Sports and Socials

Grimpeuse, Grimpeurs, J’ai créé cette événement comme son nom l'indique pour aller grimper ensemble et rencontrer des gens cools. Le concept est simple : on se retrouve en salle, on grimpe, on discute, on passe un bon moment. Pas de pression, pas de niveau requis. Que tu sois débutant ou que tu grimpes déjà bien, tu es le/la bienvenu.e 🙂 À très vite sur le mur !

👋 Qui veut intégrer un groupe d'amis en cours de constitution pour faire des sorties et activités ensemble sur Paris et la région parisienne ? Voici quelques exemples de sorties proposées dans ce groupe : ❇️ apéro, afterwork, bars, restaurants, brunch, pique-nique ❇️ ciné, concert, théatre, musée ❇️ sports (tennis, initiation au golf, hiit, running, escalade, etc.) ❇️ jeux de société (poker, loup garou...) et en plein air (mollky, pétanque...) ❇️ week-end ❇️ et tout ce que tu pourras proposer. 💥💥 Ouverture, respect et bienveillance sont les valeurs qui animent le groupe 💥💥 Si tout cela te parle, inscris toi à notre groupe "Sorties et rencontres amicales - Paris" pour être informé(e) de toutes les sorties, il vient tout juste d'être créé sur Meetup et nous serons heureux de faire ta connaissance lors d'une prochaine sortie 👋 Ne te fie pas au nombre de participants sur Meetup, nous sommes sur plusieurs sites et Meetup est le dernier sur lequel nous avons ouvert un compte. \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* BIEN LIRE ATTENTIVEMENT CI-DESSOUS \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* **NB : INUTILE DE CLIQUER SUR "Participer" SUR CETTE FICHE.** Inscris toi juste au groupe et clique sur "Participer" uniquement sur les activités / sorties qui ont lieu de façon sure et certaine et qui sont toutes précédées des symboles 💥💥 devant leur titre. **Si dans le titre de la sortie il n'y a pas les symboles 💥💥 c'est que la sortie n'est pas confirmée.** Nos sorties (et celle d'autres utilisateurs) sont également publiées sur l'application gratuite de rencontres amicales Weezem : 👉 Appstore : [https://apps.apple.com/fr/app/weezem/id1547233803](https://apps.apple.com/fr/app/weezem/id1547233803) 👉 Google Play : [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.weezemapp](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.weezemapp) Tu peux aussi t'inscrire au groupe Whatsapp Weezem ici pour être informé(e) de nos futures sorties 👉 [https://chat.whatsapp.com/BoYNpq9JUyFB6RbIIDjblC](https://chat.whatsapp.com/BoYNpq9JUyFB6RbIIDjblC) A très vite. Patrice

Une soirée jeux de société pour rencontrer de nouvelles personnes ! Venez seul(e) ou en binôme, on formera des tables sur place. **\*\*Vous adorez les grands jeux comme Ark Nova, Projet Gaia, Through the Ages, et d'autres jeux experts ? Nous vous proposons de vous regrouper le mardi soir pour faciliter le lancement des jeux qui durent 3h et qui ont beaucoup de règles ;) \*\*** Prix d'entrée du café-jeux à 10 €, dont une boisson comprise et des jeux à volonté. Merci d'arriver entre 18h et 18h30 pour participer aux gros jeux.

https://chat.whatsapp.com/GzV0ojptK5Z7EvPYI1Zhc8 Groupe Whatsapp pour filtrer les spams et les fantômes avant de vous ajouter au vrai groupe. English text at the end of this message Un lieu, des rencontres, et la créativité comme langage commun. Ici, c’est un véritable QG où l’on fait des soirées comme en appartement. Bien calés dans les canapés, on se retrouve jour après jour pour créer du lien, rencontrer des artistes et artisans passionnés, et partager des moments authentiques. Chaque soirée mêle atelier d'initiation + apéro papotage convivial, avec des animations brise-glace pour que chacun se sente à l’aise et que tout le monde s’amuse, même en venant seul·e. Peinture, dessin, personnalisation d’objets, broderie artisanale, body painting, art numérique, musique, écriture créative, pyrogravure… explorez, échangez, expérimentez librement. ⚠️ Venir avec à grignoter et à boire (sans alcool) pour prolonger le moment ensemble.⚠️ ⚠️⚠️ Prix : 20€ ⚠️⚠️ Débutant·es bienvenu·es Aucune expérience requise, juste l’envie de vivre un moment différent 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧 Creative & Social Evenings A place, encounters, and creativity as a shared language. Here, it’s a true home base where evenings feel like hanging out in a cozy apartment. Comfortably settled on sofas, we gather day after day to connect, meet passionate artists and artisans, and share authentic moments. Each evening combines an introductory workshop + a relaxed social apéro, with icebreaker activities to make everyone feel at ease and ensure a fun time, even if you come alone. Painting, drawing, object customization, embroidery, body painting, digital art, music, creative writing, wood burning … explore, connect, and express yourself freely. ⚠️ Bring something to snack on and drink (non-alcoholic) to enjoy together.⚠️ ⚠️⚠️ Price : 20€ ⚠️⚠️ Beginners welcome No experience needed, just the desire to enjoy something different

