Outdoor Fitness

We will be playing at a private residence tennis court located near Bayview and York Mills. Sorry but this one is only for people who are 3.0 level or higher.

We’re still working to get more people into these Meetups, but our goal is to give PlayYourCourt members a few social tennis outings each week in addition to your practice sessions and Challenge League matches. These Meetups are co-ed, super laid back, and all skill levels are welcome. Post your skill level and a suggested court in the comments section so we can round up as many players as we can for some tennis fun! Also, if you’re looking to meet new practice partners or play some matches and you aren’t already in the PlayYourCourt Community, you can go here to see what we’re all about and sign up: https://www.playyourcourt.com/tennis-community/unionville-ON/meetup/ If you love tennis, we’d love to have you! Be sure and watch the quick video that explains how everything works. Happy hitting! - Scott

This hike is suitable for beginners but will be a fast paced hike. The terrain is relatively flat, and we will hike approximately 6 - 7 km in 2 hours or less. We will do a loop exploring the trails in Bob Hunter Memorial Park. The park is part of the Rouge National Urban Park system. The headwaters of Little Rouge Creek meanders its way through the forested valley. The paths will be both paved and dirt, so please bring the appropriate footwear. Don't forget your water. Come out and enjoy a beautiful morning hike. **Note** * Arrive on time! Please cancel if you can't make it. * Know your limits! Hike within it. * Dress for the conditions. * Be aware and prepared for ticks. * Free Parking. * No Dogs. * The hike will be canceled if the weather doesn't cooperate. LEGAL DISCLAIMER AND LIABILITY INFORMATION: By RSVP'ing and paying the event fee (if applicable), you are confirming that you have read, understand and accept the following: 1. GTA Hiking Meetup is a private group. Attending events is voluntary by you as a member. Participation in any activity with us is at your own risk. 2. By joining this event as a member you agree to indemnify and hold harmless its organizers, co-organizers, assistant organizers, event hosts, and other members from all claims or liability of every type (including court costs and legal fees) for injury or death to any person or for damage to property, loss of personal property or any other wrongful act arising out of or relating to your participation as a member. This agreement applies to you and to other persons (as your guests) who may accompany you in these endeavors. 3. You also agree to hold the organizers as well as other group members harmless. By participating voluntarily in the group, you expressly waive any and all such claims against each and every other member in the group, including without limitation any and all claims against the group organizer, co-organizers, assistant organizers, and event hosts.

Hello everyone, **\*\*Please kindly read carefully- Thank you\*\*** Please join me and my other groups for a fun and leisure nature walk through **High Park during Cherry Blossom Season.** We will meet at **La Diperie Cafe** where you are welcome to grab a coffee, water, pastry or ice cream if you like before we head out. This will give us an opportunity to introduce ourselves as everyone arrives; then make our way on a friendly walk through the iconic **High Park in Toronto.** Event Details below: Sincerely, Steve Flemming (Organizer) Event Details: **Cherry Blossom Walk through High Park (Meet at La Diperie Cafe) (Dinner After)** \*We can stop and rest at different spots, take some photos and share some laughs \*Play a couple ice-breaker games as well to help build some bonds and make connections \*This fun, leisure walk will be a great way to make new friends, appreciate the changing seasons, get some fresh air, and even get a little exercise. :) **Event Fee:** 10 dollars when you arrive at the La Diperie Cafe (cash only please) or e transfer in advance to **steveflemming11@gmail.com** \*I encourage you to take the subway as it is very close to the cafe but certainly driving in an option \*Street parking will be found along Bloor Street and residential area but not inside the park **Time and Location: Where to meet us?** Meet us at **La Diperie Cafe** at 4:00 p.m. (we will wait for everyone until 4:30 pm) **Address:** 1960 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M4W 1J2 Very close to the High Park Subway station (we will then head out for our walk at that point) \*We will find a place to eat for dinner too; last year we found a great place right inside High Park, but also some nice restaurants along Bloor after the walk :)

