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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out penn state events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the penn state events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
Absolutely! Find penn state events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.
Penn State Events Today
Join in-person Penn State events happening right now
Friday Social Tennis @ Royal Park TC
**PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING DETAILS:**
This group is suitable for intermediate/advanced type player - who want to play singles matches.
You need to be able to play a high level of tennis to participate.
This group is not suitable for a beginner-type player.
**YOU WILL NEED TO REGISTER AND PAY VIA THE ATTACHED LINK TO SECURE YOUR SPOT:**
https://play.tennis.com.au/RoyalParkTennisClub/Coaching
**Players who just register their interest on Meetup, do not have their spots secured and may miss out.**
**Registration Opens:**
6 Days in advance at 9am
**Registration Closes:**
Close 6pm the day *before* the event.
This is to finalise player numbers and organise a playing roster.
**Social Tennis Structure:**
* Location: Royal Park Tennis Club (333 The Avenue, Parkville, Melbourne)
* Day: Friday
* Time: 6.30pm-8.30pm
* Cost: $18 for Non-Members, $12 for Members.
* Participants will play some singles matches on the day.
* After each set, participants will rotate around.
* Balls are provided each week.
* Racquets are available for hire if required.
* Some refreshments are available for purchase.
* Please remember to wear shoes suitable for tennis!
* Maximum of 8 spots for each session.
Friday Pickleball @ Melbourne Central | *Read Description* RMIT PKBL CLUB
**Social Pickleball - All Levels Welcome!**
\*\* [Instagram: @rmit_pickleball](https://www.instagram.com/rmit_pickleball/) [WhatsApp: RMIT Pickleball Club](https://chat.whatsapp.com/G7VE0NcThWWIgLnnJBVQBq)\*\*
\*\* Paddles and balls provided! Beginner friendly - simply show up and we’ll teach you the basics \*\*
Grab a paddle, play pickleball, and meet new people!
\*\* Who is it for?\*\*
* Members of public and RMIT students
* Complete beginners
* Intermediate players
* Advanced players (up to DUPR 4.5 expected)
**✅ How to join?**
1. **Become a club member** [at the RMIT Store](https://store.rmit.edu.au/pages/club/pickleball) (one-off payment)
2. **RSVP** on Meetup to join the session
3. When marked as **“Going”**, pay for the session:
**\- Payment link** is in the **comment section below** (posted 1-3 days before)
\- Use your RMIT Store account with a club membership \(from step 1\)
4. Can’t attend? Update your RSVP to “Not Going”
**⏳ Priority on waitlist**
1. Clear Meetup profile with name and photo
2. RMIT students
3. Regular attendees
\*\* On the day\*\*
* New players, please **introduce yourself to the host**
* New players wanting a **rules intro**, please arrive on-time and ask a host
* Have your **emailed ticket receipt ready** \- it will be checked on the day
\*\* Cancellations and Refunds\*\*
* No refunds for change of mind, non-attendance, or no-shows
* Refunds only if the event is cancelled (weather or court availability)
* Credit for a later session may be offered by agreement in case of event cancellation
* Pay only when we share the payment link in Meetup - using old links is at your own risk
Whether you are new to pickleball or a regular player, this is a great way to get some games in and connect with the community. Come solo or bring a friend - everyone is welcome!
\*\* Spots are limited, so RSVP early! \*\*
Startup Pitch & Networking in Melbourne
**Attention attendees!**
**To register, use** [Luma](https://luma.com/0xx7zeel)
Warning:
The meetup is not a platform for RSVP registration; for this, you need to follow [thisLink ](https://luma.com/0xx7zeel)to purchase a registration ticket.
The meetup is one of the platforms through which we offer participation in our events.
**Startup Valley — Melbourne**
A curated pitch night for startup founders, operators, angels and VC partners.
We design these sessions to help founders sharpen their thinking through direct, candid feedback — and to give strong investors access to serious teams.
