Mapping

### Confirm participation on [www.sundayvacations.com](www.sundayvacations.com) => events ### Escape the city without leaving Brussels. Join us for a relaxed community hike through one of Brussels' most beautiful and surprising green corridors: the Woluwe Valley. From peaceful parks and hidden nature reserves to historic estates and forest trails, this walk reveals a side of Brussels that many residents have never explored. Whether you're new to Brussels, looking to meet like-minded people, or simply want to spend a Saturday afternoon outdoors, this is a perfect opportunity to disconnect from routine and reconnect with nature and community. ## 🌍 Community Event ### Why Join? The Woluwe Valley is one of Brussels' most important ecological landscapes and forms part of the European Natura 2000 network dedicated to biodiversity conservation. During our walk, we'll discover a remarkable diversity of landscapes, including: 🌳 The beautiful Woluwe Park 🌿 The semi-natural sites of Hof ter Musschen and Domaine des Silex 🏞️ The scenic parks of Malou, Seny, Ten Reuken and Tournay-Solvay 🚶 Former railway paths transformed into green walking routes 🌲 Sections of the majestic Sonian Forest 🏰 Historic landmarks linked to King Leopold II's vision for Brussels and the prestigious Avenue de Tervuren Along the way, we'll pass through landscapes that tell the story of Brussels' relationship with nature, urban development, and cultural heritage. ## 🤝 More Than a Walk At Sunday Vacations, we believe people join experiences for connection as much as the activity itself. This walk is designed to create a welcoming atmosphere where international professionals, expats, locals, solo joiners, and nature lovers can meet naturally while exploring together. Whether you're attending your first event or already part of the community, you'll find a friendly and inclusive group. ## 📅 Program **14:50** – Meet at Le Slot (near Roodebeek Metro) Optional: arrive a little earlier if you'd like to have lunch or a drink with other participants before departure. **15:00** – Start of the hike **15:00 – 18:00** – Guided community walk through the Woluwe Valley **18:00** – End of the hike at Gare de Boitsfort Participants are welcome to continue socializing afterwards. ## 📍 Meeting Point Le Slot Restaurant Near Roodebeek Metro Station Brussels ## 🥾 Route Information Distance: Approximately 9.8 km Difficulty: Easy Pace: Relaxed and social Suitable for beginners: Yes Dogs: Welcome if friendly and kept under control ## 💰 Participation ### Sunday Vacations Members ✅ Free participation ### Non-Members You are welcome to join and discover the community. Membership starts from just: 🌟 Explorer Membership – €5/year 🚀 Voyager Membership – €50/year 🏆 Ambassador Membership – €150/year Membership helps support the community and unlocks access to additional benefits, experiences, and member pricing throughout the year. ## 📱 WhatsApp Group A dedicated WhatsApp group will be created before the event to facilitate communication and last-minute updates. The access link will be shared with registered participants. ## 🎒 What to Bring ✔ Comfortable walking shoes ✔ Weather-appropriate clothing ✔ Water ✔ Good energy and curiosity ## ⚠ Important Notes • Participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation. • This event takes place entirely outdoors. • There is no weather backup plan. • By joining, participants acknowledge the normal risks associated with outdoor walking activities. • Please arrive on time so we can depart together. ## About Sunday Vacations Sunday Vacations is a community operated by UJAMAA ASBL, bringing together people through adventure, culture, nature, and meaningful social experiences. Our events are designed to help you discover new places, meet new people, and create memorable moments together. ## Legal Disclaime Sunday Vacations acts as a community organizer and connector and is not a travel agency Activities are organised by volunteers and covered under the legal Belgian volunteer insurance framework VAT not applicable – small business exemption scheme, Article 56bis Belgian VAT Code ### 🌿 Ready to discover one of Brussels' most beautiful hidden green corridors Join us for an afternoon of nature, conversation, discovery, and community Come solo. Leave with new connections

