Off-Road Cycling

**Join us for the ['Warm & Bright'](https://juliewellness.ca/warm-and-bright/) Series, brought to you by JulieWellness!** ❄️ Mindful Walking. What a great way to hone your Mindfulness Practice. Walking meditation can help with stress, depression, and anxiety. Believe it or not, the buzz and energy of a bustling place can enhance our focus and ability to get into that special state of mind important to wellbeing. Multi-sensory objects of attention guide us through the meditation journey. Whether you're still learning or wanting to create a stronger habit, we will focus on our breath, the movement of our body, the sights, the sounds, the beautiful scents in our environment. * Taking advantage of the secret to surviving Canadian winters - mall walking! 🚶🏽‍♀️‍➡️🚶🏽‍➡️ * Let's build the capacity to find our bliss everywhere we go 🧘🏼 Let's break up the cabin fever and beat the winter blues. Nurturing this other state of mind brings peace and joy to our soul and resets our nervous system. Combined with exercise and great conversation it doesn't get better than this ☕☺️ **What else will be provided?** * Meeting location for mindful walk * Meeting location for coffee * Light instructional tips will be shared * Discussion prompts * Please note: this does not include coffee **Tickets are limited and will go quickly.** This is a small-group event allowing for high quality engagement and connection. Hope you will be there! ***-Julie***

# 🎾 Pickleball + Contrast Therapy Afternoon (Markham) **📅 Date & Time:** **Friday, September 19th, 2:00–5:00 PM** **📍 Location:** Athlete Hub – Ronin/MyAthlete.io, **217 Idema Rd., Markham (Steeles & Woodbine)** **💲 Cost:** $25 per player (save $5 with promo code below) *** ### 👋 About the Event Join us for a unique **3-hour sports & recovery experience** at our Markham gym. * **2 hours of Pickleball** (rotating doubles on 2 courts, max 16 players) * **1 hour of Contrast Therapy** (cold plunge + heat cycle, guided recovery) * **Recovery tools throughout the session** — compression boots, red light therapy, and massage guns available during off-court breaks * Don’t want to get paired randomly? No problem — bring a friend and you can play together! This is not just a drop-in — it’s a chance to **play, recover, and connect** with other athletes in the community. *** ### 🏓 Format * 16 players max → 8 per court * Rotating doubles every \~15 minutes * Everyone gets 6–8 matches across 2 hours * While off court → access recovery stations (compression boots, red light, massage gun) * 1-hour contrast therapy block: * Wave 1 (8 players) → Cold plunge → Heat station → Lounge (\~25 min) * Wave 2 (8 players) → Same cycle (\~25 min) * Social hangout in lounge to finish *** ### ✅ What’s Included * Guaranteed pickleball play (2 hours, rotating format) * Pro-style contrast therapy session (cold + heat cycle) * On-court recovery tools during breaks (compression boots, red light, massage guns) * **Towels provided** * Light refreshments *** ### 📌 What to Bring * Paddle (if you have one — extras available) * Court shoes + comfortable clothes * **Bathing suit + toiletries** (for contrast therapy) * Water bottle * **Bring a friend!** If you’d like, you can register with a partner to guarantee you play together during the pickleball rotations. *** ### 💲 How to Register This event is limited to **16 players only**. To confirm your spot: 1. RSVP here on Meetup 2. **Register & pay** on **[MyAthlete.io](https://myathlete.io/org_profile/1757696830905x685739735532699600)** 3. Buy a **Trial** and use promo code **MEETUP20** at checkout to save $5 for your first time. ⚠️ Meetup RSVP alone does *not* guarantee your spot — registration must be completed on MyAthlete.io.

**🏀 Drop-In Basketball at the Miles Nadal JCC** Come shoot hoops, stay active, and connect with other players — right in the heart of the Annex! Join us for **friendly, casual basketball** at the Miles Nadal JCC, just steps from Spadina Station. Whether you're looking for a good run, some solid practice, or just a fun way to break a sweat, this drop-in session is for you! *** **🏀 Event Details:** 📍 **Location:** 750 Spadina Ave. (enter through the Spadina doors) 🛑 **Check-In:** Stop by security and check in at the front desk when you arrive *** **🏀 Registration & Payment (Required in Advance):** RSVP on Meetup **does not reserve your spot**. To participate in Drop-In Play, you must register and pay in advance through our system. 👉 **[Register here](https://app.amilia.com/store/en/miles-nadal-jcc/api/Activity/Detail?activityId=b6lXeYG)** 📞 **Or register by phone:** 416-924-6211 🔢 **Space is limited** to ensure quality play — once full, no additional participants can be accommodated. *** **🏀 Other Info:** • Basketballs are available for loan at the front desk with a $20 cash deposit and valid ID • All skill levels welcome — come ready to play and have fun • Games are self-organized with regular rotation for equal court time • Friendly, inclusive environment *** Come shoot, pass, dribble, and dunk your way into a great afternoon of basketball. We can’t wait to see you on the court!

