Park

The topic of this event has been heavily inspired by [Blast](https://www.blast-info.fr)'s video on the subject matter: [FREE PARTY : LE CAUCHEMAR OBSESSIONNEL DU GOUVERNEMENT](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSvVvq3KxfI) The history of free party events dates back to the Thatcher era. In 1987, her government passed legislation that effectively forced many bars and clubs to close at 2 a.m. As a result, groups of people began occupying abandoned factories on the outskirts of cities in order to keep the party going. While some gangs and groups attempted to take over these gatherings for profit, most remained true to the punk and squatter ethos from which they emerged. A further pushback from the UK government came in 1994 with the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act, which, in a rather absurd manner, prohibited gatherings of more than 10 people listening to music characterized by "a succession of repetitive beats." Many free party groups, such as Spiral Tribe, Bedlam, and DiY Sound System, left the UK and settled in France, where the movement found fertile ground. These parties can be recognized by their distinctive music and aesthetics. However, they are much more than that. They are organized in a highly horizontal manner, where even the musicians are almost part of the public, and attendees are free to branch out and play their own music with few clear boundaries, not even temporal ones. This creates an atmosphere of intense emotions, spontaneity, and very limited oversight. People from outside these circles often claim that these gatherings are places of lawlessness, with little respect for private property, where participants seek a state of trance through music, drugs, or both. Recently, RIPOST, a legislative proposal aimed at cracking down on free parties, passed the Senate, the upper chamber of the French Parliament. It proposes criminalizing the organization of such events, with penalties of up to two years in prison and a €30,000 fine. It would also criminalize participation in these parties, with penalties of up to six months in prison and a €7,500 fine. While many participants consider these parties to be fully apolitical and simply an escape from the hardships of modern life and the realities they experience, others, including many observers and experts, see a deeply political dimension in these gatherings through their rejection of governmental control and conventional social structures. One particularly haunting quote, often associated with participants in the movement during the 1990s, captures this sentiment: *"We are dancing on the ruins of the West."* How should we, as a society, view such organizations? Could they be regulated in a way that would not backfire? Or are they a litmus test, a canary in the coal mine whose repression signals a drift toward authoritarianism? Picture source: [https://www.hyfae.com/magazine/spiral-tribe-rave-culture-the-number-23](https://www.hyfae.com/magazine/spiral-tribe-rave-culture-the-number-23) This debate will follow a British Parliamentary format with eight debaters split into **four teams of two.** Participants who wish to speak are highly encouraged to bring a paper and pen. You are welcome to participate even if you have no prior debating experience. We aim for debates that are respectful, constructive, and welcoming: * **Respect ideas and people** Listen actively, stay quiet while others speak, and debate arguments, not identities or beliefs. * **Be concise and civil** Keep questions short and relevant; avoid hostility, hate speech, or discrimination. * **Respect boundaries and time** No unwanted advances or suggestive behavior; arrive on time to avoid disrupting the debate. * **Follow moderators** They guide the discussion and ensure fairness.

https://www.strava.com/clubs/socialrunning SYNC is a weekly social run in Brussels. Every Wednesday at 6PM Parc du Cinquantenaire \| meeting point under the main arch\. 8KM at a conversational pace. No pressure. No racing. Just movement and meaningful connections. Whether you’re new in Brussels or have lived here for years, SYNC is about running together and building community. All levels welcome. Just show up. Let’s sync.