**What happens:**
• 4-8 startups pitch live and receive feedback from angels and VC partners
• Feedback focuses on real decisions and next steps — not surface-level opinions
• Investors stay in the room before and after pitches
• The format leaves space for real conversations, not rushed networking
• Attendance is limited to keep the room focused
Designed for clear thinking, not noise.
**Who you’ll meet:**
* Startup founders
* Angel investors and VC partners
* Operators in marketing, sales, and tech
* AI engineers
* Local and international founders
* AI Experts
* Founders from Europe, Asia, and the United Kingdom
**Practical details**
**For investors:**
We invite angel investors and VC partners to participate as judges and contributors.
**To become a judge,** and get early access to our startups database, please fill out th[ the form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8CVqvhQJu-AcclIF6PCuwjL4YpQt4w0FchGSoutRkt58v4g/viewform).
Join the judge table, meet other investors, and see what teams are building early.
Founders need your experienced view.
**For pitching startups:**
Startups selected to pitch will present live on stage and receive feedback from investors.
**After purchasing a ticket:**
Please[ submit your pitch deck](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSchcZr9gCNJh0RLiKBgbdbDBKEOc-92LNySkzHf8qGPHg5Wpg/viewform) and ensure it is open for viewers.
**Agenda**
**18:00 – 18:30**
**Registration**
Guests register, receive badges, and event programs. This is an opportunity for casual networking, making first connections, and preparing for the event.
**18:30 – 19:30**
**Event Kickoff & Interactive Networking**
Official welcome from the organizers with a brief overview of the event goals and schedule. Interactive networking helps participants set their objectives and connect with key contacts.
**19:40 – 20:20**
**Startup Pitch Session**
Startups present their projects to investors and experts. Each team has 5 minutes to pitch, covering the project's core idea, business model, and target market.
**20:20 – 21:00**
**Chill & Networking**
Participants enjoy casual conversations with investors, discuss collaborations, and exchange ideas over refreshments.
Saturday Pickleball @ Melbourne Central *Read Description* RMIT PKBL CLUB
**Social Pickleball - All Levels Welcome!**
\*\* [Instagram: @rmit_pickleball](https://www.instagram.com/rmit_pickleball/) [WhatsApp: RMIT Pickleball Club](https://chat.whatsapp.com/G7VE0NcThWWIgLnnJBVQBq)\*\*
\*\* Paddles and balls provided! Beginner friendly - simply show up and we’ll teach you the basics \*\*
Grab a paddle, play pickleball, and meet new people!
\*\* Who is it for?\*\*
* Members of public and RMIT students
* Complete beginners
* Intermediate players
* Advanced players (up to DUPR 4.5 expected)
**✅ How to join?**
1. **Become a club member** [at the RMIT Store](https://store.rmit.edu.au/pages/club/pickleball) (one-off payment)
2. **RSVP** on Meetup to join the session
3. When marked as **“Going”**, pay for the session:
**\- Payment link** is in the **comment section below** (posted 1-3 days before)
\- Use your RMIT Store account with a club membership \(from step 1\)
4. Can’t attend? Update your RSVP to “Not Going”
**⏳ Priority on waitlist**
1. Clear Meetup profile with name and photo
2. RMIT students
3. Regular attendees
\*\* On the day\*\*
* New players, please **introduce yourself to the host**
* New players wanting a **rules intro**, please arrive on-time and ask a host
* Have your **emailed ticket receipt ready** \- it will be checked on the day
\*\* Cancellations and Refunds\*\*
* No refunds for change of mind, non-attendance, or no-shows
* Refunds only if the event is cancelled (weather or court availability)
* Credit for a later session may be offered by agreement in case of event cancellation
* Pay only when we share the payment link in Meetup - using old links is at your own risk
Whether you are new to pickleball or a regular player, this is a great way to get some games in and connect with the community. Come solo or bring a friend - everyone is welcome!
