Park

Hi WW's, This Sunday we shall repeat the walk from February . The walk will be about 10km . The walk may be modified depending on the weather. We will meet in front of Sint Michielskerk and walk into the Brabant nature area and along the Dijle Valley. The walk should look like : https://mapy.com/s/juceperofe We plan to leave on time. If you are late , then please follow the map to catch us up. You should wear good walking clothing and shoes plus drinks/snacks to keep you going. Afterwards we will go to an interesting little pub on the Bollestraat. 't Kleine Verzet. http://www.tkleinverzet.vlaanderen/ If you have any questions , you can contact me on 0472 613 518. See you on Sunday. Rory .

Join Brussels Urban Explorers for a relaxed day trip to Ostend 😁 The idea is simple: spend time together, explore the city, walk by the sea, discover nice places, have a drink, and connect with like-minded people 🍹 This is not a formal tour or a strict sightseeing plan. It is a social day out with good conversations, good vibes, and the freedom to enjoy the moment together. **We will take the train on Sunday, 3 May, from Brussels Central Station at 09:50.** We meet at 09:30 at the main entrance of Brussels Central Station. Everyone is welcome, especially people who enjoy discovering new places, meeting new friends, and sharing simple adventures.Join Brussels Urban Explorers for a relaxed day trip to Ostend. **Contact phone number: 0471695419**

Spirit Walks are unique nature hikes meant to lift up anyone's spirit, in a friendly, meaningful and even partially therapeutic way. It's usually a lot of fun, since we value authentic connection, share a healthy lunch, keep a positive/dynamic mindset, while maintaining safe, vulnerable space for whatever wants to come in the moment. We value an adventurous spirit, creativity, deep connection and authenticity. In a spontaneous way, it could happen that we stop and learn about a medicinal plant, do a somatic (stretch) exercise, do a silent meditation, an authentic relating game or a creative expression, all with the goal of coming back to ourselves, reconnect with others and get absorbed by the wonderful and powerful healing aspects of our surrounding nature. As a experienced trauma- and burn-out therapist, Ken knows very well how to create a feel-good, nurturing and healing atmosphere in a natural, unassuming way. It can bring back joy and energy in someone's life. You'll never feel alone. For this particular hike, we will experience the wonderful nature reserve the 'Doode Beemde' and its beautiful surroundings, starting and coming back at Oud-Heverlee station. It's nto a very difficult hike, nothing to stress about, it's around 13km. There's a few communication guidelines to keep in the back of your minds during our hikes: This is supposed to be inclusive, fun & a bit adventurous. We love some deep talks, but try to avoid any polarizing topics, gossip and complaining. Be respectful to each others' viewpoints and try not to judge too openly. We should be able to get back at the station around 16h45h approx. I'm personally going by car, if others of you have space in their car, please propose your free seats in the comment section of this hike. You're responsible for your own safety and well-being down the road. In case something happens (you get lost, you can't proceed,...), we will do our common best to find a solution, but don't expect the whole group to become dependent. Take care and see you soon! Ken

What's up Friends! 👋 

Ready for some bouldering fun? Boulder-what? 🤔 It’s climbing (FR: escalade, le bloc) up to 4.5m high without ropes—and in my case, without much hope! 😂✨ It’s a super fun indoor activity, but be warned: it does require a certain level of physical fitness and/or skill. Most importantly, though, it requires awesome company—which we’ve got! 😎

 The Idea: 📍 Meeting Point: For those arriving at 14:00, we’ll meet at the cafeteria (next to the billiards table). Feel free to start earlier or later—just drop me a message or write in the group chat so we can meet up. 💪 Stay & climb as long as you want - venue closes at midnight! 🥤 Recharge: If you’ve had enough climbing for the day (we usually do this after 2 hours of climbing), we may head back to the cafeteria (or to the rooftop if it's sunny🌤️) for snacks, drinks & games. Cafeteria closes at 22:00. Where: 📍Arkose: (Brussels Canal) Rue Willy de Bruyn Straat 52, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgique 🔗 https://arkose.com/

Fees: 🤑Entry fee without shoes: * 18 eur (first-timers 10€ with online promo activated) * reduced rates: students, minors, job seekers, firefighters, military (proof required) 👟 Shoe Rental: 5€ (if you don’t have your own) 🎫 10-session pass: 150€

 Good to Know: ✍️ First-timers need to create an account (takes 5min) - do it in advance and pay online to pay less and avoid wasting time onsite 💦 Hydration is key! Bring a water bottle. 🔐 Lockers available, but bring your own padlock. 🚿 Changing rooms & showers on-site. 👕 Wear comfy sports clothes—it gets intense! 🧴 Only liquid magnesium is allowed (for grip) - in reality most people use powder🤫 👟 Thinking of going regularly? Bouldering shoes are a great investment! (Decathlon: ~45-65€ per pair.)