Small curated movie nights in a hidden garden in Ixelles, next to Place Flagey. A mix of: * **cult classics** * **recent movies** * **international cinema** * **comedy nights** * **karaoke & dubbing chaos nights** * **comfort food and summer vibes** **This is not a giant public Meetup** where 40 strangers stand awkwardly around overpriced drinks pretending networking is fun. Humanity already suffered enough. Our idea is simple: we gather in a private home and transform the courtyard into a small outdoor cinema. Sometimes we cook together before the movie: Italian, Thai, Lebanese, Japanese, Balkan, Greek, Latin American street food etc. Sometimes people simply grab pizza from the excellent pizzeria next door and join the screening. Food is intentionally relaxed: bowls, finger food, street food, popcorn, snacks, comfort food. **Some nights are more gourmet.** Some are glorified pizza-and-movie nights. Both are valid forms of civilization **;-)** ## **What makes this different** The group is i**ntentionally small**: usually 6 to 8 people maximum. **People are introduced properly.** Nobody gets abandoned in a corner. The atmosphere stays human, social and safe. **No heavy drinking.** **No creepy behavior.** No random people showing up uninvited. Smoking is allowed because is outside in the courtyard and occasionally we may have **hookah nights** depending on the movie/theme. ## **Typical evenings** * Wong Kar-wai + Asian comfort food * Spaghetti western + Italian street food * Anime + sushi night * Greek cinema + mezze * Balkan chaos cinema + burek * Cult movie dubbing nights where people voice scenes live karaoke-style Yes, this is a real thing now apparently. ## **Important** Because Meetups and public internet are full of bots, spam accounts and socially radioactive individuals, **we do NOT post the exact address publicly.** To join: scan the QR code on the image and request access to the private WhatsApp group or send me a DM. From there: * we announce movies * vote on menus * organize cooking nights * coordinate places **If you are new in Brussels, introverted, traveling, recently arrived, or simply tired of giant impersonal events, this may be your thing.**

Join us every Wednesday for an authentic Korean experience in the heart of Brussels! 🇰🇷✨ Let’s share Soju, delicious Korean food, fun karaoke sessions, and plenty of good vibes. Don’t miss our photo booth moments and the chance to meet amazing new people from all over the world! 🎉 Free entry, just order at least one drink to support the venue. 📍 Gyosang, Rue Sainte-Catherine 8, Brussels 🕢 Every Wednesday, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM Come for the language exchange, stay for the laughter, food, and Soju! 🍶🎤

**Welcome to The Club.** A **curated** social community in Brussels for people who want real connections, memorable experiences, and **better energy than the usual random meetup chaos**. Most of our events happen in **private homes**, gardens, hidden places around Brussels, or unusual locations outside the city. The goal is simple: create the kind of atmosphere where people actually talk, laugh, connect, and want to come back. We organize things like: • gourmet lunches & dinners • picnics & roadtrips • cooking nights • walks around Brussels • karaoke & movie nights • debates & discussions • card and social games • occasional “chaperoned” social evenings where people can meet naturally in a safe environment The difference is that we personally curate and vet new members. The host actively introduces newcomers, helps people integrate into the group, and keeps the atmosphere respectful and relaxed. We have zero tolerance for creepy behavior, unwanted pressure, spam, random uninvited people, or drama. *Unfortunately, posting too many details publicly on Meetup or on the internet in general quickly attracts bots, scammers, fake profiles, crypto weirdos, and people who completely ruin the vibe for everyone else.* That’s why most of our real coordination happens privately through our ***vetted WhatsApp community***. To join, simply scan the QR code in the image. If you are on your phone and cannot scan it directly: • take a screenshot of the image • open the screenshot in your photo gallery • most phones can automatically detect QR codes from photos by long pressing or using Google Lens / iPhone scan feature Then request access to the group and introduce yourself briefly. See you soon

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: -Parc du Cinquantenaire, Brussels Metro/Tram: Mérode 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 : -Parc du Cinquantenaire, Brussels Metro/Tram: Mérode 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). Look it up on Google maps! We'll also post some pics of the exact spot. Can’t find us? 🤷‍♀️ Just ping me here. 💡 The Idea Chill picnic with multiple language and game groups: Spanish, French - for sure, Dutch, Italian - if there is interest, other languages - TBD. Join a group and speak ONLY that language! Full immersion, baby! 🔥 Bring your own drinks 🧃, snacks 🥪🍓, blanket, and games 🎲🏸 (sharing always appreciated 😋). We’ll break into small groups depending on the vibe: languages, games, other chats, sports. ⏱️ Timing We kick off at 14:00 under the thickest shade we find. Stay as long as you like. Some of us would likely stay until the sun sets. 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 👉 Linguistic chats = full immersion in one language. No one cares about mistakes. Just speak! 👉 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 😉