**Drop-In Pickleball at the Miles Nadal JCC** Come play one of the fastest-growing sports in North America — right in the heart of the Annex! Join us for friendly, active Pickleball at the Miles Nadal JCC, just steps from Spadina Station. It’s a great way to stay active, meet new people, and have some fun! \*\*\* **🏓 Event Details:** **Location:** 750 Spadina Ave. (enter through the Spadina doors) **Check-In:** Stop by security and check in at the front desk when you arrive. \*\*\* **🏓 Registration & Payment (Required in Advance):** **RSVP on Meetup does *not* reserve your spot.** To participate in Drop-In Play, you must register and pay in advance via our registration system. 👉 **[Register online](https://app.amilia.com/store/en/miles-nadal-jcc/api/Activity/Detail?activityId=yKE8jJG)** 📞 Or register by phone: 416-924-6211 Space is limited to **6 players** on a first-come, first-served basis. Once full, no additional participants can be accommodated. \*\*\* **🏓 Other Info:** * Paddles and balls are available for loan at the front desk with a **$20 cash deposit and valid ID** * This session is intended for **intermediate players and above** — participants should have a solid understanding of Pickleball rules, scoring, and gameplay, and be comfortable with consistent rallies and court positioning * Courts are rotated regularly so everyone gets a chance to play * Welcoming, inclusive environment \*\*\* Come ready to rally, socialize, and have a great time on the court. We can’t wait to see you there!

**Beginner Drop-In Pickleball at the Miles Nadal JCC** New to pickleball? We’ve got the perfect session for you! Join us for **Beginner Drop-In Pickleball** at the Miles Nadal JCC — a welcoming and supportive environment for those just getting started with the game. Whether you're still learning the rules or building confidence on the court, this is a great opportunity to play, practice, and meet fellow beginners. *** 🏓 **Event Details:** **Location:** 750 Spadina Ave. (enter through the Spadina doors) **Check-In:** Please check in with security and stop by the front desk upon arrival. *** 🏓 **Registration & Payment (Required in Advance):** RSVP on Meetup does *not* guarantee your spot. To play, you must register and pay in advance through our registration system. 👉 **[Register online](https://app.amilia.com/store/en/miles-nadal-jcc/api/Activity/Detail?activityId=x5X7aDV)** 📞 Or call: 416-924-6211 **Limited to 18 players.** Once full, no additional players will be admitted. *** 🏓 **What to Expect:** * Designed for **beginner-level players** with some familiarity with the rules and scoring * Equipment available: borrow paddles and balls with a $20 cash deposit + valid ID * Friendly rotations so everyone gets a chance to play * Supportive and inclusive environment — no pressure, just fun and learning! *** Come ready to move, meet new people, and improve your game one rally at a time. We look forward to seeing you on the court!

