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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out power map events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the power map events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
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Power Map Events Today
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Personality Testing & Consultation
\#\#\#\# Step 1: TAKE THE TEST
The Oxford Capacity Analysis identifies 10 vital personality traits that influence your entire future.
It is a factual, scientific analysis taken from your answers, and it takes about an hour to complete.
\#\#\#\# Step 2: GET YOUR RESULTS
After you complete the test, your personality analysis is generated and displayed. Within minutes your analysis will highlight your strengths and weaknesses—which personality traits to take advantage of and which need help.
\#\#\#\# Step 3: CONSULTATION
While the analysis graph shows distinct personality traits, it is the interrelationship of these traits that provides the greater picture of your personality.
We provide a complimentary consultation with one of our trained staff, who will give a detailed evaluation of your personality analysis.
In this one-on-one consultation, you gain a better understanding of your personality strengths and weaknesses, and establish the recommended path to your fast and lasting success.
HOT Power Flow Yoga
To book all yoga classes and access the timetable:
Www.Barefootyogaandtherapy.com
Yoga is a transformational practice that encourages the union of mind, body and spirit. It helps us to tune in to our body’s needs, rewarding us with a whole host of health benefits – both physical and mental.
This fee entitles you to book 1 class for £15. No refunds for cancellations but can be redeemed against any future class and option to book bulk classes
Rabble - Fitness Through Games!
A Rabble session is 1 hour of fun and social team games.
Each game disguises high-intensity intervals within the rules, giving you an effective, all-body workout without even realising it.
We play a bunch of different games at each session (like British Bulldog, Capture the Flag, Dodgeball, Frisbee and many more), and every class is different.
Sessions are open to all, no matter your sporting ability. Each game is explained before we start, so there's no need to have played any of the games before.
Come solo or bring friends! And stay at the end for the social part!
Who knew getting fit could be this fun?
**HOW TO BOOK**:
**It's essential that you book onto sessions via our website, using the link below**; due to restrictions on games and preparation times we cannot accept walk-ins, or late arrivals.
[https://joinrabble.com/locations/london/](https://joinrabble.com/locations/london/)
Use the code **FREEPLAY** to get your first game free!
***
We play every:
* Monday in Finsbury Park (19:00 - 20:00)
* Tuesday in Shoreditch Park (19:00 - 20:00)
* Wednesdays in Elephant & Castle (19:00-20:00)
* Saturday in Southwark Park (10:30 - 11:30)
* Saturday in Finsbury Park (11:00 - 12:00)
* Sunday in Clapham Common (12:00 - 13:00)
We hope to see you playing soon!
PS. We have a group of dedicated regulars, so numbers are usually much higher than meetup might suggest. Sign up at: [https://joinrabble.com/locations/london/](https://joinrabble.com/locations/london/)
**Love Rabble**
GoodGym Tower Hamlets // Group Session // Do Good & Get Fit
**PLEASE VISIT THE WEBSITE TO CONFIRM SESSION DETAILS AND LET US KNOW YOU PLAN TO ATTEND. THIS IS MANDATORY.**
**Want to do something useful with your exercise? GoodGym is no ordinary gym. We're a group of people who get fit by doing good - helping out local charities and community groups with physical jobs like shifting compost and planting trees.**
**📍 We meet at** **Town Hall Hotel - Hotel Entrance, Patriot Square, London, E2 9NF** **at 6:45pm.**
**🏃♂️ At 7:00pm we'll run, walk or cycle to do a 30-40 minute task.**
**🏃♂️ Then we'll head back to where we started by 8:45pm, do some stretches and maybe grab a beverage?**
It's FREE. It's fun. It's fulfilling. And we're a very friendly bunch. 🍇
—
**BOOK ONTO THE SESSION**
**To come to the session click here:** https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions
**You will need to confirm your attendance on the GoodGym website** (this includes creating an account with us if you haven’t already - it only takes a few mins).
The link above takes you to the session listings in your area - if this session doesn’t fit your schedule, you may find something that does so check it out.
p.s. GoodGym is a charity and you will be asked whether you’d like to donate when first creating an account. The choice is yours and does not affect your ability to attend a session.
—
**FAQ**
Not sure you'll keep up? GoodGym is for everyone (18+). Whether you've never run before, or are chasing a marathon PB, you are 100% welcome. We always have a back-marker so no one gets left behind.
