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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Check out neighborhood watch events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.

Discover all the neighborhood watch events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.

Absolutely! Find neighborhood watch events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.

Neighborhood Watch Events Today

Join in-person Neighborhood Watch events happening right now

Sunday Footie - LARGE PITCH - PREPAY €8.50
Sunday Footie - LARGE PITCH - PREPAY €8.50
Please PREPAY for this game either by Revolut https://revolut.me/davidandl or Paypal ([kenna.david@gmail.com](http://kenna.david@gmail.com/)) √ We have just 60 minutes to play so please come along a few minutes early to ensure we can start on time. √ The maximum number of players is 18. Please be sure you show up. Places are in high demand so unfortunately, failure to show will result in you being automatically removed from the group. √ As always, you participate in these games at your own risk and an agreement to indemnify the organisers from any injury, loss, claim, or infection.
Upper Deck yacht Bar
Upper Deck yacht Bar
Fun Hound Social walk All welcome
Fun Hound Social walk All welcome
Hi All, this is a on lead walk with dogs of all ages and experience welcome. Many who attend are recently rescued and learning. Walk the lovely grounds and see the flowers and wildlife followed by coffee. There is a Fb page Sighthound Adventures Ireland and #dublinhoundwalks on Instagram. All Welcome.
Neon Painting: Paint like Banksy
Neon Painting: Paint like Banksy
Overview Paint A Neon Canvas. Music. UV Lights. Prizes. No Experience Needed To Take Part. Paint A Canvas Using Florescent Paint With Music And Prizes! Our team will take each person step by step into creating a masterpiece with no experience necessary. Create a painting under UV Lights and do something very different. [GET YOUR TICKET ](https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/neon-painting-paint-like-banksy-tickets-1985992893205?aff=oddtdtcreator&_gl=1*12floh4*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTAzMTc1NDY2LjE3Nzc5NzQ4NTM.*_ga_TQVES5V6SH*czE3Nzc5NzQ4NTIkbzEkZzAkdDE3Nzc5NzQ4NTIkajYwJGwwJGgw&keep_tld=true) **WHAT TO EXPECT?** * Artist (to help you paint) * Themed Painting * Prizes * Music * UV Lights **DO YOU DO PRIVATE EVENTS?** Yes, we host private events, brand events, hen parties, and work parties. Contact us on bookings@alternativeexperiences.ie **WHERE IS THE VENUE LOCATED?** The new space is located in Pawn Shop on Dame Street. **IS THERE ALCOHOL?** Yes, the bar has alcohol for sale. There is no BYOB option. **IS IT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE?** Unfortunately not, this venue is not wheelchair accessible but we do events in other venues which are. **HOW DO I FIND OUT ABOUT EVENTS?** Signup to our weekly newsletter [here](https://www.alternativedublincity.com/newsletter-signup/ "https://www.alternativedublincity.com/newsletter-signup/") **LOCATION:** Pawn Shop, 15 Dame St, Dublin 2, D02 KD74
Pizza Brunch at Asti Wallace!!
Pizza Brunch at Asti Wallace!!
We are organizing our first brunch and we chose a place that is really important to us: Wallace Asti. We’ve been there 2 or 3 times already and have never been disappointed, not even a bit. Wallace Asti has invented a new type of Brunch, the Pizza brunch, where we can have tiramisu pancake, paninazzo, granola, poached eggs served on pizza dough flatbread, etc..... and it's delicious! I treid it already! When we received their invite to participate in this initiative, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to try something new. We have never organized a brunch before, and doing it in such a novel format covering pizza felt like the right way to start. Please invite your friends, family, dogs, cats and aliens. RSVP is only valid here: [https://www.wrgm.cc/events/pizza-brunch-at-asti-wallace](https://www.wrgm.cc/events/pizza-brunch-at-asti-wallace) Gianni