What's good to eat at the airport? Not much, and almost nothing before security. Still, we'll go through Pearson Airport Terminals 1 and 3, checking out public art works and the paltry amount of food options. Airports can be great hiking destinations. The ones in Whitehorse, London Gatwick, and Singapore have trails through the terminals and around the runways, connecting to green spaces. Unfortunately, YYZ is not one of those airports. There is no pedestrian access so we have to settle with taking the (free) train to get out. In the second part of the hike, we'll head to Malton. It was once the aeronautical hub of Canada and a leading innovator on the world stage. The Avro Arrow aircraft was the crowning achievement and Malton boomed around the aviation industry. However, Avro quickly fell apart after government cuts. Some of the bright minds there went on to NASA for moon missions. Today, Malton has a neglected feel to it. Even Walmart left the neighbourhood in 2021. Its aviation history lives on in scattered monuments. It's a little corner that Mississauga forgot. The food landscape here is cheap South Asian food. We'll end at a rejuvenated mall packed with Indian and Pakistani stores, where we have a range of places for snacking. **Highlights** 1. Inuksuit sculpture at Airport Terminal 1 departure level (depart 2:30pm) 2. Artworks at Terminal 1 3. Airport train ride 4. Terminal 3 5. Viscount station (depart 3:05pm) 6. Zet's Restaurant 7. Food at Flightpath Centre 8. Food plazas around Airport Rd and Derry Rd / Mughal Mahal (depart 3:55pm) 9. Avro Canada Monument / Malton Sign 10. New Cane Grove 11. Food court at Westwood Square (arrive 4:40pm) **Neighbourhoods** Toronto Pearson Airport > Malton **Map** [https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1ILncsGq4j07ndVKkB9woQWCRBb2FQLI&usp=sharing](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1ILncsGq4j07ndVKkB9woQWCRBb2FQLI&usp=sharing) **How it works** Hike starts punctually. Late or can't do the whole route? Meet us at scheduled checkpoints. We'll browse many food places but won't linger long. See the route in advance, organize takeout, then pickup along the way. Not sure what to try? Join our omakase for $5, which gives a tiny sample from different restaurants. Payment on the day of event by cash or e-transfer to globaltorontoeats@gmail.com. No refunds after orders are placed. Details of sampled food will be uploaded after the hike. Limited cutlery provided. Highly recommended to bring cutlery and containers for omakase and bringing back leftovers. See our [About section](https://www.meetup.com/hike-to-eat/) for more info.

🏙️🍔 LIBERTY VILLAGE, STACKT MARKET & THE WELL WALK 🍔🏙️ Old Industry, New Energy & A Food Hall Finish Some parts of Toronto have completely reinvented themselves — and walking through them feels like watching the city evolve in real time. This is a brand new walk — the first time we’re doing it — and it’s all about exploring three very different (and very cool) pockets of the west end. We’ll start in Liberty Village, once an industrial zone filled with factories and rail lines, now transformed into a buzzing neighbourhood of condos, creative spaces, and local energy. You can still feel the history in the brick buildings — it’s just been given a whole new life. From there, we’ll head to Stackt Market, a unique outdoor market built from shipping containers, full of pop-up shops, art, and ever-changing vendors. We’ll finish at The Well, one of Toronto’s newest and most talked-about developments, where we’ll settle into the food hall for a relaxed lunch together. This is not a formal tour. It’s a social walk — a mix of city exploration, light storytelling, and discovering places together. 👉 **Don’t forget to join our WhatsApp group** – [CLICK HERE!](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DRFTkxRlHS4B3IL1lMleUd) *** 🚶‍♂️ What We’ll Do We’ll meet at Wendy’s at King & Dufferin and begin our walk into Liberty Village, wandering through its streets and getting a feel for the neighbourhood. From there, we’ll make our way over to Stackt Market to explore, browse, and take it all in. Afterward, we’ll continue toward The Well, where we’ll wrap up the walk and grab lunch in the food hall. There are lots of options, so everyone can find something they like. You’re welcome to stay and eat or head out whenever you like. *** 🌦️ Weather & Expectations This walk will happen in typical spring weather — sun, wind, or light rain. As long as it’s not extreme conditions, we’ll be going ahead. Dress in layers and come prepared — this is April in Toronto. Comfortable shoes are recommended. Also — since this is our first time doing this route, we’ll be exploring it together a bit. That’s part of the fun. And as always — this is NOT a guided or historical tour. It’s about being social and enjoying the experience. *** 🧢 Meetup Details 📍 Meetup Location: I will be waiting outside of Wendy’s at King & Dufferin 🫎 I’ll be wearing my Moose Hat ⏰ Meetup Time: 11:00 AM I will only wait 5 minutes. Early is on time. On time is late. We’ll head out promptly, so please plan ahead. End Point: The Well (Food Hall) *** 🎟️ Meetup Fee: $5 cash in person or e-transfer to 📧 **mathewmaclean@hotmail.com** This helps support the group and allows us to keep hosting events like this. Thank you for supporting community! 💖 *** 🎒 What to Bring Water Comfortable walking shoes A small snack (optional) Weather-appropriate clothing (layers + rain-ready ☔) Optional: cash/card for lunch Please also use the washroom before arriving, as stops are limited. *** 🌈 Who Is This For? This group is open to anyone who wants to be social and make friends — whether single or not. We also host: 🎬 Movies 🚶 Walks & hikes 🎭 Arts & culture outings 🍽️ Restaurant gatherings There’s always something happening. *** REMEMBER: You’re welcome to just show up on the day if you’re unsure about your schedule. And as always, sometimes plans shift and events may need to be canceled — please keep an eye on updates. *** 👤 Organizer: Mathew Questions? Post on the event wall or email 📧 torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com Come for the contrast. Stay for the food. Leave feeling like you experienced three different Torontos — all in one walk. 🏙️✨

