Park

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

## **Kundalini Yoga & Gong** **2026 Theme: Connection to the True, Timeless Self** Classes in English & French / Cours en anglais et français **Duration: 1.5 hours / Durée : 1h30** ## **ENGLISH** In **2026**, the overarching theme of our practice will be **connection to the true, timeless Self** — a space beyond roles, stories, and change, where we can directly experience our infinite being through embodied practice. These Kundalini Yoga classes offer a space to explore this connection through **movement, breathwork, meditation, and sound**. The practice gently guides us from the thinking mind into a deeper state of presence, supporting clarity, grounding, and inner alignment. A gong is carefully selected from a wide collection to accompany each class, supporting the nervous system and creating a spacious field for integration, rest, and transformation. **No previous experience is needed.** Classes are open to all and last **1.5 hours**. **Pricing** – Single class: €20 – 10-class pass: €160 **Bring:** water and comfortable clothing **To join:** RSVP or send us a message (limited spots) Follow us on Instagram: **@nirmalkaram** *** ## **FRANÇAIS** En **2026**, le fil conducteur de notre pratique sera la **connexion au Soi véritable et intemporel** — un espace au-delà des rôles, des histoires personnelles et du changement, où il devient possible de faire l’expérience directe de notre nature profonde et infinie à travers une pratique incarnée. Ces cours de Kundalini Yoga proposent un espace d’exploration à travers le **mouvement, le souffle, la méditation et le son**. La pratique invite progressivement à quitter le mental pour entrer dans un état de présence plus vaste, favorisant l’ancrage, la clarté et l’alignement intérieur. Un gong est sélectionné avec soin parmi une large collection afin d’accompagner chaque séance, de soutenir le système nerveux et d’ouvrir un espace propice à l’intégration, au repos et à la transformation. **Aucune expérience préalable n’est nécessaire.** Les cours sont accessibles à tous et durent **1h30**. **Tarifs** – Cours à l’unité : 20 € – Carte de 10 cours : 160 € **À apporter :** bouteille d’eau et tenue confortable **Pour participer :** RSVP ou message (places limitées) Suivez-nous sur Instagram : **@nirmalkaram** ***

Hi WW's, This Wednesday , we shall do a 10 Km walk around Lasne. The walk will look like : 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.

**SPEED DATING \( 75 HOMMES \- 75 FEMMES\) au FOX FOOD MARKET \| MERCREDI 20\.05 \| AFTERWORK \- DRINK & EAT** \> Ce mercredi 20 mai 2026\, nous vous proposons un afterwork avec un food market pour vous restaurer\, un somptueux bar\, ainsi qu’un speed dating XXL\. \* SPEED DATING AU FOX FOOD MARKET \* 75 HOMMES – 75 FEMMES \> MERCREDI 20 MAI 2026 \| 19h00 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Réservation obligatoire pour la partie Speed Dating [https://www.partyfinder.com/en/event/15848](https://www.partyfinder.com/en/event/15848) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 𝐍𝐔𝐌𝐄́𝐑𝐎 𝟏 𝐄𝐍 𝐁𝐄𝐋𝐆𝐈𝐐𝐔𝐄 Le mercredi 20 MAI \| Cœur à Cœur organise son speed dating au Fox\. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Nous vous demandons aussi d’arriver à 19H00 si vous voulez vous restaurer Le Speed Dating débutera à 20H30 Déroulement du speed dating : 75 hommes et 75 femmes face à face pendant des séquences de 5 minutes. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- AU PROGRAMME : • 19h00 : POSSIBILITE DE SE RESTAURER • 20h00 : Explication du déroulement de la soirée • 20h30 – 22h30 : Le SPEED DATING • 75 hommes & 75 femmes • Séquences de 5 minutes face à face Objectif : Créer des connexions... ou plus si affinité \> Réservation obligatoire pour le speed dating \(20€ via Partyfinder\) – Places limitées \! BON À SAVOIR : SUPERBE BAR+ FOOD CORNERS + GRAND PARKING \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- SUIVEZ-NOUS Instagram : @coeuracoeur.be Site web : [www.coeuracoeur.be](https://www.coeuracoeur.be) Infos : +32477606131 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- FOX FOOD MARKET : Boulevard du Souverain, 25 - 1170 Watermael-Boitsfort