70% of GoodGym members start as non-runners so if you're new to this kind of thing you will be supported by people who are all on the same journey. 👍
What do I need to wear? Most of us wear gym/running gear. Make sure you're prepared for the weather.
Don't feel like you're fit enough? Our tasks are simple and fun. There are easy jobs as well as more challenging things for those who want a workout! The choice is always yours.
Do I need to bring anything? Gardening gloves are really useful for a lot of GoodGym tasks. And a head torch too if it’s likely to get dark. Please bring some if you can but there’s no requirement 🧤💡🧤
What is GoodGym? We're a (really lovely) group of people who use our energy to make a difference in our local community (and in communities across the UK!). We often meet on a weeknight, at least once a week, for a session to do good and get fit. We'd love you to come and join us. Any questions, just pop a comment below or send me a message. Find out everything you need to know at goodgym.org
🏀East London Basketball📍Canning Town📶Mixed Ability
**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/47520
**Game Description:**
Join Our Sociable Recreation Basketball Session, All Abilities Welcome.
Whatsapp Group - photos and vids from the session: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CM9ZpUf4ZcABzyLp23hBaj
We Have Both Competitive & Beginner Ability Players, Teams Are Mixed To Make It Balanced & Good Vibes Mixed Ability Session
\- 1\.5hrs of Straight Games 4 Half Courts
\- 4v4 Games
\- 5min Per Game Winner Goes Up \- Loser Goes Down
Rokeby School - 5min Walk From Canning Town Stn (Jubilee Line & DLR), Bus Stop Outside Venue.
Secure Carpark - Available Via Morgan St
Showers & Changing Room Available
Naser - 07450213126
**Rules**
5min Games
Call Own Foul
Half Court Format - 4v4
Clear Everything Except Airballs
Winner Goes Up - Loser Goes Down
🏐Volleyball Session📍Canary Wharf 📶 Lower Intermediate
**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/45278
**Game Description:**
In partnership with In2Sports, we bring to you a new Monday night session 🏙️
Learn more about them here: https://in2sports.org
This is a lower intermediate session, if you’re beginner please attend the mixed/social sessions 🧡
💦 Water fountain, showers, bathrooms and changing rooms available
**Directions:**
🚶♂️5 minute walk from Canary Wharf station
**Rules**
\- 2 teams of 6 \(1 rotating sub\)
\- Games to 25 points
\- Please be kind and respectful to all players 🧡
Public Speaking with the Data Science Speakers Club | HYBRID Meeting
The Data Science Speakers Club is a Toastmasters International club enabling the current and next generation of Data Scientists to improve their Public Speaking Skills.
This is a HYBRID Meeting!
So join us Online via ZOOM or In-Person.
Joining the Data Science Speakers Club means joining a supportive environment to build your confidence in public speaking and to practice speaking in front of an audience. You will also gain the opportunity to receive feedback on your speeches in a friendly environment, including what you have done well and guidance on the areas you can improve upon. We also run a mentorship program where an experienced mentor supports you on your public speaking journey.
Meeting Theme: **TBC**
Tentative Schedule:
18:30 - President's welcome
18:40 - Prepared Speeches (3 prepared speeches with evaluation)
19:25 - Guest introduction
19:30 - Break
19:40 - Table Topic
20:30 - Wrap up, awards, announcements
End of Meeting
The theme is to do with exploring various aspects of power, including how it is distributed, challenged, and transformed in different contexts.
In the first part, there will be speeches.
In the second half, we will have impromptu speeches preparation in groups called Table topics where guests can participate.
We meet on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Mondays of each month from 6:30 pm online. Each meeting is a mixture of prepared speeches by our members, speaking roles, and impromptu speaking challenges by members and guests. Our meetings are free to attend and you only have to speak if you want to. For in-person attendance, snacks will be provided.
Entrepreneurs, Innovators, and Mathematical and Logical Thinkers aiming to focus on their communication and leadership development are always welcome to attend our meetings, to increase their self-confidence, become better speakers, and become better leaders.
ZOOM LINK: [http://tiny.cc/DSS-Toastmasters-Zoom](http://tiny.cc/DSS-Toastmasters-Zoom)
FACEBOOK: [https://www.facebook.com/datasciencespk/](https://www.facebook.com/datasciencespk/)
LINKEDIN: [https://www.linkedin.com/company/data-science-speakers-club](https://www.linkedin.com/company/data-science-speakers-club)
TWITTER: [https://twitter.com/datasciencespk](https://twitter.com/datasciencespk)
INSTAGRAM: [https://www.instagram.com/datasciencespk/](https://www.instagram.com/datasciencespk/)
Power Map Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
10th Anniversary Celebration with Chris Webb - Power BI Under the Bonnet
This month we're celebrating the TENTH anniversary of the London Fabric User Group - having started life as the London Power BI User Group TEN years ago.