Join us for an outdoor Gentle Flow Yoga practice in the beautiful Parc du Cinquantenaire. This class is suitable for all levels and offers an opportunity to slow down, reconnect with your body, and enjoy movement and breath in the park. What to bring: * Yoga mat or large towel * Water * Comfortable clothing suitable for the weather Meeting point: Parc du Cinquantenaire (exact location is pinned in the map below) This is a donation-based class. Contribute what feels right for you and what you can afford. Come enjoy a summer evening of yoga, fresh air, and good company! 🌳🧘‍♀️ For up to dated information join our WA group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/F1zWXHnWmBT0u2ADyDDhiz

**Welcome film lovers and culture enthusiasts!** Join us for a magical summer night under the stars at Parc de Bruxelles for a free outdoor screening of the visually stunning masterpiece, *The Assassin* (聶隱娘). This event is part of the L’Heure d’Été festival, celebrating Taiwanese cinema! ### 📅 **Event Details** * **Date:** Thursday, 2 July * **Time:** 22:00 (We recommend arriving a bit earlier to grab a good spot!) * **Location:** VAUX HALL - Parc de Bruxelles * **Price:** Free (No reservation required) * **Language:** Mandarin (ZH) with French and Dutch subtitles ### 🎞️ **About the Film: The Assassin (2015)** *Directed by Hou Hsiao-Hsien (Best Director, Cannes Film Festival 2015)* *Starring Shu Qi, Chen Chang, Yun Zhou* In 9th-century China, Nie Yinniang, a formidable assassin trained since childhood, is tasked with killing a powerful military governor... who happens to be none other than her former fiancé. Torn between duty and her feelings, she must choose her destiny. It is a breathtakingly beautiful film that redefines the martial arts genre with poetic elegance. ### 🇹🇼 **About the Festival: L’Heure d’Été – TAIPEI** For its 15th anniversary, Cinéma Galeries invites you to travel to Taipei—a city of millions of neon lights, drifting seamlessly between tradition and modernity. Taipei embodies a complex, hybrid identity shaped by Han, Japanese, Indigenous, and Chinese cultures. This year's festival brings the legendary figures of the Taiwanese New Wave (such as Hou Hsiao-hsien, Edward Yang, and Ang Lee) into dialogue with a new generation of filmmakers. Together, their films explore the deep connections between tradition and modernity, memory and identity, turning everyday Taiwanese life into cinematic poetry. ### 💡 **What to bring / Good to know:** * Since this is a *Plein Air* (outdoor) event at night, we highly recommend bringing a light jacket, a cozy blanket, or a sweater as it can get chilly in Brussels after sunset. **Let’s meet up, enjoy some world-class cinema, and experience the cultural heartbeat of Taipei together. See you there!**