Many expats arrive in Brussels with the feeling that **the** **city is difficult to “read”.** Not only because of the languages, institutions or complexity, but because **Brussels often feels like a maze** of very different worlds that somehow coexist without fully connecting. After years of organising Brussels Secrets walks, discussions and international explorations, I have started developing a new way of helping people **get to grips with Brussels more quickly** — by understanding the historical, cultural and societal patterns that still shape the city today. I would therefore like to invite Brussels Secrets members to a **special evening session** at the Cercle des Voyageurs. Theme of the evening: “Brussels is not a city you conquer, but a city you gradually learn to read.” During this 2-hour session, we will explore: * why Brussels can feel confusing or fragmented at first * why the city functions so differently from many other capitals * how seemingly disconnected parts of Brussels actually fit together * and how understanding these patterns can help you feel more at ease in the city and navigate it more confidently This is not a tourist presentation, nor a traditional lecture. This evening is the first introduction to a broader Brussels immersion concept. It is an interactive evening for curious people who want to better understand the city they currently live in. 📍 Cercle des Voyageurs – Brussels 🕰️ Duration: 2 hours 🎟️ Participation: €15 If this speaks to you, you are warmly welcome to join us. The welcome drink is waiting for you. PS: “For those who know me: over the past year, I stepped back from Meetup activities to focus on Summer Schools and smaller international historical projects. During that period, I also started rethinking how Brussels could be explored and understood more deeply. Carl” Join us on Wednesday from 18.45 Hrs on ! Looking forward to seeing you there and RSVP here.

Welcome to our card games night. We will play on Wednesday from 19h-21h at CHEZWaWa Châtelain, a small restaurant. The address is Rue Américaine 91, 1050 Brussels. (Be careful, there also is another CHEZWaWa restaurant.) Please arrive on time. Feel free to call Bruno if you need directions or have questions at +32 485 298 713. We'll bring a selection of games, and you are welcome to bring any of your own. The restaurant serves delicious Mexican-Californian food you might wanna try. It will be available until 20h30. Our group gets a 10% discount on food. We encourage you to have at least a drink, it helps to keep the business running ;) If you like, you can also come a bit earlier for a chat or a snack. We'll be there from 18h30. Katja and Bruno