Join the Bitcoin Bay meetup to explore the latest trends, entrepreneurs and startups in the blockchain industry. Our meetups offer a unique opportunity to network with like-minded individuals in the blockchain ecosystem, while also featuring informative speaker sessions on hot topics in the industry. Whether you are an investor, entrepreneur, or simply curious about the future of blockchain technology, our meetups are the perfect place to connect, learn and explore the latest developments in this exciting space. IN-PERSON LOCATION: [Manage](https://luma.com/event/manage/evt-JUqXzZQlHDCCTM8)   # Bitcoin Bay Meetup Hosted by Jerry Qian Nov 24 Monday, November 24 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM [St. Louis Bar & Grill](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=St.%20Louis%20Bar%20%26%20Grill&query_place_id=ChIJKRxf-8o0K4gRDb2SihszZCg) [Toronto, Ontario](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=St.%20Louis%20Bar%20%26%20Grill&query_place_id=ChIJKRxf-8o0K4gRDb2SihszZCg) Registration Welcome! To join the event, please register below. Bitcoin Bay Corpwebmaster@bitcoinbay.ca About Event ​Join the Bitcoin Bay meetup to explore the latest trends, entrepreneurs and startups in the blockchain industry. Our meetups offer a unique opportunity to network with like-minded individuals in the blockchain ecosystem, while also featuring informative speaker sessions on hot topics in the industry. Whether you are an investor, entrepreneur, or simply curious about the future of blockchain technology, our meetups are the perfect place to connect, learn and explore the latest developments in this exciting space. IN-PERSON LOCATION: ​**St. Louis Bar & Grill** 595 Bay St. A09 Toronto, ON M5G 2R3 Bitcoin Bay meetups offer a unique opportunity for companies to showcase their brand, network with other blockchain enthusiasts and gain exposure to a growing community of entrepreneurs and investors. Sponsors are be able to reach a targeted audience of blockchain enthusiasts and promote to a passionate and engaged community. Contact us to learn more about sponsorship opportunities and join us in supporting the growth and development of the blockchain industry. Join our [Bitcoin Bay WhatsApp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/LsPGc5My1Cw49VdjlY3IaT) for more online discussions \*\*\* When you have a moment please read the original Satoshi Nakamoto Whitepaper, that started it all: [https://nakamotoinstitute.org/bitcoin](https://nakamotoinstitute.org/bitcoin) \*\*\* **About [Bitcoin Bay](http://bitcoinbay.ca/):** Welcome to Canada's longest-running Crypto Community. Our mission is to grow the Crypto Ecosystem globally – beginning from our home base in Canada. [Bitcoin Bay](http://bitcoinbay.ca/) is a starting point for your crypto journey. If you have something to share, you can find an interested audience. Looking to learn? you can find a great source of knowledge. Do you have a brilliant idea? You could find the perfect partners! **About [BlockchainEvents](BlockchainEvents.ca):** [BlockchainEvents](BlockchainEvents.ca) is an aggregate and a shared Google Calender of the local blockchain communities and events in Toronto, Canada and the World! The communities include: [Bitcoin Bay](http://bitcoinbay.ca/), [Toronto Bitcoin Meetups](https://www.meetup.com/canadabitcoin/), [DeFi Toronto](https://www.meetup.com/defi-toronto/), [NFTO](https://www.meetup.com/nfts_toronto/), [Web3TO](https://linktr.ee/web3to), [MetaverseTO](https://www.meetup.com/metaverse-meetup/), WXN and Women of Web3, F3 Female Founders, Black Web3TO, [Fem_T3ch](https://www.linkedin.com/company/femt3ch/), [Goat Gallery](https://www.goat.gallery/), [CryptoLife](https://www.youtube.com/c/CryptoLifeTO) and several other Tech and related groups.

Join your community of fellow Intuitives and MBTI nerds for a casual evening of engaging conversation. We get together every second Sunday – with a mix of regulars and new friends. There is no fee to attend, though we ask that you support the venue by ordering something to eat or drink. **Feel free to contact event host B. via Facebook/Meetup messenger, or text/call 416-712-8635 for directions**. About the venue: The Pint Public House Nearest Subway: Union Station Map / Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/G5GfXDSQXeifJ5ot5 We make an effort to find pubs that are quiet and introvert friendly, with a section to ourselves. We make no effort to muffle our extroverts, but should they get out of hand, our resident INTJ will use their death stare, to pull them back in line.

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/mono-winter-2026).** **Come explore the unique and subtle beauty of Ontario winter with this iconic hike just over an hour north-west of Toronto.** Steeped in dramatic cliff formations and abundant hardwood forests, this stunning provincial park is loved by nature enthusiasts across Ontario. It is a geological gem shaped by the lumbered movement of ancient glaciers and filled with rich biodiversity. On this hike you can expect: * Boundless maple groves * Sweeping panoramic views * Epic, 30-meter-high rock formations * Unique plant life that thrives in the park’s cool, shaded valleys This is a moderately challenging 8 km hike with a consistent incline and decline. We’ll hike across open fields, through quiet forest, and along cliff edges that reveal incredible views of the surrounding countryside. Our final destination is Jacob’s Ladder, a wooden staircase that winds through a narrow rock corridor and offers an unforgettable finish to the climb. **Depending on snow levels we may be required to use snowshoes or ice spikes. We have a limited quantity available that you can grab at check-out. Ice spikes are free to borrow and snow shoes can be rented for a small fee.** **Note that self drivers will need to [purchase a full day vehicle permit](https://reservations.ontarioparks.com/create-booking/results?resourceLocationId=-2147483472&mapId=-2147483059&searchTabGroupId=4&bookingCategoryId=33&startDate=2023-05-06&endDate=2023-05-07&nights=1&isReserving=true&partySize=1&equipmentCapacity=1&filterData=%7B%7D&searchTime=2023-04-30T16:50:21.954) in advance.** **Highlights** **Dramatic Cliffs:** Wander between towering cliffs and ancient crevices carved by time. This is the geology field trip of your dreams! **Sweeping Panoramas:** From forest canopies to distant hills, you’ll get wide-open views that remind you just how big and beautiful Ontario really is. **Close to Toronto:** Go on an incredible nature hike and get your laundry and groceries done all in the same day. **Event cost** ***Starting from $40+HST - optional transport available!*** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/mono-winter-2026)** **About Wilderness Union** Wilderness Union is deliberate about building an outdoors community that connects you to the life-changing magic of the outdoors and helps you find your people. Members range from 20-40 years old. The group is a mix of GTA locals and newcomers to Toronto from within Canada and abroad. Attendance numbers on Meetup don't reflect our actual event attendance - we typically have 15-20 community members at each event. Large enough that there's someone new to meet but small enough that it's not overwhelming! ***Learn more at our website [www.wildernessunion.com](https://www.wildernessunion.com/)***