Walk Through Roman History, Hidden Catacombs & the Hills of Limburg Escape Brussels for a full-day community adventure to the charming medieval town of Valkenburg — where Roman history, scenic landscapes, underground tunnels, and meaningful social connection come together. Together, we’ll explore one of the Netherlands’ oldest tourist towns through a unique 9.5 km immersive walking experience inspired by the ancient Via Belgica, the Roman road connecting the French coast to the German Rhineland. Along the way, we’ll discover the story of Magistrate Titus Tertinius Cornutus, walk through Valkenburg’s historic streets and green hills, enjoy a relaxed group lunch, and visit the fascinating Roman Catacombs hidden beneath the town. Whether you’re joining solo or with friends, this experience is designed for people who enjoy culture, nature, slow travel, and meeting open-minded international people. People increasingly seek experiences that create belonging, shared memories, and real-world connection — especially around outdoor and social activities. --- ## 🌍 Event Type **Community Event** --- ## ✨ Highlights *Scenic 9.5 km guided audio walk through Valkenburg * Roman storytelling experience inspired by the Via Belgica *Visit to the famous Roman Catacombs * Medieval streets, castle views & Limburg landscapes *Relaxed social atmosphere for internationals & locals * Group lunch in a local restaurant *Easy train escape from Brussels * Ideal for solo joiners --- ## 🏛 Experience Overview Valkenburg is unlike anywhere else in the Netherlands. Built around marlstone hills and crossed by the Geul River, the town combines Roman heritage, underground passageways, medieval architecture, and a relaxed countryside atmosphere. During this immersive experience, we’ll follow a special Roman-themed audio route inspired by real archaeological discoveries found in the region, including Roman villas, watchtowers, and artefacts connected to the Via Belgica. The walk combines storytelling, nature, culture, and social connection — the kind of intentional travel experiences people increasingly value today. We’ll also descend into the mysterious Roman Catacombs, a fascinating underground reconstruction inspired by ancient Roman burial chambers and early Christian catacombs. --- ## 🗓️ Plan / Itinerary ### Morning *Meet at Brussels Central Station * Train departure around 9:00 AM *Relaxed journey to Valkenburg * Introduction & community welcome ### Midday *Start Roman audio walking route * Explore Valkenburg’s medieval centre *Scenic viewpoints & historical stops * Group lunch at a local restaurant ### Afternoon *Continue the Via Belgica experience * Visit the Roman Catacombs *Free time for coffee, photos, or local exploration ### Evening * Return by train to Brussels *Estimated arrival around 9:00 PM *If the group reaches 30+ participants, a private coach may be organised instead of train travel.* --- ## 📍 Meeting Point ### Brussels Central Station Exact meeting instructions and WhatsApp group details will be shared with participants before departure. --- ## 💶 Price / Contribution ### Sunday Vacations Community Contribution * **Explorer Members:** €5 ***Voyager Members: **Free ** *Ambassador Members: **Free ### Additional Costs Participants cover their own: *Train ticket (unless coach is organised) * Food & drinks *Roman Catacombs entrance ticket If a private coach is organised, an additional transport contribution will apply. VAT not applicable – small business exemption scheme, Article 56bis Belgian VAT Code. --- ## 🌟 Membership ### Sunday Vacations Memberships * Explorer — starting at €5/year *Voyager — starting at €50/year * Ambassador — starting at €150/year Voyager and Ambassador members enjoy free access to selected community events like this one. Sunday Vacations is built around meaningful social experiences, cultural discovery, and community connection for internationals and locals in Belgium. Expats consistently rank social connection and ease of building friendships among the most important parts of life abroad. --- ## 👥 Who This Is For This experience is perfect for: *International professionals * Expats & locals in Brussels *Solo joiners * Nature & culture lovers *History enthusiasts * Curious explorers *People looking for meaningful social experiences No hiking experience required — just a reasonable fitness level for a 9.5 km walk with some gentle hills. --- ## 🎒 What To Bring * Comfortable walking shoes *Water bottle * Weather-appropriate clothing *Earphones for the audio experience * Power bank recommended *Passport or ID * Good energy & curiosity --- ## ⚠️ Important Notes *The route is approximately 9.5 km * Some areas may include uneven surfaces or hills *Train schedules may slightly affect timing * Participants are responsible for arriving on time *The audio experience works best with earphones * Coach transport depends on minimum participation numbers --- ## ⚖️ Legal Disclaimer Sunday Vacations / UJAMAA ASBL acts as a community organiser and not as a travel agency. Transport, restaurants, venues, and attractions may be operated by independent third-party providers. Participants remain responsible for their own travel documents, personal insurance, health coverage, and personal belongings. Activities are organised by volunteers and covered under the Belgian legal volunteer insurance framework. --- ## ❤️ Call To Action Join us for a unique day where Roman history, hidden underground worlds, nature, and international community come together just a short journey from Brussels. Come solo. Leave connected. Limited spots available.