Explore Grand Canal Way in Co. Kildare
Explore Grand Canal Way in Co. Kildare
Grand Canal Way in County Kildare. * Meeting Point : Hueston Station * When : 12:30 AM, 17th of May. Meeting in Dublin Hueston Train Station for 12:30 AM (Inside beside Pret A Manger), Waiting 10 Minutes. At 12:40, we will going to take the Commuter train which is Scheduled for 12:50 AM to Portlaoise. We will be getting off the train at Sallins and Naas 13:22 PM. This Train Serves Park West and Cherry Orchard, Clondalkin Fonthill, Kishoge, Adamstown, Hazelhatch and Celbridge. When we reach Sallins and Naas Train Station, there is a coffee shop called Hey Darling Sallins and Coffee Express Trailor at the train station. It is a 6 minute walk to the start of the trail, this is a easy walk and you might see some boat passing by on the canal. Trail Duration is 2 to 2 in a half hour walking loop, 7.9 KM. Every event is 5 Euro's you can pay by using Revolut or Cash. I hope to see you thre.
SOCIAL LANGUAGE EXCHANGE
SOCIAL LANGUAGE EXCHANGE
**✨ Dynamic Conversations** Enjoy small-group conversations (2–3 people per table) at dedicated language tables. There will always be **English-only tables**, and every attendee rotates through these tables during the **first and last rotation**. **🏷️ Language Stickers on Arrival** As soon as you arrive, you’ll receive: • **Native language stickers** (with flags + “native”) • **Practicing language stickers** (with flags + “practicing”) You may choose multiple practicing languages. These stickers help you join the right tables and connect with people who match your goals. **🔄 Rotations Every 30 Minutes** Every 30 minutes, the organizer rearranges groups based on preferred languages. We aim for **bilingual tables**, ideally with at least one native or advanced speaker. If no native speakers are available, we can still create a table as long as **two people want to practice the same language**. **🌍 Popular Languages** English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Italian, and any other language requested by at least two attendees. **📈 All Levels Welcome** Beginner or advanced—everyone is welcome. The only requirement is enthusiasm and willingness to communicate. **🃏 Conversation Cards + Complimentary Fries** Need inspiration? Conversation cards are available at every table. Enjoy complimentary **fries around 8:00 PM**. **💸 Pay-as-you-go (Cash / Card)** • €6 General Admission • €5 Students • €4 per person when you bring friends **⭐ Loyalty Card (Automatically Activated)** Attend **4 Language Exchanges or International Meetups**, and your **5th event is FREE**. **💳 [Membership Options (Save € & unlock perks)](https://buymeacoffee.com/newindublin)** **🟡 Regular Membership (€12/mo)** ✔ Free: Singles, Language Exchange, International Meetup ✔ –50%: Quizzes, Big Singles, Theme Party, Cultural Mix, Social Games, Music Challenge ✔ Extra perks **🔵 Theme Membership (€15/mo)** ✔ Free: Quizzes, Big Singles, Theme Party, Cultural Mix, Social Games, Music Challenge ✔ –50%: Singles, Language Exchange, International Meetup ✔ Extra Perks **🟣 Complete Membership (€20/mo)** ✔ Free access to ALL events ✔ Extra Perks **📱 Stay Connected** 🔗 **[Linktree](https://linktr.ee/newindublin)**[ ](https://linktr.ee/newindublin)– full weekly calendar 💬 **[WhatsApp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/L8IcUuQzHVVLGaoUZ8ONRt)**[ ](https://chat.whatsapp.com/L8IcUuQzHVVLGaoUZ8ONRt)– reminders & updates 📘 **[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/newindublinmeetup)**[ ](https://www.facebook.com/newindublinmeetup)– photos & highlights 📸 **[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/newindublinmeetups/)**[ ](https://www.instagram.com/newindublinmeetups/)– stories & behind-the-scenes 🌐 **[Website](https://newindublin.net/)**[ ](https://newindublin.net/)– all information about our events **🎉 Join Us!** A fun, relaxed evening full of languages, new people, and confidence-building conversations. **RSVP now! 🚀**