**THIS WILL BA A BI-WEEKLY EVENT TO CHAT, LAUGH, AND GET TO KNO**W EACH OTHER. NO PRESSURE TO ATTEND - JUST VISIT OR DROP IN...(members only please) ***Be kind and rsvp so that the host knows how many tables to save.*** **Anyone that is not a member will be asked politely to leave and apply to TSSC if they so choose.** Bring yourself and your sense of humor. The group can decide it's own agenda of chat after a few meetups. I know it is difficult NOT to talk about politics or religion, but we are a social group whose premise is fun! As tempting as it can be, please restrain and stick to topics less heated. **We will meet at 2PM. Please try and be on time. ENTER FROM 55** **AVENUE ROAD, DOWN THE STAIRCASE AND INTO THE FOOD COURT.** PARKING : [Avenue Road Toronto parking - free or cheap lots, garages and street meter spots (parkopedia.ca)](https://en.parkopedia.ca/parking/avenue_road_toronto/?arriving=202409231130&leaving=202409231330) THANKS FOR HOSTING JIM!

Move. Sweat. Smile. Repeat. This is a fun, high-energy Zumba class designed for real people — not performers, not fitness models, just humans who want to move, feel good, and leave happier than they arrived. Must-Bring Comfortable workout clothes (Breathable, stretchy — you should be able to move freely) Indoor running shoes or cross-trainers ✔ Supportive ❌ No sandals, boots, or slippery soles Water bottle You will sweat — hydration is non-negotiable 😄 Small towel (optional but smart) Expect: Easy-to-follow Zumba routines Great music (Latin + global vibes) A welcoming, judgment-free space A workout that feels like a party (but still burns calories 😉) No dance experience needed. No pressure to “get it right.” Just show up and move. Sweat first, snacks after. If you’re free, we may head to a nearby spot to eat together. The first few classes are free as I build the community—come move with us and be part of the beginning.

🎤✨ Sunday Road Trip to Niagara Falls: Legends In Concert! ✨🎤 Sunday, January 11 Join us for a fantastic winter road trip to Niagara Falls to see the world-famous Legends In Concert — a high-energy tribute show featuring iconic music, dazzling performances, and plenty of fun along the way! [Read more about the show here](https://fallsviewcasinoresort.com/events-and-promotions/schedule-of-events/legends-in-concert.html) We’ll travel together in a cozy Kia Soul, fully winter-ready with snow tires and SiriusXM satellite radio to keep the good vibes going on the drive. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a great afternoon of live entertainment without the stress of planning or driving. *** 🕒 Schedule 12:00 PM – Depart Toronto from outside Christie Station 3:00 PM – Show starts: Legends In Concert \~7:00 PM – Return to Toronto *** 🚗 What’s Included 🎟️ Legends In Concert ticket 🚘 Round-trip transportation in a Kia Soul 🎶 SiriusXM music + road trip fun ❄️ Winter-safe drive with snow tires *** 💲 Cost $50 total (includes ticket and transportation) 👉 Payment required in advance Please e-transfer $50 to: nicolasbello@yahoo.com Your spot is confirmed once payment is received. *** 🎉 Why You’ll Love This Trip A relaxed Sunday getaway Great music and classic hits Small-group, friendly road trip atmosphere No driving, no parking hassles Space is limited, so please RSVP only if you’re 100% sure you can attend. Let’s hit the road, sing along, and enjoy a legendary afternoon in Niagara Falls! 🎶🚗✨