What would make a city "ideal"? The answer(s) might first appear on the surface (excuse the pun) to be a no-brainer: thriving, prosperous, clean, safe, energizing yet relaxing, beautiful, affordable, etc ... However, as we further unpack and explore all these factors, we might soon begin to see that the answer(s) may not be that simple after all - not only considering the reality of limited resources (not enough money or energy - or surface area - to realize all visions, therefore choices have to be made), but also confronting the reality that each decision made will have implications on the whole system, as every element in a city both influences and requires all others. Inspired by Plato's *Republic,* one approach to answer the question "What is an ideal city?" could be to compare this question with the question, "What is an ideal human being?" If there might be *many* types of ideal cities or human beings, what properties (again, excuse the pun!) would they all have in common? Each city should best of course be studied in the context of its particular history, geography, climate, ecosystem, economics, culture etc. How have cities optimized (achieving differing degrees of success) their natural advantages while compensating for their vulnerabilities? What type(s) of people would be the ideal cities' inhabitants and visitors? How homogeneous or heterogeneous should a city be to both flourish and function optimally? (cf. meetup topic of 7/11/2020). In which ways should its citizens behave uniformly and in which ways diversely? Should architecture and urban design be used to promote social/political/ethical behaviour? How would *social* navigation ("networking" and maintaining ties) in our city operate? What sorts of infrastructure and urban culture would facilitate thriving interactions? How can city and nature be best reconciled? How should our cities deal with climate change and function sustainably? Where do we go from now? What lies in the future for our cities in the world today? At the micro level... What would your ideal city look like? (For example - just 1 out of hundreds of possible questions - how high should its highrises be?) What would be the ideal size of geographical area that we would consider to be our "home territory" i.e. the amount of earth surface area that we move upon during an average day/week/month of our living? How would we move around? What would your own personal lifestyle be like in your ideal city? Would a "low-stress" lifestyle be ideal, and if so, what characteristics of our ideal city would facilitate this? What would you argue are the most positive and negative aspects of cities you can think of in the world today? Jane Jacobs' ideas, values and theories continue to remain a standard reference even today, 65 years later [https://youtu.be/Y4k6SXaUXho?is=zdkUoi9hbzE7Lpg-](https://youtu.be/Y4k6SXaUXho?is=zdkUoi9hbzE7Lpg-) Carlos Moreno's concept of "15-min city", introduced 10 years ago, has become increasingly popular - as well as debated [https://youtu.be/a1tUy8uqlOE?is=RW4eRLplijnyomKU](https://youtu.be/a1tUy8uqlOE?is=RW4eRLplijnyomKU) Edward Glaeser interview (only if you have enough time) [https://youtu.be/k2USzajXfLk?is=2sPas0L8_C0COrL](https://youtu.be/k2USzajXfLk?is=2sPas0L8_C0COrL) *(begin from 03.00) Where we're going (possibly)... [https://youtu.be/T6mK-Ukr_ts?is=QjHyf8uVu6GlzuTF](https://youtu.be/T6mK-Ukr_ts?is=QjHyf8uVu6GlzuTF) [https://youtu.be/zHgfKz7aQkY?is=H56JVVaLlJXbLRjl](https://youtu.be/zHgfKz7aQkY?is=H56JVVaLlJXbLRjl) [https://youtu.be/hfHtFiqw-IY?is=-LVjTtb07ZSYPosI](https://youtu.be/hfHtFiqw-IY?is=-LVjTtb07ZSYPosI) Photo (by Alan Woo): Chóngqìng from the air (May 2026)

Join Photoresk for a relaxed afternoon of street photography at the Zinneke Parade in Brussels. We meet in front of Café Metteko before the parade, photograph together for about two hours, then come back for a drink and chat. The Zinneke Parade returns to the centre of Brussels on Saturday 30 May 2026, and it is exactly the kind of colourful, surprising city moment that is fun to photograph together. We will meet at 14:30 in front of Café Metteko, Boulevard Anspach 88, 1000 Brussels. The parade starts at 15:00. The different Zinnodes move through the centre in a loop, so from one good spot on the route we should be able to see the full parade between 15:00 and 17:00. https://www.zinneke.org/parade-2026/infos-pratiques/ Afterwards, from around 17:15, we will meet again at or near Café Metteko for a drink, a chat, and maybe a first look at our favourite shots. All levels are welcome. Bring any camera you like: DSLR, mirrorless, compact camera, analogue camera, or phone. The idea is simple: enjoy Brussels, photograph together, and meet other people who like photography. Practical details: Date: Saturday 30 May 2026 Meeting time: 14:30 Meeting point: in front of Café Metteko, Boulevard Anspach 88, 1000 Brussels Parade photography: 15:00-17:00 Social get-together: from about 17:15 at or near Café Metteko Nearby public transport: Bourse, De Brouckère, Gare Centrale A small note on comfort and safety: The Zinneke Parade is colourful, busy and often loud. Some places, especially around Bourse and Grand-Place, can get very crowded. Please travel light, keep an eye on your belongings, and respect the parade teams, stewards and other visitors. For close portraits, please ask first. Photoresk is a friendly international photography group. New faces are very welcome.