⚠️ Safety First! Bouldering is fun, but safety comes first! Stay alert, know your limits, and don’t take unnecessary risks. Enjoy responsibly! 💪 

📢 Further details may be shared via the group chat or via DM 💬. Make sure to check your messages 👀 at least on the day before the event to avoid missing critical 🙄 announcements. 🐈‍⬛ The Friends Code:
👉Respect and positive vibes, if not 💥🥊
👉Can’t make it? Cancel or drop a message in the chat - helps running things smoothly! 👉 Don't show up if you are on the waiting list or show up at your own risk. 

See you at the walls folks😉

🏃‍♂️ 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!

Hi everyone, This coffee morning event is @ Café de Voyageurs! Sunday, 3 May 2026, from 10:00 - 12:30. It's limited to 25 attendees. Therefore, please, cancel if you can't join anymore. Café de Voyageurs opened its doors about 10 months ago. Dalila, the owner, is one of the most friendly hosts that I have met in Brussels in the past 5 years. She has given her café an African feeling & atmosphere as she is Algerian herself. The Instagram channel: https://www.instagram.com/cafe.des.voyageurs/ **The address is:** Café de Voyageurs 274 Chaussee de Wavre 1050 Ixelles *** 1. The **prime time** of the event is **10:30 - 12:30**. That's when most people will be there. 2. When you enter the gallery, it's either on the right-hand side or left-hand side of its hallway, depending which entrance you take. 3. If you intend **to join past 12:00** (high noon), then there is no need to register. Just come and join! 4. **DON'T forget to cancel** if you can't join! 5. **Please, be respectful towards each other during the event. (And after ;))** **As always, feel free to follow us on INSTAGRAM!** [https://instagram.com/weekendmorningcoffee?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==](https://instagram.com/weekendmorningcoffee?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==) **THE STRUCTURE of THE EVENT:** * I will post the event on Saturday/Sunday evening for the following Saturday. * I send out a reminder to everyone on Friday. * There is sometimes a waiting list. * In case RSVP is closed (once there are 10-15 people on the waiting list), I might reopen it on Friday, depending on the number of cancellations in the meantime. * **For everyone on the waiting,** please check your status and messages on Friday evening the latest. I message everyone on the waiting list on Friday. * **Please, move to "not going" AS SOON AS you know that you can't come anymore, that includes everyone who is on the waiting list.** **IMPORTANT:** * **Please, be respectful towards each other during the event. (And after ;))** * When you register yourself, be careful not to register accidentally a +1 guest (unless you bring a guest). It happens very often. * If you have any questions then, message me. *** **A MESSAGE FOR NEWCOMERS:** *In the three years of hosting this coffee group, I have met many people who struggle with anxieties when coming to an event for the first time. Sometimes, it took them more than one attempt before being able to join.* *Occasionally, people reach out to me before the event, and I have always been grateful for that as it offers the opportunity to communicate with each other and to find the best and most gentle way for that person to join the group.* *I would like to encourage everyone who struggles with this to contact me before. It would really be too bad if you can't join us, as it mostly gets better the second or third time you come.* *In addition to that, if you arrive and notice any signs of nervousness or fear, you can always let me know right then.* **THANK YOU AND SEE YOU ALL ON Saturday!**