\*\* Spots are limited, so RSVP early! \*\*
Tech Networking Event by Startup Valley
in Melbourne
**Attention attendees!**
**To register, use** [Luma](https://luma.com/0xx7zeel)
Warning:
The meetup is not a platform for RSVP registration; for this, you need to follow [thisLink ](https://luma.com/0xx7zeel)to purchase a registration ticket.
The meetup is one of the platforms through which we offer participation in our events.
**Startup Valley — Melbourne**
A curated pitch night for startup founders, operators, angels and VC partners.
We design these sessions to help founders sharpen their thinking through direct, candid feedback — and to give strong investors access to serious teams.
**What happens:**
• 4-8 startups pitch live and receive feedback from angels and VC partners
• Feedback focuses on real decisions and next steps — not surface-level opinions
• Investors stay in the room before and after pitches
• The format leaves space for real conversations, not rushed networking
• Attendance is limited to keep the room focused
Designed for clear thinking, not noise.
**Who you’ll meet:**
* Startup founders
* Angel investors and VC partners
* Operators in marketing, sales, and tech
* AI engineers
* Local and international founders
* AI Experts
* Founders from Europe, Asia, and the United Kingdom
**Practical details**
**For investors:**
We invite angel investors and VC partners to participate as judges and contributors.
**To become a judge,** and get early access to our startups database, please fill out th[ the form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8CVqvhQJu-AcclIF6PCuwjL4YpQt4w0FchGSoutRkt58v4g/viewform).
Join the judge table, meet other investors, and see what teams are building early.
Founders need your experienced view.
**For pitching startups:**
Startups selected to pitch will present live on stage and receive feedback from investors.
**After purchasing a ticket:**
Please[ submit your pitch deck](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSchcZr9gCNJh0RLiKBgbdbDBKEOc-92LNySkzHf8qGPHg5Wpg/viewform) and ensure it is open for viewers.
**Agenda**
**18:00 – 18:30**
**Registration**
Guests register, receive badges, and event programs. This is an opportunity for casual networking, making first connections, and preparing for the event.
**18:30 – 19:30**
**Event Kickoff & Interactive Networking**
Official welcome from the organizers with a brief overview of the event goals and schedule. Interactive networking helps participants set their objectives and connect with key contacts.
**19:40 – 20:20**
**Startup Pitch Session**
Startups present their projects to investors and experts. Each team has 5 minutes to pitch, covering the project's core idea, business model, and target market.
**20:20 – 21:00**
**Chill & Networking**
Participants enjoy casual conversations with investors, discuss collaborations, and exchange ideas over refreshments.
Penn State Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Sunday Social Tennis @ Royal Park TC
**PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING DETAILS:**
This group is suitable for an intermediate type player.
Beginners should participate in the Monday program.
**YOU WILL NEED TO REGISTER AND PAY VIA THE ATTACHED LINK TO SECURE YOUR SPOT:**
https://play.tennis.com.au/RoyalParkTennisClub/Coaching
**Players who just register their interest on Meetup, do not have their spots secured and may miss out.**
**Registration Opens:**
6 Days in advance at 9am
**Registration Closes:**
Close 6pm the day *before* the event.
This is to finalise player numbers and organise a playing roster.
**Social Tennis Structure:**
* Location: Royal Park Tennis Club (333 The Avenue, Parkville, Melbourne)
* Day: Sunday
* Time: 2.00pm-4.00pm
Cost: $10 for Non-Members, $0 for Members.
* Participants will play 3 sets of tennis: emphasis on having a good hit of tennis, getting some exercise and making friends.
* After each set, participants will rotate around.
* Balls are provided each week.
* Racquets are available for hire if required.
* Some refreshments are available for purchase.
* Please remember to wear shoes suitable for tennis!
* Maximum of 16 spots for each session.