### 🌲 Disconnect. Challenge Yourself. Reconnect. Are you ready to step completely outside your comfort zone? Join us for an unforgettable **36-hour survival immersion** in a private forest near Mons — a raw, powerful experience designed to bring you back to the essentials of life. No screens. No city noise. No comfort bubble. Just nature, teamwork, and your own resilience 🌿 --- ## 🏕️ What Awaits You Under the guidance of a specialized survival instructor, you will learn practical skills that humans relied on for thousands of years: 🔥 How to make fire from scratch 🏕️ Build your own natural shelter 🧭 Navigate using terrain and basic tools 💧 Manage essential resources in the wild 🌲 Live fully outdoors — day and night 🤝 Strong group bonding through shared challenge This is not a demonstration — you will actively participate. --- ## 🌟 Why This Experience Is Special ✨ A rare opportunity to disconnect from modern life ✨ Powerful team spirit — you will go through this together ✨ Confidence boost & personal breakthrough ✨ Memorable stories you will tell for years ✨ Meet adventurous, open-minded people from our community Many participants describe survival experiences as **life-changing**. --- ## 👥 Who Should Join? ✔️ Curious explorers & adventure seekers ✔️ Beginners welcome — no survival experience needed ✔️ Open-minded people ready to try something different ✔️ Anyone craving a real reset from everyday life You don’t need to be super athletic — motivation matters more than performance 💪 --- ## 📍 Event Details 📍 Private forest in Frameries (near Mons) 📅 May 30–31, 2026 ⏱️ 36 hours in nature 👥 Very limited group: **max. 20 participants** --- ## ⚠️ Important to Know ✔️ Outdoor conditions — rain or shine ✔️ No modern comforts ✔️ Personal gear required (packing list provided) ✔️ Safety supervised by experienced instructor --- ## ❤️ The Sunday Vacations Spirit This is not just a course — it’s a shared adventure. Expect: ✨ New friendships ✨ Mutual support ✨ Genuine human connection ✨ A break from the fast pace of Brussels life If you enjoy our hikes and trips, this is the **next level**. --- ## 🌿 Are You In? Spaces are intentionally limited to keep the experience authentic and safe. 👉 Join us if you want something real, intense, and unforgettable.

**Join us for a warm and easy-going afternoon at the Zinneke Parade 🎉, one of Brussels’ most creative and colorful street events.** The parade brings together artists, local groups, performers, musicians, and communities from different parts of the city to create a unique celebration in the streets of Brussels. The atmosphere is usually festive, artistic, multicultural, and full of surprises ✨. Expect music, costumes, creative performances, colorful groups, and a very Brussels-style mix of imagination and good energy. We can go as a group and walk around the city centre, watch the different parade groups, take photos 📸, enjoy the music and costumes 🎶🎭, and experience the festive atmosphere together. This is a great event for people who enjoy culture, creativity, street performances, local Brussels life, and social gatherings 🤝. Whether you are new in Brussels or simply want to spend a nice afternoon with friendly people, you are welcome to join. There is no fixed program: we will meet, walk together, enjoy the parade at a relaxed pace, and maybe go for a drink or snack afterwards for those who want to continue the evening ☕🍹. **To keep the group experience pleasant for everyone, participants are kindly asked to respect each other, behave normally, and contribute to a friendly and positive atmosphere 😊🙏.** **Location** **📍 Place de la Bourse in front of the Metro entrance** **Price** **🎟️ Free event** **No ticket is needed. You only pay for your own food or drinks if you decide to buy something**.