¡Ey, qué tal! ¿Crees que podrías sobrevivir solo con tu español? Vamos a ponerlo a prueba con un cafecito☕️ (o con lo que te dé la gana en el momento, ya sea una bebida o un snack ) Dónde: Leopold PDN. Este café puede ser algo difícil de encontrar, especialmente cuando llueve ️☔️, pero así empieza la aventura, ¿no? No esperes hasta estar completamente perdido—mándame un mensaje antes de empezar a maldecir Google Maps ️. ‼️️Si el clima se porta, picnic en el parque (Cinquantenaire), obvio 🌳🧺 La idea: Pides algo (¡obligatorio! ☝️) y te unes a la mesa. Empezamos con una mini intro y luego hablamos de todo: actividades, viajes, música… Y si tienes ganas, ¡jugamos a algo! Todo en español, así que ¡prepárate para la inmersión! Dependiendo de cuántos seamos, podemos dividirnos por niveles para que todos disfruten al máximo. Juegos: Nada de tableros gigantes que acaben tirando los cafés por toda la mesa. Solo juegos rápidos y divertidos (tipo UNO o Exploding Kittens ). Yo llevaré unos, pero si tienes alguno que te guste, tráelo sin miedo. Eso sí, los juegos con texto, ¡en español! ⏱ Horarios: Empezamos a las 15:00, pero si llegas más tarde, no pasa nada, te unes cuando quieras y te quedas el rato que quieras. ¿Vas a llegar después de las 15:30? Dímelo en el chat para guardarte un lugar. Lista de espera Si estás en la lista de espera pero realmente quieres venir, o si tienes cualquier duda, mándame un mensaje directo... Más info se puede compartir en el chat o por DM —asegúrate de revisar tus mensajes el día antes para no perderte nada crítico . ‍🐈‍⬛ El Código de los Amigos: Nada de formalidades – aquí venimos a divertirnos Respeto y buena onda – si no, ¡¿Los errores?! ¡Nos dan igual! Y si nos cuesta, cambiamos al inglés o mejor: 💃 ¿No puedes venir? Cancela para que alguien en la lista de espera pueda tomar tu lugar Si estás en la lista de espera, no te presentes sin confirmación. ¡Hasta luego!

The energy is electric! Following our double-climb session on the Avenue de Tervuren, we are officially entering the final stretch of our preparation. It’s time for our fourth and final preview run—the dress rehearsal before the big day. For this session, we are stepping up the distance to **16km**. This route is all about rhythm and mental toughness as we cover the iconic closing stretch of the Brussels 20k course, from the lush greenery of Bois de la Cambre all the way to the triumphal arches of Parc du Cinquantenaire. *** ### The Details * **Meeting Point:** Right in front of **Muski Comics Cafe** (near Rond-point Schuman). * **When:** Sunday, May 3rd at 09:45 AM. * **The Route:** A 16km point-to-point style loop focusing on the final 75% of the official course, including the forest paths and that legendary home stretch. * **Bag Drop:** Available. * **The "Cuppa":** We’ll reconvene at Muski Comics Cafe post-run to swap stories, talk strategy, and refuel. *** ### The Pace: Social Start, Strong Finish We are trying something a little different this time to simulate race-day adrenaline. 1. **The Build-up:** From the start through Bois de la Cambre and the surrounding neighborhoods, we will maintain our **"steady and social" pace of 6:00–6:15 min/km**. 2. **The Release:** Once we hit the base of the **Avenue de Tervuren uphill**, the "social" rules are off! Participants are no longer tied to the group pace. You are invited to **open your feet** and tackle the climb and the final sprint to the finish line at your own target race pace. *** ### Pro Tip: Visualizing the Finish > "When you hit Tervuren this time, visualize the crowds and the finish line arches. Use the first 12km to find your flow, then use the final 4km to test your lungs and your heart. This is where the race is won!" Let’s bring that final-boss energy and conquer the home stretch together. See you at Muski Comics Cafe for the ultimate warm-up! **The Brussels Runners Team**

The House of European History explores Europe’s colonial legacy in its new temporary exhibition “Postcolonial?” Starting with the structural foundations of European colonialism, going through how Europeans preserved power as their empires collapsed and in what manner that affected newly independent countries, the exhibition takes us to present times. It invites us to reflect on the ways colonial history still shapes life today. Unique artworks, historical objects and personal stories accompany the visitor throughout this much-needed European reckoning with colonialism. \>Free entrance [https://historia.europa.eu/en/exhibitions-events/temporary-exhibitions/postcolonial](https://historia.europa.eu/en/exhibitions-events/temporary-exhibitions/postcolonial) \*\*Afterwards\*\* → casual drinks together at Grand central (super close, well-known 🍻) \*\*Please only sign up if you’re sure you can make it\*\* – helps avoid waiting 😊 **Location:** House of European History, rue Belliard / Belliardstraat 135, 1000 Brussels, Belgium Metro: Maelbeek and Schuman on lines 1 and 5, and Trone on lines 2 and 6. Bus: Lines 22, 27, 34, 38, 64, 80 and 95 all stop at Place du Luxembourg, 600m from the House of European History