Sunday Pickleball @ Melbourne Central *Read description* RMIT PKBL CLUB
**Social Pickleball - All Levels Welcome!**
\*\* [Instagram: @rmit_pickleball](https://www.instagram.com/rmit_pickleball/) [WhatsApp: RMIT Pickleball Club](https://chat.whatsapp.com/G7VE0NcThWWIgLnnJBVQBq)\*\*
\*\* Paddles and balls provided! Beginner friendly - simply show up and we’ll teach you the basics \*\*
Grab a paddle, play pickleball, and meet new people!
\*\* Who is it for?\*\*
* Members of public and RMIT students
* Complete beginners
* Intermediate players
* Advanced players (up to DUPR 4.5 expected)
**✅ How to join?**
1. **Become a club member** [at the RMIT Store](https://store.rmit.edu.au/pages/club/pickleball) (one-off payment)
2. **RSVP** on Meetup to join the session
3. When marked as **“Going”**, pay for the session:
**\- Payment link** is in the **comment section below** (posted 1-3 days before)
\- Use your RMIT Store account with a club membership \(from step 1\)
4. Can’t attend? Update your RSVP to “Not Going”
**⏳ Priority on waitlist**
1. Clear Meetup profile with name and photo
2. RMIT students
3. Regular attendees
\*\* On the day\*\*
* New players, please **introduce yourself to the host**
* New players wanting a **rules intro**, please arrive on-time and ask a host
* Have your **emailed ticket receipt ready** \- it will be checked on the day
\*\* Cancellations and Refunds\*\*
* No refunds for change of mind, non-attendance, or no-shows
* Refunds only if the event is cancelled (weather or court availability)
* Credit for a later session may be offered by agreement in case of event cancellation
* Pay only when we share the payment link in Meetup - using old links is at your own risk
Whether you are new to pickleball or a regular player, this is a great way to get some games in and connect with the community. Come solo or bring a friend - everyone is welcome!
\*\* Spots are limited, so RSVP early! \*\*
Intro to Beach Tennis
# 🎾 Beach Tennis Melbourne – Social Play & Coaching Session
Looking for a fun new sport in Melbourne? ☀️🏖
Join us for a beginner-friendly Beach Tennis session at South Melbourne Beach. No experience needed — most people come solo and try beach tennis for the first time here 😊
Beach Tennis is easy to learn, super social, and a great way to stay active outdoors.
## What’s Included?
✔ 45 mins beginner coaching
✔ Fun social games after
✔ Meet new people
✔ All equipment provided
## Perfect For
• Complete beginners
• Tennis & padel players
• Anyone wanting a fun social sport in Melbourne
📍 South Melbourne Beach
🎟 Small group session — limited spots available
Afternoon Sunday Pickleball @ Melbourne Central *Read description* RMIT CLUB
**Social Pickleball - All Levels Welcome!**
\*\* [Instagram: @rmit_pickleball](https://www.instagram.com/rmit_pickleball/) [WhatsApp: RMIT Pickleball Club](https://chat.whatsapp.com/G7VE0NcThWWIgLnnJBVQBq)\*\*
\*\* Paddles and balls provided! Beginner friendly - simply show up and we’ll teach you the basics \*\*
Grab a paddle, play pickleball, and meet new people!
\*\* Who is it for?\*\*
* Members of public and RMIT students
* Complete beginners
* Intermediate players
* Advanced players (up to DUPR 4.5 expected)
**✅ How to join?**
1. **Become a club member** [at the RMIT Store](https://store.rmit.edu.au/pages/club/pickleball) (one-off payment)
2. **RSVP** on Meetup to join the session
3. When marked as **“Going”**, pay for the session:
**\- Payment link** is in the **comment section below** (posted 1-3 days before)
\- Use your RMIT Store account with a club membership \(from step 1\)
4. Can’t attend? Update your RSVP to “Not Going”
**⏳ Priority on waitlist**
1. Clear Meetup profile with name and photo
2. RMIT students
3. Regular attendees
\*\* On the day\*\*
* New players, please **introduce yourself to the host**
* New players wanting a **rules intro**, please arrive on-time and ask a host
* Have your **emailed ticket receipt ready** \- it will be checked on the day
\*\* Cancellations and Refunds\*\*
* No refunds for change of mind, non-attendance, or no-shows
* Refunds only if the event is cancelled (weather or court availability)
* Credit for a later session may be offered by agreement in case of event cancellation
* Pay only when we share the payment link in Meetup - using old links is at your own risk
Whether you are new to pickleball or a regular player, this is a great way to get some games in and connect with the community. Come solo or bring a friend - everyone is welcome!