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/wildlands-winter-2026).** ***As January slogs on, getting outside with others is the best way to enjoy winter.*** This is one of Wilderness Union's favourite hikes, located in the Wilderness Section of the Ganaraska Hiking Trail and just over 2 hours outside of Toronto. You'll feel like you're deep in the wilderness and far away from the hustle of the city. Our route takes you into classic Canadian Shield territory with cut granite faces, beautiful forests that open onto pristine frozen lakes and more beaver habitats than you've ever seen before. What you can expect on this hike: * Truly wild trails * River crossings via beaver dams * An epic lakeside lunch lookout * Possible wildlife spotting Our end point is a gorgeous lake where we'll stop for a quick lunch before continuing on and ensuring we stay nice and warm. This is a 10km out-and-back hike for people with moderate to good physical fitness. Remember that snow can also make things more challenging. **Depending on snow levels we may be required to use snowshoes or ice spikes. We have a limited quantity available that you can grab at check-out. Ice spikes are free to borrow and snow shoes can be rented for a small fee.** **Highlights** **Stunning Lakes:** A never ending cascade of beautiful lakes formed by glacial movements. **Beaver Dam Crossing:** The incredible engineering of our furry friends will help us safely traverse multiple water crossings. **Pristine Wilderness:** Breath deeply and take in the beautiful, quiet power of this hidden spot. **Event cost** ***Starting from $50+HST - optional transport available!*** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/wildlands-winter-2026)** **About Wilderness Union** Wilderness Union is deliberate about building an outdoors community that connects you to the life-changing magic of the outdoors and helps you find your people. Members range from 20-40 years old. The group is a mix of GTA locals and newcomers to Toronto from within Canada and abroad. Attendance numbers on Meetup don't reflect our actual event attendance - we typically have 15-20 community members at each event. Large enough that there's someone new to meet but small enough that it's not overwhelming! ***Learn more at our website [www.wildernessunion.com](https://www.wildernessunion.com/)***

***FREE TOUR TICKET FOR ALL OF YOU WONDERFUL MEETUP MEMBERS*** Use Promo Code **MEETUP2025** to get your free ticket and route smart guide at [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sol-in-columbus-oh-a-smart-guided-short-one-way-loop-bikeway-tour-tickets-769120860197](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sol-in-columbus-oh-a-smart-guided-short-one-way-loop-bikeway-tour-tickets-769120860197) You can do the tour solo/with your favorite peeps, or try to generate a group ride of Meetup CycleNuts by RSVPing here and posting the day and time you are interested in others joining you. Either way, have fun on your memory-making adventure, and thank you for being a CycleNut! ### SOL in Columbus, OH \- A Smart\-guided Short One\-way Loop Bikeway Tour Short One-way Loop (SOL) in Columbus on bikeways. The smart-guided tour is mostly through scenic riverside parks with a quick downtown peek. All of that in 10 miles! 83% of the route is bikeway, and the rest is Google Maps designated "bicycle-friendly roads". This short ride passes through several beautiful riverside parks. Passing through downtown the route runs alongside Huntington Park baseball stadium, Nationwide Arena hockey stadium, near North Market (worth a stop if you enjoy markets with lots of tasty treats), within a few blocks of the state capitol, convention center, art museum, center of science and industry, several first-class hotels, and much more (see Points of Interest list below). Easily, anywhere along the way, the tour can be detoured to nearby points of interest. This smart-guided route comes with CycleNuts' 50% downhill guarantee. Sweating is optional. If your bike has gears, you might use them to climb in a few spots. All bikes are appropriate for this smart-guided tour (even a single-speed if you do not mind walking your bike up the spots mentioned). The route is shaded about 50% of the way. Sweating is optional - you set your pace, starting time, and touring agenda. Points of interest: COSI Scioto River North Market German Village The Scioto Mile Brewery District Huntington Park Nationwide Arena Columbus Union Station Arch Greater Columbus Convention Center **The Meetup plan = Show up, Rally with whoever else shows up, and Roll following the smart-guided instructions.** This is a smart guided tour route that can be ridden any day or time, solo or with others. It is only posted with a repeating set time and date with a tour leader to fit the Meetup format, and, more importantly, to encourage you to get out and ride when it is convenient for you. **If you are going to ride it and would like the company of others, then simply RSVP and post in the comments when it is that you are going to ride - date and time.** Take pictures/videos and share. Have fun! ***This is a repeating event on the calendar***\*, but the date and time do not necessarily need to be what is posted. **If you are interested in riding with a group, then simply RSVP and leave a message in the comment section** giving the date and time you would like others to join you. If you are interested in riding by yourself or with your private group of friends, then simply do it.\* ***The mission of this format is to create a catalog*** *of free group tour routes available for CycleNuts to ride as a group, or solo, in an area spanning several states. **The goal is to get people out cycling** either in groups or solo. **The vision is a cycling community with resources** available for bike tours, bike talk, and a format for lives experienced at the speed of bike.*