The unique exhibition *Bellezza e Bruttezza* at Bozar will soon come to an end. The works are amazing and can be appreciated on their own, but the thought-provoking thread running through the exhibition is less obvious and might benefit from the guidance of an art historian. If you wish to learn more about the prescriptive power of images as it emerged during the 16th century, join this guided tour. I'm one of Bozar's guides, and the rates are the official ones. Let's meet at 11:15 in the main Horta Hall. Be on time, we have to set up the audio system. Edit : Since we are not reaching 10 participants for Bellezza e Brutezza, I propose to use my Joker at Bozar: I can offer one personal tour. Entrance is €18 full price, €2 with Museum Pass. After the visit, you can simply give me whatever tip you like. Please confirm you still want to attend. So we keep the visit! Looking forward to seeing you all :-) Jennifer

Last Functional Movement & Yoga at Merci Studio on Place Dillens (please register in advance at [www.popupyogaconcepts.be/schedule](http://www.popupyogaconcepts.be/schedule)) We will restart again in September after this class! A practise linking functional movement & breathwork. This practise emphasises posture correction, spine health & breathing properly even when challenged in key poses and during movement. This class is held in a close community giving the chance for people to meet others in a context of calm and wellbeing. We also go for a chai/coffee in the area after class, however this is not mandatory. The location is hosted at Merci Studio in St Gilles (near the parvis) . Everyone is welcome as long as you have a kind and open hearted spirit :-) Address Merci Studio (4th floor) Julien Dillensplein 1 1060 St Gilles Drop in Rate 20 euros

Far-ranging train disruptions limit the choices for this weekend - here a late proposal for a nice and flat hike through flemish wetlands this Sunday. We start at the station of Schoonaarde and cross the Schelde into some woods. Along an old meander of the Schelde we reach the Donkmeer, a large lake with a summer beach. From there we continue to Kalkense Meersen, a large and beautiful nature area with grassland, water and some open-air art. We end the hike in Wetteren, which should provide sufficient choice of place for a final drink/ice cream. The number of participants is limited to 20, so please manage your registration responsibly: only sign up if you really intend to come and cancel as soon as you know you can’t (this also goes for people on the waiting list!). We will try to keep somewhere close to an average speed of 4.5 to 5 km/h. We will walk both on paved and unpaved roads. I’ve not tested this track beforehand, so it’s possible that there are some mistakes in the planning (i.e. it may become longer ;-). ●●You can find the gpx track here: kommot: https://www.komoot.com/de-de/tour/986475602?share_token=a6QPrqXmM4QKOQ24NWgMm7yxp7REdTramG2suq35U8RF4bBF2a&ref=wtd&t_s=referral&t_cid=route_share&t_ref_username=472114460035 wiciloc: https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/von-schoonaarde-nach-wetteren-266681186 ●●Meeting point: We meet at 9.05 in Bruxelles Central train station. Our train (IC 3209 to Dendermonde) leaves from platform 1 at 9.22. We change in Dendermonde and arrive in Schoonaarde at 10.09. ●● Train ticket: BXL-Schoonarde 6.20 (3.70 with train+), Wetteren - BXL 6.60 (3.90 with train+) ●● Trains back to Brussels: Four per hour, direct or via Gent or Dendermonde. ●● Specifics: Distance: \~ 25 km Elevation gain: up and down some dikes, otherwise flat as can be Net walking time: \~ 5.5 h Weather forecast: Significantly cooler, and should be mostly dry during the day, but some rain possible. In the unlikely case of too bad weather, I may cancel a hike, even few hours before the event. If this must happen, I will of course update the Meetup website and send out an email to those registered. So it is important to have access to either the Meetup.com website and/or your emails. ●● What to bring: * Comfortable hiking clothes * Waterproof, comfortable hiking shoes * sufficient water + food for the breaks * Compeed for blisters * Small change for the drink (cafes in the countryside do not necessarily take cards!) ●● Basic rules: Please RSVP only if you really intend to come. And if your plans change, update your RSVP asap, even hours before the walk. This is basic courtesy towards others. Repeated late cancellations are not well considered (at all). No-shows are even worse. Do not show up for a hike unless you are on the “going” list. ●● Acknowledgement of member responsibility and release of liability: You are responsible for yourself and should be fit enough if you want to take part. As the participation in the events 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. By signing up for this event, you agree to release the organisers from any responsibility and liability.