We'd love you to join us at the offices of the aptly named Tenth Revolution to help us celebrate.
# TENTH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION WITH CHRIS WEBB
Chris has presented at the user group every year in May to celebrate our anniversary, and we didn't want this year to be any different.
**Power BI under the bonnet**: monitoring queries and refreshes using Workspace Monitoring, Log Analytics, Profiler and DAX Studio
When you're performance tuning a slow Power BI report or refresh you need to know what happens inside the engine, and the good news is that the Power BI engine can give you all kinds of detailed information on its internals. But how do you get access to this? How can you understand it? In this session you'll find out: how you can get (almost) the same information on internals from Workspace Monitoring, Log Analytics, SQL Server Profiler and DAX Studio and when to use which; which engine events are relevant to queries and which ones are relevant to refreshes; and how you can interpret this information for tuning.
**Agenda**
18:30 - Welcome, drinks, pizza & networking
19:00 - Main Session
20:00 - Help us celebrate at a local pub (details to be confirmed on the night)
**Venue**
Tenth Revolution offices in London.
Aldgate House, 33 Aldgate High St, London EC3N 1DL
Please provide your first and last name when registering for the event, as this is provided to building security to allow you entrance into the venue.
Global Excel Summit 2026
The [Global Excel Summit](https://globalexcelsummit.com/?via=lem) returns on the **19-20 May 2026** and it will be Hybrid - so a mix of in-person in London (venue is Soho Place Theatre) and online.
This is a paid event and as a London Excel Meetup group member, you get a special 15% discounted price by applying code **LEM15** at checkout.
This is the ultimate Excel event with
✅ 2 days in-person learning (19 & 20 May)
✅ 30+ Main Stage presentations covering the MS Power Stack (Power BI, Power Automate, etc), AI, Data Viz, Analytics, Finance and Accounting, Python, Formulas, and more.
✅ Full access to the virtual platform
✅ Awesome chance to network with other Excel & Power BI professionals and companies
✅ All event recordings
✅ 30+ CPD hours and CPD certificate of attendance
✅ Optional Masterclass sessions to sign up to on 18, 21, and 22 May 2026
**Early Bird Tickets**
Only 43 early bird tickets remain, so best **move fast** to secure yours before they run out.
What is an early bird ticket?
Well it is 30% off, so your £545 in-person ticket becomes £382 (for 2 days Excel learning).
Use code **LEM15** for an additional 15% off this price. Crazy good value!
Get your [Global Excel Summit 2026](https://globalexcelsummit.com/?via=lem) ticket today.
Be sure to RSVP on this event page so other members know that you're going, but RSVP does not confirm attendance. It is a paid event and requires a ticket.
I hope to see you there.
🏀OT - FIBA Half Court Power Run📍Hoxton 📶Mixed Ability
**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/48520
**Game Description:**
Entrance from Redvers Street.
🏀🔥 SATURDAY MORNING PICK-UP BALL! 🔥🏀
Welcome to this FIBA half court morning power run.
💥 1 hour. Non-stop hoops. Max fun. At this newly refurbished basketball court. 💥
Kickstart your weekend with a shot of adrenaline, buckets, and banter! 😎💪
✅ All abilities & all genders welcome – everyone gets game time 🙌
✅ We switch it up: 🏃♂️ FIBA 4v4 or 🏆 FIBA 3x3 – depends on turnout!
✅ 60 mins might sound short… but trust us, your legs will feel it 🦵🦿🍗😎🏀✌️👀😄
🎥 Check out last sessions👉
https://youtu.be/wHivEa2vTZY?si=0_nSd6jMupKYi5Fg
https://youtu.be/LAxvt06QuHA?si=Ilr-Apx0nN3UlB-X
https://youtu.be/doCxu5pAlA4?si=IQpnpbZEmZNl3nVj
https://youtu.be/movPfsKmot8?si=pNedkYn5HVU-6I04
https://youtu.be/tRSEfzBPIEw?si=Ul5t9kMJXUBCf-3y
📺 Games are filmed & streamed – see your highlights later 👀🔥
📍 New City Fitness - Hoxton
🚪 Entrance via Redvers Street!