EN (FR en bas): We're still accepting people in our classes. Join us!​ -step 1: Book here! -> [https://www.danceproject.be/reservations.html](https://www.danceproject.be/reservations.html) -step 2: Show up! [Schedule](https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#schedule) Fees : [All info on trials, packs, subscriptions here](https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#fees) Locations: -Rue Brialmont 7, Brussels Metro/Tram: Botanique Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Forró Intro - 1: From base to the dancefloor! When you come for the first time we go over the base & rhythm with you. Then you are included in the group and everybody learns the same new steps for which you just need the base. Practice makes perfect: just relax and enjoy Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop and/or Forró! Our group is very welcoming and looking forward to meet new dancers! Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Forró Roots I - 2: Ready to go deeper on Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop &/or Forró? Let's go! [https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#improvers](https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#improvers) Salsa, Forró Roots II - 3: Looking for #SalsaChallenge? Already familiar with Forró Root? We've got your back! [https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#intermediates](https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#intermediates) More info: -Web: [https://www.danceproject.be](https://www.danceproject.be) -Whatsapp: +32 493 16 41 10 -Mail: brussels.salsa.project@gmail.com -[Facebook](https://facebook.com/brussels.salsa.project) -[Instagram](https://instagram.com/brussels.salsa.project) \-\-\-\-\- FR: Nous acceptons encore de nouvelles personnes dans nos cours. Rejoins-nous ! -1ère pas : Fait ta réservation ! -> [https://www.danceproject.be/reservation.html](https://www.danceproject.be/reservation.html) -2ème pas : Vient danser ! [Horaire](https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#horaire) Les prix : [Toutes les infos sur les essais, packs, abonnements ici](https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#prix) Endroits : -Rue Brialmont 7, Bruxelles Metro/Tram: Botanique Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Forró Intro - 1 : De la base à la piste de danse ! Lorsque tu nous rejoins on voit la base et le rythme avec toi. Ensuite, tu es inclus dans le groupe et tout le monde apprend les mêmes pas pour lesquelles tu as juste besoin de la base. C'est en forgeant qu'on devient forgeron : détend-toi et profite la Salsa, de la Bachata, du Lindy Hop et/ou du Forró ! Notre groupe est très accueillant et a hâte de rencontrer de nouveaux danseurs ! Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Forró Roots I - 2 : Prêt à approfondir la Salsa, la Bachata, le Lindy Hop &/ou le Forró ? Allons-y! [https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#inities](https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#inities) Salsa, Forró Roots II - 3 : Tu cherches #DefiSalsa ? Tu connais déjà Forró Roots ? Nous sommes là pour toi ! [https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#intermediaires](https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#intermediaires) Plus d’info: -Web: [https://www.danceproject.be/fr.html](https://www.danceproject.be/fr.html) -Whatsapp: +32 493 16 41 10 -Mail: brussels.salsa.project@gmail.com -[Facebook](https://facebook.com/brussels.salsa.project) -[Instagram](https://instagram.com/brussels.salsa.project)

What's up Friends! 👋 If the weather gods feel generous 🌤️, we’re going full park mode: picnic 🧺🌳, games, laughs… and a touch of chaos ✨ ‼️If not - we'll switch to the usual indoor format at Le Pantin or Café Leopold PDN. 📍Where Park Cinquantenaire, Tour de Tournai 🏰 (that little castle-looking thingy in the park). Can’t find us? 🤷‍♀️ Just ping me here. 💡 The Idea Chill picnic: bring your own drinks 🧃, snacks 🥪🍓, blanket, and games 🎲🏸 (sharing always appreciated 😋). We’ll break into small groups depending on the vibe: games, chats, sports. ⏱️ Timing We kick off at 14:00. Stay as long as you like. Joining later? Just drop a message in the chat in case we decide to move 😊. 🎲🏸 Games All games are welcome in the park - boards, cards, balls, random stuff! I’ll have a few with me, but feel free to add your own favorites too. 🚦On the waitlist but really want to join? Or got any questions? Just DM me. 📢 Extra info might drop in the group chat or via DM 💬. Check your messages 👀 the day before so you don't miss anything critical 🙄. 🐈‍⬛ The Friends Code: 👉 Games we play = group decision 👉 Smaller groups = cozier vibes 👉 Got a favorite game? Suggest it or show up with it 👉 Can't make it? Cancel on time so someone on the waitlist can grab your spot 👉 If you’re on the waitlist, showing up is at your own risk 😄 See you there, folks 😉

Functional Movement & Yoga at Merci Studio on Place Dillens (please register in advance at [www.popupyogaconcepts.be/schedule](http://www.popupyogaconcepts.be/schedule)) A practise linking functional movement with 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

**Come join us for a friendly social run at Parc du Cinquantenaire** 🌳🏛️ We’ll meet at Parc du Cinquantenaire, Brussels and run either 5 km, depending on how everyone feels on the day. All levels are welcome 🤝 The focus is on enjoying the run, staying active, and meeting new people. Bring your running shoes 👟, water 💧, and positive energy . **📍 Location: Parc du Cinquantenaire, Brussels** **📞 Contact: 0471695419** Let’s enjoy a great run together! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️✨