🏃‍♂️ Missed the 20k Registration? Get Your Adrenaline Fix Here! 🌲 Sold out? No bib? No problem. While 40,000 runners are pounding the hot asphalt on the road, we are taking the FOMO to the forest. Welcome to the Alternative 20k (But Make It 15k & Beautiful). Skip the massive crowds and the concrete, and join us for a stunning, shaded, and high-energy cruise through the best trails Brussels has to offer. You’ll still get that race-day buzz without the entry fee! 📅 The Game Plan Date: Sunday, May 31, 2026 (Official 20k Day) Meet-up Time: 09:45 AM (Sharp! We move shortly after) Meeting Point: In front of the Main Tribune / Stands at the Hippodrome de Boitsfort (Drohme) Distance: 15 km Pace: Cruisy, steady 6:00 min/km Terrain: Light, wide trails in the gorgeous Forêt de Soignes (smooth dirt paths, manageable elevation, completely under the tree canopy) 📍 Route & Vibe Starting from the historic Hippodrome, we will dive straight into the green lung of Brussels. We will trace a beautiful 15k loop through the Forêt de Soignes, keeping the pace locked at a social but solid 6:00/km. Expect fresh air, zero traffic, great conversations, and a massive hit of endorphins. 🎒 What to Bring Trail or standard running shoes (The light trails are very forgiving, so regular road shoes work just fine if it’s dry!) Your own hydration/gels if you need them (there are no official SPA water stations out here, folks!). Post-run vibes: We can grab a coffee or a cold drink at the Drohme melting pot right after we finish.

Hi WW's, This sunday , we shall do a 10 Km walk around Lasne. The walk will look like : [https://mapy.com/s/pazojogudu](https://mapy.com/s/pazojogudu) There will be about 275 metres of ascent/descent , so a little more than usual. The start and finish point will be in the public parking area opposite the Bolo Restaurant. After the walk , we can walk or drive to the Friterie de Saule , a farmhouse friterie selling local sparkling wine , local beer and local gin ! The meat they serve comes from their farm. You can check more details in their website : [Home | Friterie Du Saule](https://www.friteriedusaule.be/) Since space is limited inside , it is not possible to reserve places , so we will have to squeeze up for our apres walk. Please note that the Friterie closes at 1400 , so we start on time. If you are late , use the map to catch us up. You should wear good clothes and boots for Belgian weather and mud. If you have any questions , you can contact me on 0472 613 518. See you on Wednesday. Rory.

Quiet Forest Walk – The Clear Space This is a quiet, low-stimulation activity. It may suit people who feel overwhelmed in typical social settings or who prefer a calmer way of being together. Hi everyone, On Sunday 31 May, I’m organising a quiet forest walk for The Clear Space. We’ll walk together in silence for about an hour, in a calm and gentle way. This is not about performance, conversation, or doing anything special. It’s simply a chance to be outdoors together in a quieter way — with space to breathe, notice, settle, and just be. Sometimes silence can feel more natural than talking, and walking side by side can feel easier than a usual social setting. That is very much the spirit of this walk. When: Sunday 31 May Where: Herrmann-Debroux metro, straight ahead after leaving the platform Time: We start walking at 14:10 sharp, so please come a little earlier if possible. Please wear good shoes, especially if the weather has been rainy, as the forest can be muddy. Afterwards, if people feel like it, we can have a drink at Rouge Cloître. You’re welcome to join, but there is absolutely no pressure. If you’d like to come, or if you have any questions, you can message me at 0474 60 83 70. You are very welcome.

