Park

**Not only startups have a startup-ish mindset. And it’s pretty important to think and react like a startup even if you’re not building one.** **Startup Social Kaunas** is a monthly meetup, happening every first Tuesday of the month. We welcome everyone – startup founders, service providers, investors, or just anyone curious about the Kaunas startup scene 🫡 We’re starting 2026 with a bang. A basketball-sized bang. For the 35th Startup Social Kaunas, we’re hosting the **CEO of [BasketNews](https://basketnews.com/), [Jonas Miklovas](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonas-miklovas-a85a7536/)** 🏀 **And before you think, “Hey, but is it a startup?”** Well… kinda, yeah. They create digital products, they’re expanding rapidly to global audiences, they keep incorporating new ideas, and they’re constantly experimenting with ways to attract more people worldwide. We’d say that’s definitely a startup-ish mindset. [BasketNews](https://basketnews.com/) is is Europe’s number one basketball media company – but that’s not all. Besides their news website, they run multiple social media channels for different regions, a successful podcast series, and the EuroLeague Fantasy game. Join us on January 6th to hear how BasketNews became what they are today, what strategies they use to keep the startup vibes alive, and what failures or challenges they face along the way. **❗ Don't forget to register!** **When: Tuesday, January 6th, at 6:00 pm (doors open)** **Where: Movie theatre "Daina"** **AGENDA:** 18:00 - Doors open + networking 18:30 - Intro 18:35 - Founders Spotlight: a fireside chat with Jonas Miklovas + QnA from the audience Moderators: [Gytautas Kulakauskas](https://www.linkedin.com/in/gytautaskulakauskas/) and [Andrius Veršinskas](https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrius-ver%C5%A1inskas-7b1563190/) (Head of Business Division at Kaunas IN) 19:35 - networking, snacks, and drinks **Powered by: Confluence Investment** Confluence Investment, a Kaunas-based family office with a history of investing in startups through global funds, is now turning its attention to Kaunas. They are eager to contribute directly to the growth of startups in the city. With a commitment to empowering ambitious founders, Confluence Investment aims to be an active player in helping Kaunas startups scale beyond Lithuania. ❗️IMPORTANT: The event will be photographed. Interview language - English. [sTARTUp Day](https://www.startupday.ee/) is comming (January 28-30). You can use the code **kaunasin15** for a ticket discount;)

**Not only startups have a startup-ish mindset. And it’s pretty important to think and react like a startup even if you’re not building one.** **Startup Social Kaunas** is a monthly meetup, happening every first Tuesday of the month. We welcome everyone – startup founders, service providers, investors, or just anyone curious about the Kaunas startup scene 🫡 We’re starting 2026 with a bang. A basketball-sized bang. For the 35th Startup Social Kaunas, we’re hosting the **CEO of [BasketNews](https://basketnews.com/), [Jonas Miklovas](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonas-miklovas-a85a7536/)** 🏀 **And before you think, “Hey, but is it a startup?”** Well… kinda, yeah. They create digital products, they’re expanding rapidly to global audiences, they keep incorporating new ideas, and they’re constantly experimenting with ways to attract more people worldwide. We’d say that’s definitely a startup-ish mindset. [BasketNews](https://basketnews.com/) is is Europe’s number one basketball media company – but that’s not all. Besides their news website, they run multiple social media channels for different regions, a successful podcast series, and the EuroLeague Fantasy game. Join us on January 6th to hear how BasketNews became what they are today, what strategies they use to keep the startup vibes alive, and what failures or challenges they face along the way. **❗ Don't forget to register!** **When: Tuesday, January 6th, at 6:00 pm (doors open)** **Where: Movie theatre "Daina"** **AGENDA:** 18:00 - Doors open + networking 18:30 - Intro 18:35 - Founders Spotlight: a fireside chat with Jonas Miklovas + QnA from the audience Moderators: [Gytautas Kulakauskas](https://www.linkedin.com/in/gytautaskulakauskas/) and [Andrius Veršinskas](https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrius-ver%C5%A1inskas-7b1563190/) (Head of Business Division at Kaunas IN) 19:35 - networking, snacks, and drinks **Powered by: Confluence Investment** Confluence Investment, a Kaunas-based family office with a history of investing in startups through global funds, is now turning its attention to Kaunas. They are eager to contribute directly to the growth of startups in the city. With a commitment to empowering ambitious founders, Confluence Investment aims to be an active player in helping Kaunas startups scale beyond Lithuania. ❗️IMPORTANT: The event will be photographed. Interview language - English. [sTARTUp Day](https://www.startupday.ee/) is comming (January 28-30). You can use the code **kaunasin15** for a ticket discount;)

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

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. If the weather cooperates we will be meeting in the patio. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

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

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

CHANGED to WEDNESDAYS COLUMBUS RECREATION CENTERS require membership fee to play. Register & Pay at the desk when you arrive. $5 day pass is available. I have some extra pickle ball paddles and balls if you don’t have one. Definitely bring your own paddle if you have one and bring some balls if you have them. Legal Stuff: The event hosts/Organizers are just fellow member volunteers. By participating in any event, you assume all risks of liability and injury inherent in these activities. You are responsible for your own safety and for determining if you are in condition fit to participate. You are also responsible for knowing and abiding by all laws and rules during your participation in any event.
 Photos & or Video: by attending these events you acknowledge photos and or video may be taken and used on this and other platforms.