**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 ✨**

For more informations about all my classes, events, workshops and retreats https://www.thehappybody.be/contact \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 🇬🇧 This event is also open to English speakers – explanations will be given in both French and English \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 📅 Date : 5 JulyMay @ 11.00 ( actual departure 11.15 - no waiting after that) 📍 Départ : Metro Stuyvenbergh 📍 Arrivée : Place St LambertParc du Doolegt 🚶‍♂️ Distance : ± 8 km - NOT A LOOP ⏰ Durée : environ 3-4h (marche + Qigong) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 📲 Rejoignez aussi le groupe WhatsApp pour toutes les communications relatives a cet événement qui se feront via ce groupe. https://chat.whatsapp.com/Ehybl4ekexAHORT89xHDvt?s=cl&p=i&mlu=3&amv=0 My phone number: 0492 92 00 84 *** ### **🌱 Description** Rejoignez-nous pour la septième étape de notre grand cycle « Les 12 Balades Qigong – Promenade Verte de Bruxelles ». Chaque mois, nous parcourons un tronçon de la Promenade Verte en mêlant marche douce et pratique de Qigong en pleine nature. Au fil du parcours, nous ferons des pauses pour pratiquer des mouvements simples de Qigong, accessibles à tous, afin de : * harmoniser la respiration, * libérer les tensions accumulées, * s’ancrer profondément dans la nature environnante. *** ### **🎒 Infos pratiques** * Activité ouverte à tous niveaux, aucune expérience en Qigong requise. * Vêtements confortables et adaptés à la météo. * Chaussures de marche conseillées (terrain parfois TREShumide). * Apporter une gourde d’eau. *** ### **🔗 Réservations** 📲 Inscription obligatoire via Meetup pour garantir une bonne organisation. Nombre de places limitées afin de garder un cadre convivial et respectueux. *** We begin with a gentle walk to reach a calm practice spot. During the session, you’ll be introduced to Qigong — a simple and effective practice rooted in traditional Chinese movement. It combines slow movements, breathing, and attention to help release tension, improve mobility, and calm the nervous system. The exercises are easy to follow, even if it’s your first time. The focus is not on performance, but on sensation: moving with awareness, breathing more freely, and allowing the body to reset. Depending on the session, we may explore sequences like **Ba Duan Jin (Eight Brocades)**, each with its own focus on circulation, joints, and overall energy. We close with a quiet return walk, giving the body time to integrate — often leaving with a clearer mind and a lighter, more grounded feeling.

We will be walking through the forest for a little over 1 1/2 hours, silently, just noticing the world around us and inside us. The idea is to experience the magic of a different type of walking, The invitation is to slow down and notice what is going on inside you and around you. Very often people experience a closer connection with nature and with self, with sometimes surprising insights. *Please make sure you are fit enough to go the 4.5 km distance. We will be walking slowly, but we will not take any breaks.* We will be meeting at the Hermann Debroux Metro at **14h**. (Exit straight ahead after leaving the platform--on the Loxam side). If you RSVP as coming, please be on time. We will be starting our walk from there 5 min. after the hour sharp. There is the renovated Maison de Prieur at the exit of the forest where we could gather for a drink or a meal after our walk, depending on what you feel like. Looking forward to an inward adventure? Come and join us on **Saturday, July 4, at 14h** My phone number is 0472 92 11 76, in case you need to communicate with me.

Join the Introverts of Columbus at Quarry Trails Metro Park for an afternoon walk in the Park. We'll meet near the parking lot area for about 15 minutes before heading out to chat and hike through the metro park. This will be a casually paced walk to allow people to get to know each other, and enjoy nature at the same time. 🚨🚨 Please note that there are multiple parking areas for the Quarry Trails Park, and please note the address in the event to get to the correct starting area! 🚨🚨