🚶♂️ 3 min walk from Hoxton Overground
🚿 Showers & changing rooms available
Entrance via Redvers Street. Walk through the metal gate, walk about 5 meters and turn right into the reception. Go downstairs via the staircase on your right, and find the entrance to the court. It is the court on your left.
💬 Join my WhatsApp group👉 with other 600+ ballers and 5+ sessions a week.
https://chat.whatsapp.com/EtHAq8ycmea9EwtvgTsQPo
No excuses. Just show up, hoop hard, and start your weekend with buckets 🏀💯🔥
**Rules**
As a general rule (but we are flexible):
1-7 players -> FIBA 3x3
8-10 players -> FIBA 4v4
Free Human Towers Rehearsal + Social (Sunday)
Sunday rehearsal with Castellers of London. Meet us at the OBC Community Centre to help build human towers!
This get together is a great opportunity for you to meet new friends, socialise and have a go and explore your abilities as a human tower builder a.k.a Casteller!
For newcomers we have a team of trained Castellers who will introduce you to the group, guide you through the activity and help you safely take part in this unique Catalan tradition.
When you arrive just approach us as we are really friendly! If in doubt ask for Cuss! Please let us know if you are bringing guests.
After the rehearsal we go to a nearby pub for social drinks where everyone is welcome :)
What do you need?
1. Ideally a cotton shirt: to protect your neck and shoulders, the more durable the shirt/top the better. We do not recommend any thin items of clothing!
2. Jeans: allowing you to move freely without breaking.
3. Mask: We still require the use of a mask as you will be very close to your fellow Castellers - basically you will be hugging people!
The rest of the equipment is on us!
We take health and safety very seriously, both in relation to COVID-19 and also the activity- please be assured that the safety of all participants is of the utmost importance to us and we take all necessary precautions to minimize the risk, ensuring we all have a great time!
Our regular members won't be filling in the Meet Up to say they are going 🙂
So don't be put off if you see only a handful have said they are going.
A minimum of 25 on the day is normal. What the Meet Up may show is how many new people like yourself are going.
LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Taster workshop
A fun and hands on introduction to LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®, ideal for those who have not experienced the method before.
After being welcomed by our experienced facilitator Sean Blair, you will explore building models as an individual and as a group. You will become practiced at several methods of communication and learn to hear and understand others, all using LEGO!
Following the workshop we will send you a free pdf copy of the book "SeriousWork" - a hands on guide to using LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® yourself (5\*\*\*\*\* reviewed book that sells for £25 on Amazon
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Facilitate-Meetings-Workshops-Serious-Method/dp/0995664706)
Ideal for those who are interested in participatory leadership, better communication and creativity.
If you have attended a taster workshop before, you are welcome to attend but please note this introductory workshop will be a similar experience.
Free Personality Analysis - Find Your Strengths and Weaknesses
You want to do your best!
You want to realise your potential!
You want to make the right decisions at the right time!
Obviously- you want to be a success!
Do you have all the skills in place?
Do you have areas in your life or personality that are weaker and you feel can stop you or hold you back?
Would you like a free personal consultation to help locate your strengths and weaker areas?
We can help you to maximise on your potential.
If you would like a free 1 hour consult then register now!
We have various times available for your own personal consultation
This is hosted at the Scientology Life Improvement Centre in London.
We use the Oxford Capacity Analysis test.
https://www.scientology-london.org.uk/personality-test/
🏸FEATHERED: Social Doubles📍Canning Town 📶 Mixed Ability
**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/46677
**Game Description:**
Come and join our badminton session in Canning Town 🔥
Join our whatsapp Group:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/LsLjg8CxI8MIxSFb82qkdb
Music 🎶 3 courts, social session - the general ability is mid intermediate.
There will be spare rackets but please bring your own racket if you do have one.
1 new tube of FEATHERED shuttles will be provided per session, plus a set of Yonex 300 plastic shuttles.
🚪 Getting Into the School
1\. The school is surrounded by a green fence\.
2\. Entrance is near the stone wall\.
3\. At the gate\, find the intercom on the right\-hand side\.
4\. Press the ‘Call’ button and wait for security to respond\.
5\. When the intercom flashes green\, push the gate open\.
\-\-\-
🏸 Finding the Indoor Court
1\. After entering\, go through the visitor gate\.
2\. Follow the corridor to the end\.