\*\* Spots are limited, so RSVP early! \*\*
Saturday Afternoon Pickleball @ Melbourne Central *Read Description* RMIT CLUB
🥒🎾 **Social Pickleball - All Levels Welcome!** 🥒🎾
**📢 [Instagram: @rmit_pickleball](https://www.instagram.com/rmit_pickleball/) 📢 [WhatsApp: RMIT Pickleball Club](https://chat.whatsapp.com/G7VE0NcThWWIgLnnJBVQBq)**
**🏓 Paddles and balls provided! Beginner friendly - simply show up and we’ll teach you the basics 🎾**
Grab a paddle, play pickleball, and meet new people!
**👥 Who is it for?**
* Members of public and RMIT students
* Complete beginners
* Intermediate players
* Advanced players (up to DUPR 4.5 expected)
**✅ How to join?**
1. **Become a club member** [at the RMIT Store](https://store.rmit.edu.au/pages/club/pickleball) (one-off payment)
2. **RSVP** on Meetup to join the session
3. When marked as **“Going”**, pay for the session:
**\- Payment link** is in the **comment section below** (posted 1-3 days before)
\- Use your RMIT Store account with a club membership \(from step 1\)
4. Can’t attend? Update your RSVP to “Not Going”
**⏳ Priority on waitlist**
1. Clear Meetup profile with name and photo
2. RMIT students
3. Regular attendees
**📆 On the day**
* New players, please **introduce yourself to the host**
* New players wanting a **rules intro**, please arrive on-time and ask a host
* Have your **emailed ticket receipt ready** \- it will be checked on the day
**🔄 Cancellations and Refunds**
* No refunds for change of mind, non-attendance, or no-shows
* Refunds only if the event is cancelled (weather or court availability)
* Credit for a later session may be offered by agreement in case of event cancellation
* Pay only when we share the payment link in Meetup - using old links is at your own risk
Whether you are new to pickleball or a regular player, this is a great way to get some games in and connect with the community. Come solo or bring a friend - everyone is welcome!
**👉 Spots are limited, so RSVP early! 👈**
Penn State Events Near You
Connect with your local Penn State community
Feel Good Friday: POWER BALLAD at the Gateway Film Center + SHAKE NO. 8!
Join us as we get together to see Paul Rudd in the latest comedy-drama-musical from John Carney, POWER BALLAD! The film follows a washed-up wedding singer, a fading boy band singer and a stolen hit song. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event:
DESCRIPTION: Rick, a washed-up wedding singer, and Danny, a fading boy band star, bond over music and a late-night jam session. When Danny turns Rick's song into a hit, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves. Power Ballad is written/directed by John Carney, the master of the modern musical and creative mind behind Once, Begin Again and Sing Street! It stars Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas, Peter McDonald, Marcella Plunkett, Havana Rose Liu and Jack Reynor.
BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The film premiered to rave reviews at this year’s Dublin International Film Festival where critics call it “a sure-fired crowd-pleaser” that “just might be the feel-good hit of the year!” Others say, “Paul Rudd delivers a career-best performance in this charmer” that’s both “hilarious and deeply moving!”