Neighborhood Watch Events This Week

Discover what is happening in the next few days

SILENT WALK: The Fully Alive Experience 🌿
SILENT WALK: The Fully Alive Experience 🌿
**SILENT WALK: The Fully Alive Experience** 🌿✨ Are you ready to step away from the noise? Join us for a unique experience of peace, connection, and great food! **ATTENTION: How to find us!** ⚠️ We want to make sure you find the group easily! Look out for our team waiting for you outside the Dún Laoghaire DART Station. We will be there holding a sign that says: 👉 ***"SILENT WALK"*** 👈 Don't be shy! Come to say hi and join the tribe! What to expect 🕊️ Kick off a peaceful journey with reflection and amazing company. The Silent Walk is designed to help you disconnect from the city's hustle and reconnect with your inner self. • 📍 Meeting Point: Outside Dún Laoghaire Station. • 🪧 Look for: The "SILENT WALK" sign. • 🎧 ESSENTIAL: Please bring your own headphones/earphones for the guided reflection. • 🌊 The Route: A beautiful walk by the sea with guided moments. • 🍔 Social Lunch: After the walk, we are heading to Wetherspoon for an optional lunch together! It’s the perfect time to chat and meet everyone. **Schedule** 10:30- Meeting (DART Station) 10:40 - Walk 11:00 - Silent Walk 11:20 - Small group sharing 12:00 - Optional lunch **Stay Connected!** We have a vibrant community on WhatsApp where we share updates, meeting points, and photos from our walks. Join us to stay in the loop: 👉 Join our WhatsApp Group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/IVskvE1hQar90o0bmT8kMs?mode=gi_t
Seapoint Sunday 12 o’clock
Seapoint Sunday 12 o’clock
Let’s meet for 12 o’clock high tide swim at Seapoint on Sunday. Meeting near near Martello Tower opposite bicycle racks. Water is still cold and be mindful how long you stay in. Bring warm clothes for after. Please note swimming is at your own risk and we are not lifeguards.
🧗‍♀️ Climb & Connect: Bouldering Adventure at Bloc Climbing Gym! 🧗‍♂️
🧗‍♀️ Climb & Connect: Bouldering Adventure at Bloc Climbing Gym! 🧗‍♂️
Newly started IG: https://www.instagram.com/letsgetsocialdublin/ Every event is **5 euros** to the host, you can pay by using Revolut or Cash. This helps me maintains the group as this takes a lot of time and effort. Get ready to reach new heights and forge lasting connections doing Indoor Bouldering Adventure this Sunday **at 14:30!** Whether you're a seasoned climber or brand new to the sport, this event is the perfect opportunity to challenge yourself, have fun, and meet fellow enthusiasts in a supportive and social setting. Located at the Bloc Climbing Gym in Ballymount, indoor bouldering social event is suitable for climbers of all levels. No climbing experience? No problem! Our friendly group will provide guidance, tips, and encouragement every step of the way. Whether you're learning or honing your skills, you'll find plenty of support and encouragement from your fellow climbers. After our exhilarating climb, we'll gather for some well-deserved refreshments and socializing, where you can swap climbing stories, share tips, and make new friends with fellow adventure-seekers. So lace up your climbing shoes, chalk up your hands, and get ready for an afternoon of adrenaline-pumping fun and friendship at our Indoor Bouldering Adventure this Sunday! Let's climb, connect, and conquer together. See you there! 🧗‍♀️🤝🧗‍♂️
Sunday Latino 2 Rooms -Salsa & Bachata Classes & Social in Lost Lane
Sunday Latino 2 Rooms -Salsa & Bachata Classes & Social in Lost Lane
**Hi Everyone Rumberos/as !!!** Sundays in Dublin just got a whole upgrade 🔥💃🕺🔥 Salsa & bachata classes right in the city center – get ready to unleash your inner fire 💃🕺 **💃 Every Sundays Nights Just Got Hotter! 🕺** Join us every Sunday for an unforgettable night of salsa and bachata classes followed by the best Latin party in the heart of Dublin, all in one place! #QuedadasSalseras 👀 **💥Quedadas Salseras💃🕺** **‼️Dublin City Center‼️** **📍🪩Lost Lane 🪩** 1-2 Adam Court, Grafton Street D2 [https://g.co/kgs/j7VBCsU](https://g.co/kgs/j7VBCsU "https://g.co/kgs/j7VBCsU") 🗓 **Sunday 17 May - 2 ROOMS** **🗓Event Lineup:** **🕖 17:00 Salsa Class \| 2 Levels** **Beginners & Intermediate** **🕖 18:00 Bachata Class \| 2 Levels** **Beginners & Intermediate** **🪩Social Dance 🪩** **🕖 19:00 - 00:00** **Room Salsa** **Room Bachata** **️ 🤫After social - Disco Dj** **⏰12:00 am to 01:30 am** **TappedDublin - Lost Lane** 🫵🏻 Don’t miss out? **Pass Options:💰** **✅2 Classes + Party + Drink : €20** **✅2 Class + Party : €15** **✅Only Party + Drink : €15** **✅Extra Token Drink : €5 🚪** **💳You can pay by card, cash, revolut,🚪or eventbrite** 🎟️[https://goo.su/fjXus](https://goo.su/fjXus "https://goo.su/fjXus") More info 👉🏼 [https://www.instagram.com/quedadassalseras/](https://www.instagram.com/quedadassalseras/ "https://www.instagram.com/quedadassalseras/")