🌟 Hello Yogis and Future Yogis! 🌟 🧘‍♀️🧘‍♂️ Whether you're a seasoned Yogi or a complete beginner, come and join us every **SUNDAY MORNING - from 11:00 to 12:15 - for Queer Yoga in Brussels :)** No need to worry if you've never tried Yoga before – everyone is welcome! 🌈 Just bring yourself in some comfy clothes (mats are provided) and let the magic happen :-). 🌿 **Class Details:** * This is an "open event" - for everyone, LGBTQ people and their friends no matter their **gender, age, race, sexual orientation or level of fitness / practice**. * Classes take place [Merci Wellness - Place Dillens 1, 1060 Saint-Gilles](https://www.merci-wellness.be/plan-acces.php). Very easy to get there, either by bike or metro (Hotel des Monnaies). * Ring bell "MERCI WELLNESS" - third floor ! * ⏰ 11:00 to 12:15 (doors close at 10:55 as **class starts at 11:00 sharp** \- it is not possible to join late\)\. 💸 **Cost:** * First class: 10 euros 🌟 * Single class: 15 euros 🧘‍♂️ * 5-class pass: 65 euros (valid for 3 months - a great deal for regular yogis! 🎉) You can pay your class on site either in CASH or through PAYCONIC. **Come and this great group of Sunday Morning Yogis** \- to spend a moment in a nice atmosphere and discover the benefits of Yoga\, from increased flexibility\, better posture\, a stronger body to a calmer mind\. See you on the mat! 🧘‍♀️🧘‍♂️✨ Edson P.S. Also, make sure to check out our new class **"Yoga for Men"** \- every Wednesday at 18:30 in the same location \- you can find the class list on our Meetup main page \!

🧘‍♀️ Je vous propose un cours complet de Yoga Hatha de 75 minutes complet, adapté à tous les niveaux. Dans cette pratique, nous explorerons des postures et des exercices de respiration qui vous permettront d'étirer et de libérer votre psoas et toutes les tensions qui s'y trouvent. 🎶 Ensuite, je vous emmène dans un voyage sonore et vibratoire, un moment de relaxation profonde qui va également vous permettre de relâcher les blocages et tensions, qu'elles soient émotionnelles, mentales ou physiques. 🫖 Nous clôturons l’atelier autour d’une tisane et d’un petit goûter. 🌱 Découvrez le merveilleux **Roots Movement Studio** à la Bascule. Un havre de paix lumineux et chaleureux. ✨ Programme \* 14h : Yoga Hatha, cours complet avec petite méditation initiale, postures et pranayama (exercices de respiration) \* 15h15: Voyage sonore \* 16h: Clôture, tisane et petit goûter ✨ Prix 35 € / pers. 65 € / 2 pers. ✨ Roots Movement Studio Rue Vanderkindere 542, Uccle (Bascule) ​ ✨ Inscriptions & informations​ ✨ Pour réserver votre place ou pour plus d'infos, contactez-moi ! \> info@eliserousse\.com \> WhatsApp: \+32 497 299 808

**Cinematek : Eat Drink Man Woman** 03/05 @ 16h30 Ang Lee’s generous, touching Eat Drink Man Woman focuses on master chef Chu and his three daughters (all of them living at home) as they confront seismic changes in their lives. The film is the third instalment in Ang Lee’s family trilogy, known unofficially (and ironically) as the Father Knows Best series, largely because venerable actor Sihung Lung (whom Lee lured out of retirement) played a father in each film. Constructed around a series of all-in family dinners, where each of the characters eventually (very reluctantly) drops a bombshell announcement, Eat Drink hinges on the tension between modernity and tradition, family and personal freedom, and, especially, the necessity of confiding and sharing. With the profound empathy that typifies his best work, Lee drops us into the drama without much explanation and carefully disrupts our assumptions about the characters ― and the narratives they construct about themselves. By the end, no one is exactly who we thought they were at the beginning. It’s driven by a formidable cast, including Yang Kuei-Mei as Jia-Jen, the eldest daughter and a devout Christian; Wu Chien-Lien as airline executive Jia-Chien (who has the most problematic relationship with her father); Yu-Wen Wang as the youngest daughter Jia-Ning; and legendary actor director Sylvia Chan as Jia-Jen’s best friend Jin-Rong. Warning: plan for a late meal. Lee’s masterful montages of Chu and Jia-Chien cooking are as mouthwatering and hunger-inducing as the noodles in Jûzô Itami’s Tampopo. [Cinematek](https://cinematek.be/2026-05-03-16-30/yin-shi-nan-nu) [Toronto International Film Festival](https://www.tiff.net/events/eat-drink-man-woman/) **For Dreamers, Coffee shots, Orezza, eau de Saint-Georges !**