SUMMER OF ICE CREAM, VOL 2: SHAKE NO. 8! Ranked the #1 Ice Cream Shop in Columbus in 2024, this is the perfect place to kick off our Summer of Ice Cream and grab a sweet treat after the show! Their menu features an array of traditional, specialty and vegan shakes, hot cocoa, and more! You can check out their full menu here: [https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php](https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php)
PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 20 minutes before the show. Once showtime is announced, advance ticket purchase is advised! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event. We'll head to nearby Shake No. 8 immediately following the show!
Should be a fun one, Dan
Fun & easy way to play more tennis (read event description)
We’re still working to get more people into these Meetups, but our goal is to give PlayYourCourt members a few social tennis outings each week in addition to your practice sessions and Challenge League matches.
These Meetups are co-ed, super laid back, and all skill levels are welcome. Post your skill level and a suggested court in the comments section so we can round up as many players as we can for some tennis fun!
Also, if you’re looking to meet new practice partners or play some matches and you aren’t already in the PlayYourCourt Community, you can go here to see what we’re all about and sign up:
https://www.playyourcourt.com/tennis-community/columbus-oh/meetup/
If you love tennis, we’d love to have you! Be sure and watch the quick video that explains how everything works.
Happy hitting!
- Scott
Must See Thursday: I LOVE BOOSTERS at the Drexel + GRAETER'S!
Join us as we get together to see the top-reviewed comedy-drama, I LOVE BOOSTERS! The film comes from writer/director Boots Riley and follows a group of shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. Here are details, trailers and our plan for this event:
DESCRIPTION: The film follows a group of shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. It is written/directed by Boots Riley (Sorry to Bother You) and stars Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige, Poppy Liu, Eiza González, LaKeith Stanfield, Will Poulter, Don Cheadle, and Demi Moore.
BUZZ AND ACCLAIM: I Love Boosters was the opening film at this year’s SXSW Festival and premiered to rave reviews! It is currently earning a tremendous 97% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes where critics call it, “an unexpected celebration of friendship, community, and solidarity.” Others call the film “an exercise in radical empathy,” a “masterful” and “optimistic” film designed to “provoke discussion” while making the audience laugh.
TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4lPRISgr9c](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4lPRISgr9c)
SUMMER OF ICE CREAM: GRAETER’S! Established way back in 1870 in Cincinnati, this historic, family-owned brand is famous for their delicious small batch ice cream and any chocolate chunk flavors! They are currently the only commercial ice cream maker using the French Pot method that they’ve been using since they first opened! Plus, those chocolate chunks, oh my goodness! Vegan options are available.
PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 20 minutes before the show. Advance ticket purchase not required for this theater but Showtime and complete details will be confirmed/announced as the date gets closer.
Look forward to seeing you there, Dan
The Non-competitive Tennis Partner Program
We connect you with up to 30 Men or Women tennis partners close to your PLAYING REGION and skill level. This program is less competitive, no champions crowned, no league standings just dedicated tennis partners who want to meet up with you on the courts. Players will meet up to play a tennis match or just to hit around. Just go through the [Join Page](https://www.tenniscolumbus.com/partner-program) to enter this program.
[https://www.tenniscolumbus.com/partner-program](https://www.tenniscolumbus.com/partner-program)
Short North Street Skate | Weekly Rollout
Short North Street Skates return Saturday, April 4 and we’re excited to get back rolling together.
These weekly rollouts are a chance to move through the city as a group, build community, and create more visibility for skating and small-wheeled movement in Columbus.
Details:
Meet: 1160 N High St
9:30 AM meet
10:00 AM rollout
All wheels welcome
We’ll be skating through the Short North and surrounding areas at a steady, social pace. Routes will use a mix of streets and bike lanes, so comfort navigating the city is helpful, but you don’t need to be an expert.
If you’ve been meaning to come out, this is a great place to start.
Come solo or bring a friend!
Trails & Ales! Blendon Woods Metro Park / Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery
**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.

