The only Metro Park with a fire tower! **History** [Scioto Grove Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/scioto-grove/) officially became the 19th park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system when it opened to the public on May 6, 2016. Located along a scenic bend of the Scioto River in Grove City, just south of Columbus, the 620-acre park was designed to blend preservation with modern recreation. Long before it became a park, this river corridor served as a vital footpath and trade route for Indigenous communities. Decades later, the mature forests and dramatic river bluffs caught the eye of conservationists looking to expand regional green spaces. The grand opening was a major milestone, drawing over 19,000 visitors in its very first weekend. The creation of the park was made possible through a sequence of land acquisitions and strong community partnerships. In October 2009, Franklin County voters approved a critical property tax levy that funded the initial purchase of 66 acres. Shortly after, the City of Grove City generously donated nearly 193 acres of land, previously known as Talbot Park, to anchor the project. Additional parcels were acquired using state grants from the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund, successfully closing the gap between properties by December 2012. This collaborative funding model ensured that pristine wilderness areas remained completely protected from commercial development. From its inception, the park aimed to introduce innovative amenities to the regional park system, most notably the concept of "urban backpacking". Through a key partnership with the outdoor gear retailer REI Co-op, the park established the scenic REI River Trail. This trail features five rustic, reservation-only campsites along the river, specifically designed to give newcomers a safe place to practice backpacking close to home. Additionally, planners prioritized making the park fully pet-friendly, allowing leashed dogs across all trails and areas. This open-pet policy uniquely distinguished Scioto Grove from many other traditional Columbus Metro Parks. As the park grew in popularity, community members established special commemorative landmarks to honor local lives. In June 2019, a dedicated memorial garden was unveiled near the park entrance in memory of Reagan Tokes, an Ohio State University student. The serene space features a central pond bordered by bright blue flowers, representing her favorite color. A primary buckeye tree stands alongside a dedicated plaque, surrounded by four additional buckeye trees to represent her immediate family members. This addition transformed a portion of the park into a meaningful place for community reflection, healing, and peace. The historical depth of the park took a significant leap forward with the relocation of a massive piece of Ohio history. In August 2023, Metro Parks officially unveiled the Keystone Forest Lookout Tower, which had been carefully moved from Jackson County, Ohio. Originally constructed in 1942 by the Aermotor Windmill Company, the 82-foot-tall metal structure spent decades guarding southern Ohio’s vast forests from devastating wildfires. Workers painstakingly disassembled, re-galvanized, and reassembled the historic landmark at Scioto Grove. Today, visitors can climb its 111 steep steps to experience a panoramic view stretching all the way to the downtown Columbus skyline. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Scioto Grove](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/SGR-map_1980px_2026.jpg). **Summary** We will hike around 5 miles on the Overlook, REI River, Mingo, and Arrowhead Trails. While the configuration of the trails can lead us to occasionally taking longer hikes than at other parks, Scioto Grove is not generally a very strenuous place to hike. If you use hiking poles and inadvertently forget them, this is not a park where you're likely to end up caring that much. That said, Scioto Grove is one of the better Metro Parks for hiking as well as other things. They are the only Metro Park with five camping areas where you can literally pitch a tent and sleep for the night. You must contact the park and reserve these in advance; they are however free. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet at the Arrowhead Picnic Area, near the restrooms and playground. Arrowhead is the main picnic and parking area of the park, and it also has the only water fountain at Scioto Grove. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Grove City Brewing](https://www.grovecitybrewery.com/) for [drinks and food](https://www.grovecitybrewery.com/menu). They have pretty good hamburgers. I was mortified to discover that I've never had their [Grove City Hooyah](https://www.beermenus.com/beers/486553-grove-city-hooyah) before, but I will correct that during this event. The actual address of the brewery is [3946 Broadway, Grove City, OH 43123](https://www.google.com/maps/place/3946+Broadway,+Grove+City,+OH+43123/@39.8836912,-83.0919635,16z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88389b3a28d0f4ad:0x3d85c41f608406c6!8m2!3d39.8836912!4d-83.0919635!16s%2Fg%2F11g8dh6h1_?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTAwOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks.

Meet at the parking lot closest to the playground at 2319 Quarry Trails Drive. We’ll hike 3-4 miles at a 17 minute pace. No one left behind. Optional lunch afterward.