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Java Central Café and Roaster](https://javacentral.coffee/)**!**

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

**History** [Blacklick Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blacklick-woods/), established in 1949, holds the distinction of being the first Columbus Metro Park. Its creation stemmed from a post-World War II push to preserve natural areas amid rapid suburban growth. The land, originally farmland and woodlots along Blacklick Creek, was acquired by the Columbus Metropolitan Park Board through donations and purchases. Early efforts focused on basic trail development and reforestation to combat erosion. The park's name derives from the creek, which early settlers called "Black Lick" due to its dark, mineral-rich waters. By the 1950s, it served as a model for the expanding Metro Parks system. In the 1960s, Blacklick Woods expanded significantly with additional land acquisitions, reaching over 600 acres. A golf course was added in 1964, one of the first public courses in the region, designed to generate revenue for park maintenance. Native American artifacts, including arrowheads from the Adena culture, were discovered during construction, highlighting the area's prehistoric use as hunting grounds. The park introduced interpretive programs to educate visitors on local ecology and history. Flood control measures along the creek became a priority after heavy rains caused damage. These developments solidified its role as a recreational hub. The 1970s and 1980s brought environmental awareness, leading to habitat restoration projects at Blacklick Woods. Invasive species were removed, and native wildflowers were planted in the meadows. A nature center opened in 1976, featuring exhibits on wetlands and forests. The park's slate-covered bridge, a remnant of 19th-century infrastructure, was preserved as a historic feature. Birdwatching gained popularity with the addition of observation decks. Community volunteers played a key role in trail maintenance and cleanups. During the 1990s, Blacklick Woods underwent major upgrades, including paved multi-use trails for biking and hiking. The Walter A. Tucker Nature Preserve, a 53-acre old-growth forest within the park, was dedicated in 1995 to protect rare beech-maple woodlands. Educational partnerships with local schools introduced field trips on topics like stream ecology. The golf course was renovated to improve playability while minimizing environmental impact. Annual events, such as the fall festival, drew thousands to celebrate the park's natural beauty. These enhancements balanced recreation with conservation. In the 21st century, Blacklick Woods has adapted to increasing visitation with sustainable practices. Solar panels were installed at facilities in the 2010s to reduce energy costs. The park now spans 643 acres, offering diverse habitats from wetlands to uplands. Recent initiatives include pollinator gardens and prescribed burns to maintain prairie areas. It remains a flagship for the Metro Parks, inspiring similar preservations system-wide. Ongoing archaeological surveys continue to uncover traces of early inhabitants. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Blacklick Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/BLK-map-May-2025-with-extended-greenway_1980px.jpg). **Summary** For this event, we will hike about 4.5 miles by doing a couple loops of the Buttonbush, Tucker, Maple Loop, and Beech trails. Blacklick Woods is a very nice park, but it is generally flat and not strenuous, so this will be one of the easier hikes that we do. **Where We'll Meet** Drive all the way to the back of the park to the parking lot that is nearest the Nature Center. There are restrooms here next to the Canopy Walk. We'll meet near these restrooms. Speaking of the [Canopy Walk](https://www.metroparks.net/blog/canopy-walk-is-your-gateway-to-the-sky/), it's not officially part of the event this time. However, if interested people want to freelance and check it out after the hike (before heading to the brewery), that's okay. **After the Hike** After we're done with the trails, we'll head to [Prost Beer & Wine Café](https://prostcafe.com/) for drinks and [food](https://prostcafe.com/reynoldsburg-prost-beer-and-wine-cafe-food-menu). The actual address of the brewery is [7354 E Main St, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068](https://www.google.com/maps/place/7354+E+Main+St,+Reynoldsburg,+OH+43068/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x8838648cfb8d2dbb:0x545274bab130e9bb?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111), and we should be there by 5:00 if you just want to do that and skip the hike.