to Indiana D365 User Group Meeting June Wed Jun 10, 2026 2:00 PM—Jun 11, 4:00 PM (EST) https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_YWRkNmQ1NWMtN2E0Mi00ZDU4LThmNzMtMDdlODMwMDNkMGMz%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22b4c9f32e-da17-4ded-9c95-ce9da38f25d9%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2267db4a27-1865-4ea7-bb20-a28137a8aa56%22%7d Tap on the link or paste it in a browser to join.

**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.

Couldn't make Knowledge? Or want to debrief the dancing robots or Autonomous Workforce? Join us for a Knowledge '26 recap, insights sharing, a couple rounds of golf, and fun at Topgolf. As always, drinks and food will be provided. More details to come — mark your calendar, RSVP, and save your spot today!

**Welcome to Drunken Philosophy** a casual, curious social discussion **Optional topic for this meetup: What's up with all the AI hate?** A recent survey found that 74% of Americans have a negative view of AI, and I want to know why. Come out and debate whether AI is good or bad. My hot take: a labor-saving tool that could potentially help cure cancer gets called dangerous because it might raise unemployment or cause a speculative investment bubble, that tells you a lot more about capitalism and the economic system we live under than it does about the tool itself. As a computer programmer, I think AI is a wonderful tool that has increased my productivity by at least an order of magnitude. I'd go so far as to say Claude Code is the best tool I have ever used. Debate me and name a better one. Is AI potentially dangerous? Yes, but so are a lot of tools. Chainsaws. Steam engines (early ones would occasionally explode and kill everyone in the room). Do you think cavemen sat around debating whether fire could be used as a weapon or for self-harm, and decided not to discover it? I have two friends who hate AI for opposite reasons: one thinks it's a fad and not useful, and the other thinks it's going to take over everything and cause human extinction. Come out tonight, have a friendly debate, and make some friends. No lectures. Friendly crowd. Drop in for one drink and stay if it's fun.