3\. Look for the yellow double doors – the badminton courts are inside\!
\-\-\-
🚻 Facilities
🔹 Changing Rooms & Toilets
\- Located outside the court area in the corridor\.
\- Male facilities – right\-hand side\.
\- Female facilities – left\-hand side\.
💧 Water Points
\- There are three water points in the corridor outside the court\.
\- Bring a water bottle to use with the water pump\.
Enjoy your game! 🏸🔥
**Rules**
Games to 21
Max two games on in a row
Max one game off in a row
Power Map Events Near You
Connect with your local Power Map 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
Building Scalable Customer Identity Resolution Pipelines on AWS Using AI
Customer identity resolution becomes increasingly complex as organizations scale across multiple systems, regions, and data formats. Traditional rule-based approaches often fail to keep up with data variability, require constant manual tuning, and struggle with real-time processing needs.
This session presents a practical approach to building a scalable identity resolution pipeline using AWS services and modern AI techniques. The architecture combines data ingestion through Amazon S3 and AWS Glue, transformation pipelines using Spark on EMR, and machine learning models deployed via SageMaker for entity matching and standardization. Graph-based relationship modeling is implemented using Amazon Neptune to improve resolution accuracy by incorporating household and shared attribute context.
We will walk through how machine learning models can be used for name and address normalization, how intelligent blocking strategies improve matching efficiency, and how feedback loops can be introduced to continuously improve accuracy. The session also highlights how serverless components such as AWS Lambda can be used for orchestration and real-time processing.
**SPEAKER BIO**
Mosaic Syed is a Senior Data Engineering and Cloud Solutions Architect with over 20 years of experience designing and delivering scalable, secure, and high-performance data solutions across global enterprise environments.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mosaic-basha-syed-92300856
**CALL FOR SPEAKERS**
Learn more: [https://www.awscolumbus.com/get-involved/](https://www.awscolumbus.com/get-involved/)
**THANK YOU** *VEEAM* for hosting our meetup! To learn more about *Veeam*, please visit their website: [https://www.veeam.com/](https://www.veeam.com/)
**DIRECTIONS**
8800 Lyra Dr #450 · Columbus, OH
go to 4th floor.
**Want to sponsor the pizza and/or bar tab?**
Please contact me if you would like to sponsor this meetup's pizza and/or bar tab: angelo@mandato.com
Powell Gold Star Referral Club Meetup
We meet at lunch each week and each meeting follows a fairly organized agenda. First all participants pass their business cards around. Then each member and guest is invited to give a one-minute overview of their company and what is a perfect referral for the week. We always have a 10 minute presentation from one of the members about their business in more detail. And finally we pass referrals. You're welcome to visit. Nobody is ever put on the spot. Bring plenty of cards!
Psychic Development Series II - Pueo Group
Private Group. Closed to the Public
Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy.
In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected.
The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve.
I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia
The Power of the Subconscious Mind - Free Lecture
**How to take control of your subconscious and harness its power!**
Join us for an eye-opening lecture where the speaker will break down complex ideas in a clear and practical way.
You’ll gain insights into:
✅ The true definition of the subconscious
✅ How it generates unwanted emotions
✅ Its real purpose and function
✅ What determines the pressure it exerts on you
And the most important topic:
**How do you take control of your subconscious!**
But this isn’t just another lecture where you sit and listen passively. It’s interactive and engaging—you can ask questions at any time.
📅 Reserve your spot now!
Seats are limited, so don’t wait too long to sign up.
Location: 1266 Dublin Rd, Columbus, OH 43215
Hosted by the Hubbard Dianetics Foundation
Columbus, OH Open Men’s Group / Intro to Men’s Work
Interested? Contact Preston Moore
k.preston.moore@gmail.com
614-300-5989
————————————
Engaging in men’s work is the new way to forge friendships while being open-minded to personal growth. Many men experience healthier relationships, personally and professionally, by engaging in this work.
Open Men’s Group is a container for men to share vulnerably without receiving judgment or feedback.
We believe that emotionally mature, powerful, compassionate, and purpose-driven men will help heal some of society’s deepest wounds. We support the powerful brilliance of men and we are willing to look at, and take full responsibility for, the pain we are also capable of creating – and suffering. We care deeply about men, our families, communities, and the planet.
Visit ManKind Project USA to discover more. https://mkpusa.org/
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.





