**Sorry, No More New Members!** **Cost :** $10 per person. (cash only) **Plastic** badminton birdies to be supplied by event host. **Racquets :** Bring your own racquet. Rentals are available at the club if needed. **Shoes :** Please bring indoor gym shoes and change into them at the club before entering the courts. **If you or guest are not able to attend, please advise 48 hours(Thursday) prior to the event to allow other people on the waitlist to have your spot. No shows and less than 48 hours notice of non-attendance will be noted. 1 or more such occurrences will unfortunately lead to removal from the group. Thank you all for your understanding and consideration.**

A gentle, guided forest bathing experience centred on surrender inviting you to soften, release, and reconnect with nature. SURRENDER Brokenhearted? Feel deeply, maybe more than others? Having a hard time letting go? Struggle with anger or intensity? Have walls up that just won’t come down? This walk is for you. Join us for our next forest bathing experience where we will explore the practice of surrender gently releasing control, softening resistance, and learning to be present with what is. Through a series of guided. invitations, we will explore: • Connecting with the present moment • Allowing grief and emotion to move through • Reframing inner challenges • Releasing expectations and control This is a space to open your heart not by force, but by allowing. You’ll be guided through an embodied experience to connect with your heart space and move through feelings of hurt, dissatisfaction, perfectionism, heartbreak, or sadness… at your own pace. We will begin with a grounding practice and crystal energy clearing to settle the nervous system and open the space. This is not a hike it’s a slow, mindful wander into the forest. 🕊 Duration: \~2 hours 🌿 No experience necessary — beginners welcome 🤍 Come exactly as you are 🪶 Bring something to sit on if you’d like This walk will be rain or shine. Dress for the weather. We will meet in front of the High Park Forest School 📍375 Colborne Lodge Dr There is no car access into the park on the weekends. There is paid parking options on surrounding streets be mindful of parking. The forest is the therapist, the guide opens the door. 💫 ⸻ Disclaimer: I am a certified forest therapy guide, not a licensed medical or mental health professional. This experience is not therapy or a substitute for professional care. Please participate in a way that feels safe and supportive for you.

**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.

**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.

[Old School Groove](https://www.facebook.com/OldSchoolGrooveBand/) \- Vintage rock\, southern rock\, blues\, reggae\. Originals mixed with 60s & 70s classics\. Getcha groove on\! **[Flint Station](https://www.theflintstation.com/)** is an old depot venue for drinks and live music. They usually have a **bbq food truck** on location. Feel free to bring your own takeout. I'll bring a basket of snacks. NO COVER *They're planning for a beautiful summer evening performance in the beer garden. However, if the weather doesn't cooperate...they will be upstairs in the old-time dance hall. Either way...it's going to be a night to remember!!* **PARKING**: either near the beer garden or across the street.

Hike approx 4.0 miles at approx. 17 minute mile pace. Meet in front of the Nature Center.