Neighborhood Watch Events Near You

Connect with your local Neighborhood Watch community

Must See Thursday: I LOVE BOOSTERS at the Drexel + GRAETER'S!
Must See Thursday: I LOVE BOOSTERS at the Drexel + GRAETER'S!
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
PETA playbook Watch party: Peeling back the Cage-free label
PETA playbook Watch party: Peeling back the Cage-free label
**You're invited to join local Columbus animal advocates as we watch PETA's workshop together on cage-free campaigns. Free vegan pizza will be provided! After the workshop Q&A, we'll have a group discussion and brainstorm on future activism plans. Hope to see you there!** **Here are the details:** **WHEN: Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 6pm EST** **WHERE: KTC Columbus** **If you cannot attend in person, you can still view the workshop virtually at https://www.facebook.com/events/1567122777711333** **Here's some background on the workshop:** **Please join us for an eye-opening online PETA Playbook discussion with PETA’s Associate Director of Vegan Campaigns, Amber Canavan, where we’ll ask the hard-hitting questions about the cage-free campaigns and their impact on both hens and vegan efforts.** **Whether you’re looking to strengthen your outreach or sharpen your messaging around the egg industry’s humane-washing tactics, this workshop will give you practical tools to help others understand what “cage-free” really means for hens and why the label is misleading.** **We’ll explore how to keep conversations respectful, fact-based, and focused on the animals’ reality while encouraging others to take effective action.** **Please join us for this important workshop to learn how you can cut through cage-free marketing and help animals.** **Come ready to learn, ask questions, and ignite your activism for animals!**
CMG Gives Back: Serve Brunch at FAITH MISSION GRANT KITCHEN!
CMG Gives Back: Serve Brunch at FAITH MISSION GRANT KITCHEN!
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
Vancouver High Quality Age Matched Dating
Vancouver High Quality Age Matched Dating
**💫 Speed Dating from Home for Vancouver People Done with Apps** Joining means you'll cycle through short private video dates with Vancouver singles age-grouped and personality-curated, while everything stays on track thanks to a live host. When you sign up, a personality questionnaire is built into the sign-up — that information feeds the matching to organise compatible Vancouver locals for your session, which makes every round worth having. After all the rounds, mutual connections are confirmed and shared — with privacy guaranteed for all non-mutual picks — and you take over from there entirely. **Click your age bracket to register:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Vancouver&groupurlname=the-collective-for-intentional-social-growth&ar=18-32&face_v=4.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Vancouver&groupurlname=the-collective-for-intentional-social-growth&ar=30-46&face_v=4.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Vancouver&groupurlname=the-collective-for-intentional-social-growth&ar=40-58&face_v=4.0) - **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Vancouver&groupurlname=the-collective-for-intentional-social-growth&ar=55+&face_v=4.0) **⚠️ RSVP is not enough:** This rsvp alone will not confirm your attendance, so use your age group link above to register and complete the short personality quiz — spots are kept small by design so register promptly, and your seat is only secure once registration is complete. --- **How the night runs** 1. **Find your age group** – by selecting your age group and following the link, then fill in the personality questions as part of registration, as both are needed to secure your spot. 2. **Join the video call** – by clicking the Zoom invite at the event time, works anywhere with a camera and internet, and everything from that point is handled by the host. 3. **Connect** – live one-on-one video rounds with Vancouver people matched to you by age and quiz, as the host keeps everything smooth and well-timed, as each round is with a Vancouver local matched to your profile. 