Let's meet to write ! Schedule : 11:00 - 11:30 am : Presentation tour. Share briefly with the group about your project and your "goal of the day". 11:30 - 13:30 : Let's write ! 13:30 : Conclusion tour. Did you achieve your goal of the day ? See you soon !

Welcome to our weekly event in the upstairs room of The Sister Café, rue Chair et Pain 3, one block from the Grand Place. Please get there early enough to order your drink at the bar first. Thank you! After introductions we will collect questions from the group participants, choose one by voting then discuss it for an hour. Then most of us stay for drinks and bizarre conversations. Past questions have been wide and not confined to academic philosophy: What is a genuine friend? Is social media turning us into emotional zombies? Do we lose some of the experience of things by defining them? Are we driven by sex? Is loneliness a personal failure? Is morality relative? **Crucially, be kind and respectful and generous** in your disagreements; remember how much you personally enjoy someone else proving you wrong before celebrating your cutting counterexamples.

We will meet next to the restrooms at the [Big Meadows Picnic Area](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/HBK_Web_1980.png). They're all the way at the back of the park, and they can be found at coordinates [40°09'06.6"N 83°02'30.2"W](https://www.google.com/maps/place/40%C2%B009'06.6%22N+83%C2%B002'30.2%22W/@40.151828,-83.0423587,214m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m10!1m5!3m4!2zNDDCsDA5JzA4LjAiTiA4M8KwMDEnNDUuMSJX!8m2!3d40.1522222!4d-83.0291944!3m3!8m2!3d40.151827!4d-83.041715?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTIwNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) (near the playground and the zip line). We'll hike about 5 miles at [Highbanks Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/highbanks/) on the Dripping Rock and Overlook Trails. Afterward, we'll head over to [Olentangy River Brewing](https://www.olentangybrew.com/) for drinks, coffee, or food (their Sunday [food truck](https://www.olentangybrew.com/eventsandfood) is Venezuelan and always gets good reviews). The actual address of the brewery is [303 Green Meadows Dr S, 43035](https://www.google.com/maps/place/303+Green+Meadows+Dr+S,+Lewis+Center,+OH+43035/@40.1551938,-83.0144045,17.25z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x8838f395cef06c97:0xe407de61b3e30069!8m2!3d40.1551765!4d-83.0124352!16s%2Fg%2F11c26jc7j9?entry=ttu). If you can't make the hike, we should be there by noon. **How to find our starting point in Big Meadows:** If you are new to Highbanks, the Big Meadows picnic area is 1.5 miles into the park just after you turn into the park off of U.S. Route 23. That is, after you enter the park, drive a mile and a half into the park. You will come to a crosswalk with a yield sign in the middle of it (this is not to be confused with the first such crosswalk you come to just in front of the Nature Center, which you arrive at maybe a quarter of a mile into the park). Just after this second crosswalk, make a left. Then make another almost immediate left into the parking lot on your left. There you will see the jungle gym and the kiddie zip line to your left. I will be just in front of the restrooms just a bit further down from the jungle gym and picnic shelter; the restroom building will also be on your left.

We'll meet at Wyandot Park, cross Riverside Dr at Lane Rd, then walk south along the water to Griggs Park and back — around 5 miles total. A scenic out-and-back route along the Scioto River. One of the nicer stretches of trail in Columbus. Parking is available at Wyandot Park, off Lane Rd. Here's an overview of the route on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/uqweEoi6vcpY4esTA See you there.

Let’s meet, wander the exhibits and open galleries, and enjoy an evening out in the Franklinton Arts District. (Nearby pay parking is available in the garage on McDowell, right around the corner from One Line Coffee, and, past it along the curb as McDowell dead ends.)

**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.