⚠️ **IMPORTANT: You must sign up and buy a ticket here to attend:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) **This is a curated, small-group meetup make new friends in Brussels.** Each meetup brings together 4–6 like-minded people for casual conversations over brunch. We use the Groupvibe platform to organize and ensure everyone’s a good fit. 👉 **To attend, you’ll need to complete registration via this link:** [https://groupvibe.com](https://groupvibe.com) Once you register, and **buy a ticket or become a Groupvibe member**, we’ll share the exact location and match you with your group. **Why this works:** \* Smaller groups make real conversations easier \* Matching helps avoid awkward dynamics **Note:** RSVPs here on Meetup don’t reflect total attendance. Many attendees register directly via our website. This meetup is organized by **Groupvibe**, a small team passionate about helping people form meaningful friendships offline.

Let's continue the tradition and play UNO, everybody is welcome :) If you're on the waitlist please check your messages, especially on Sunday. If people drop off last minute I tend to message people on the waitlist to see who can come. We'll be playing at the lobby of Radisson RED, Brussels. The address of the hotel is: Rue d'Idalie 35, 1050 Bruxelles My number is 0471 45 55 02. Feel free to call if you cannot solve a physics question, cannot find the place or simply need a hug. I have quickly written a set of rules on how we play. It is assumed that the reader has a basic concept of the game. *** Setup: * Each player starts with 6 or 7 cards each (depending on total number of players) * A card is shown in play in the middle of everyone, this is known as the top card. Goal: * The goal of the game for each player is to get rid of all cards in your hand Rules: * Whenever you go from two cards to one card, you have to say "UNO". * Each player takes his turn one by one, initially going in the clock-wise direction * A card may be played if it matches the same colour or same number or same type as the top card in play * The two black cards (Draw 4 and Wild) can be played regardless of the top card in play. * Interruption rule: You may interrupt the general flow of the game (clockwise or counter-clockwise) if you have the EXACT same card as the top card in play. If you manage to play the card prior to the person whose turn it's supposed to be, then the game continues on from you in the same direction it was previously. (Unless the reverse card was interrupted, then the direction changes). * Draw2 or Draw4 cards can be played in accordance to the interruption rule. The following person after the interrupt has to take the accumulated number of cards. If however, cards have already been drawn AND seen by the person who was supposed to take the cards, then only the remainder of cards has to be drawn. * Once someone has no cards remaining in his hand, play stops and we start counting points. Points: * Number cards have the face value as the number of points. i.e. number 6 is worth 6 points, number 0 is worth 0 points, number 4 is worth 4 points. * Skip, reverse and Draw2 are worth 20 points each * Wild and draw4 are worth 50 points each

Bring your instrument for a chill afternoon in the sun. We usually set up a blanket on the hill near Bar du Matin. See the geo-location pin of the event :)

Topic to be announced. **THANK YOU** *Franklin University* for hosting our meetup! To learn more about *Franklin University*, please visit their website: https://www.franklin.edu/ **DIRECTIONS** Franklin University Fisher Hall 300 E. Main St, Columbus, OH 43215 Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jxjBA2hUmS5qrvhq8 Parking is FREE! Please park in Lot C in front of Fisher Hall. See attached map. NOTE: Map the address only. When mapping with Google Maps it may use the Fisher Hall at OSU, which is NOT correct. **Want to sponsor the pizza and/or bar tab?** Please contact me if you would like to sponsor this meetup's pizza and/or bar tab: angelo@mandato.com

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

We are going to build together with all the CLIs! E will be doing it at Columbus Code and Coffee Agenda --- Hosted By James Power, Organizer Pete Gordon, Organizer Just a Software Guy in the age of the Internet. Complete your event RSVP here: https://gdg.community.dev/events/details/google-gdg-columbus-presents-ai-improv-lets-build-a-game-together-with-claude-code-codex-and-gemini-and-be-the-judge/.

Join us Tuesday (6/2) at 6:30 pm as we hike the Hundred Acre Woods in Westerville. This is a beautiful trail that is filled of hills and roots but a picturesque wooded landscape to hike. Wear your hiking boots if you have them. We will do 2 loops of the 1 mile trail.

**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.

Who’s up for a pizza night at the highly requested Pizza House? 🍕🍻 Join us at for great pizza, good laughs, and even better company! Come hungry and ready for a cheesy good time.