4. **Check your results** – after the event you will receive any mutual match details, with unmatched selections never disclosed to anyone, and you are in control of everything that happens next. **Who shows up:** - Professionals around Vancouver bored of profiles that never convert to actual dates and want to try something that actually works. - Those living in Vancouver looking beyond unread messages and dead-end conversations and want actual face-to-face conversation. - Someone within Vancouver ready to move past the app treadmill that goes in circles and want to meet real locals without the faff. - Locals based in Vancouver looking beyond digital dating that never converts to anything real and value real conversation over curated profiles. - Members across Vancouver who have had enough of conversations that fizzle before a first date and need a better way to meet people. **Event Overview** - **Format:** Dedicated and hosted over Zoom with back-to-back private rounds per pair, paired by age bracket and quiz results throughout. - **Where:** All online — from your laptop or mobile device, the only requirement is a device with a camera and internet, and you can join from wherever feels comfortable. - **Host:** An engaging host runs the session from the opening to the final round, which makes the whole thing feel effortless — the host owns the evening so you can simply enjoy it. - **Vibe:** Refreshingly easy individual rounds with Vancouver area people who prefer real conversation, and the conversation always feels more real than an app date. - **Duration:** Roughly an hour and a half including the welcome, and the format keeps things moving. 💡 **Useful tip:** close unnecessary browser tabs before the event, because background and lighting matter more than you would think, since small prep leads to a noticeably better experience. --- ✨ Vancouver singles worth meeting are in this event — book your spot above and we will set the rest up for you while places last. See you in the first round. 🥰 ✨
Ohio Fight club
Ohio Fight club
We are a real world Martial arts group. \ Called DO JUNG ISHU (the art of fighting) \ Based off of Jeet kune do we just continued where Bruce Lee left off. \ We have been around a while. \ Every week we get together and work technical skills and full contact spar. \ Almost all of the instructors have been in everything from street fights to the ring and some still compete in cage fighting. \ If you want to take your skills up, improve your confidence, gain self defense skills, get in better shape, test yourself or just want to kill some time and possibly get hit a bit come on down. \ We will be located at 3923 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214 Outside in the grass between the playground and horseshoe area. our instructors are normally in a black and red art of fighting shirt \ if you can not find us call or text me at 6143570295 Saturday 1:30pm Wednesday 5:45pm From Age 16 and up. attendees under the age of 18 must have a guardian with them. \ Wear workout clothes. \ Bring a MOUTHPIECE! \ WE HAVE GLOVES. \ $10 per class $5 per class if you are wearing a club shirt Club shirts are $25 Hope to see you soon. \ let me know if you have any questions :)
Trails & Ales! Blendon Woods Metro Park / Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery
Trails & Ales! Blendon Woods Metro Park / Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery
**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.