**Afterwork vibes. Sunset views. Great people.** Join us this Thursday for a relaxed rooftop evening above the EU district — the perfect way to unwind after work, meet like-minded internationals, and enjoy Brussels from a different perspective. This is a **small, curated gathering** to keep things social, easy, and high quality. *** ## ✨ What to expect * 🌇 Beautiful **sunset views over Brussels** * 🍹 Stylish rooftop bar (cocktails, wine, softs available) * 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Friendly group of people * 🎶 Chill, classy atmosphere (not a loud party) *** ## 📍 Practical info * **Location:** Sofitel Brussels Europe * **Meeting point:** Rooftop (enter Sofitel and take the lift) * **Time:** After work (see event time) * **Group size:** **Max. 15 participants** *** ## 🎟️ Reservation required (important) To ensure a smooth experience and avoid overcrowding, **a reservation is required**. * **Explorer members:** €5 to secure your spot * **Voyager & Ambassador members:** Included (free reservation) 👉 **Spots without reservation are not guaranteed** *** ## ⚠️ Good to know * Drinks are **paid individually at the bar** * Limitedty → first come, first served * This is a **social rooftop evening**, not a party *** ## 🌍 About Sunday Vacations A community of internationals in Brussels connecting through experiences, travel & good vibes. *** **Come for one drink… stay for the people ✨**

Join Sunday Vacations for a cozy Saturday brunch at **Aksum Coffee House**, one of Brussels’ most beautiful cafés, where rich Ethiopian coffee, fresh Moroccan crêpes, and vibrant international vibes meet in perfect harmony. This is more than just brunch, it’s a relaxed way to start your weekend, meet new people, and enjoy a soulful spot full of stories and flavors. ### 📍 Where? **Aksum Coffee House – Galeries Sainte Hubert (Just a few steps from Grand Place) ### 🕚 When? **Saturday at 11:30 AM** Come hungry, curious, and ready to mingle! ### 🍽️ What’s on the menu? ☕ Fresh-roasted Ethiopian coffee 🥞 Moroccan-style crêpes & artisan pastries 🥚 Tasty brunch dishes (vegetarian options too) 🧾 Everyone pays their own order at the counter. ### 👋 Who’s joining? Expect a mix of international professionals, friendly locals, and Sunday Vacations regulars. Solo? New in town? Come anyway, this is the perfect place to connect. --- 🧡 **Limited spots** – RSVP early to secure your place at the table. By joining this event, you agree to the Sunday Vacations [Terms & Conditions](https://www.sundayvacations.com/terms), [Privacy Policy](https://www.sundayvacations.com/privacy) & [Code of Conduct](https://www.sundayvacations.com/code)

Join Us for a Meditative Forest Walk We warmly invite you to a silent, meditative walk through the forest, where we will move together in stillness for about one hour. This gentle practice helps you reconnect with nature, slow down the mind, and notice the subtle details—both around you and within you. By walking silently, we create space for calm, clarity, and unexpected insights. Details: Date & Time: Saturday 23 May Meeting Point: Herrmann Debroux Metro (exit straight ahead after leaving the platform) Start Time: We begin walking at 16:10 sharp, so please arrive on time if you plan to join. Practical Note: Please wear weather-proof walking shoes, as the forest paths can get a bit muddy when rainy. After the walk, you are warmly welcome to join for a drink at Rouge Cloître. It’s a cosy, creative space to end the evening together if you feel like staying on. If you're in the mood for a quiet inward journey, we would be delighted to walk with you this Friday. For any questions or to let me know you’re coming, feel free to contact me at 0474 60 83 70. Looking forward to sharing this peaceful moment with you.

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

**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.

We'll get in around 4 miles at Three Creeks Metro Parks, primarily natural trails. 17-18 minute miles, no one left behind, and faster walkers are free to lead out. Optional lunch after! If you're joining for hiking all the metro parks, this is the sixth one!

Join us this Thursday at 6:30 pm for a nice hike along the Big Walnut Trail along the Gahanna golf course, circling Creekside and back. This 2 mile hike is fully paved and a beautiful walk through the heart of Gahanna.

Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.