**❗ MERCI DE TOUT LIRE ATTENTIVEMENT** (si vous avez la moindre question, n’hésitez pas à contacter l’organisateur 😊) 🎟 **Billets :** Pour participer, vous **devez vous inscrire ici ET acheter un billet via TicketSource**: [[https://www.ticketsource.com/paris-social-club/t-njjqplq](https://www.ticketsource.com/paris-social-club/t-njjqplq)] 🎉 *Rejoins-nous pour une soirée jeux pleine de rigolade et de bonne humeur !* *Au programme : fous rires, bluff et parties qui s’enchaînent…bref, c'est l’occasion parfaite de faire de nouvelles rencontres et de partager un moment fun et déjanté.* *Viens seul·e ou accompagné.e, et on t’intègre à une table - personne sera laissé de côté ! 🫂* *Le tout dans l’ambiance conviviale de la **Communale Saint-Ouen** : de la bonne bouffe, des boissons, et un super cadre pour jouer et rencontrer du monde.* 🍕🍸 ⚠️ **Rappels importants :** * Meetup est désormais **uniquement utilisé pour les annonces** 📢 * **Votre inscription ici NE garantit PAS votre place** — les billets via TicketSource sont obligatoires * Toutes les informations sur l’événement, les points de rendez-vous et les rappels le jour J sont envoyés via **WhatsApp** 💬 (lien fourni après l’achat du billet) Hâte de vous y voir !

**Némo Biennial 2025 is back in Paris and across Île-de-France! 🌟** This major event dedicated to contemporary and digital art explores the connections between the real, the virtual, and the imaginary. Expect immersive installations, audiovisual performances, and unique interactive experiences that push the boundaries of creativity. **What’s on the program?** • Artworks and devices that blur the line between humans and machines 🤖 • Captivating sensory and visual performances 🎭 • Innovative creations from artists, designers, and researchers from around the world 🌍 We will be visiting exhibitions at **CENTQUATRE-PARIS**, one of the key venues of this edition. It will be a great moment to share impressions, discuss the artworks, and enjoy an inspiring collective experience together. 💫 More information: [https://www.biennalenemo.fr/](https://www.biennalenemo.fr/) **Want to get more involved?** Become a **co-organizer, event organizer, or assistant organizer** and help plan the outing, suggest ideas, or give a hand so everything runs smoothly. 📩 **How to participate**: Just reply directly to this message on Meetup and let us know your interests or availability. Let’s organize everything together to make this an unforgettable experience! 💫 **Spread the word!** If you have friends or colleagues who might enjoy this kind of cultural outing, invite them to join our Meetup group! The more passionate people we have, the more fun, lively, and inspiring our experiences become. 🎊 See you soon, **The MeltingSpot Team**

*Nouveau à Paris ? Envie de faire de nouvelles rencontres ?* *🃏 Viens jouer à des jeux de société funs et déjantés !* *Y’a rien de mieux pour briser la glace, partager des fous-rires et faire connaissance autour d’un verre.* 🍹 *Français ou expat, seul ou accompagné, venez comme vous etes!* 🎟 **Places limitées :** Pour participer, vous **devez vous inscrire ici ET acheter un billet via TicketSource**: [[https://www.ticketsource.com/paris-social-club/t-mjjvmgd](https://www.ticketsource.com/paris-social-club/t-mjjvmgd)] **Votre inscription ici NE garantit PAS votre place.** Toutes les informations sur l’événement, les points de rendez-vous et les rappels le jour J sont envoyés via **WhatsApp** 💬 (lien fourni après l’achat du billet). À très bientot !

**French and English Language Exchange 🇫🇷🤝🇬🇧** Hello everyone! We hope you’re doing well! 😊 We’re excited to invite you to our French-English Language Exchange! 🕒 Time: 15:00–17:00 📍 Location: Jardin de Reuilly - Paul Pernin (153 Av. Daumesnil, 75012 Paris) 🔍 Look for a PINK Umbrella 💗☂️ when you arrive! 💶 **Fee:** €5 in **CASH** for organizing 📱 **Contact:** **[Join our WhatsApp Group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EQr7SpyBTsfFEvaMH84sAM)** (for live location during events and weekly event updates) **💌 Come solo or with friends —** you’ll leave with new friendships and unforgettable memories. 🗣️ **Event Concept:** The exchange lasts 2 hours and is split into 4 sessions of 30 minutes: * Each table has 4–6 people, with a mix of French and English speakers * 15 minutes in French, followed by 15 minutes in English * After each session, tables are reshuffled so you meet new people! This event is all about relaxed, friendly cultural exchange — no pressure, just good vibes and great conversation. 🥂 ❗ **Important:** This is not a speed-dating event. We kindly remind everyone to help us maintain a respectful and inclusive atmosphere. 📸 **Media Consent:** Photos and videos will be taken during the event. By participating, you consent to their use in promotional materials and on social media. If you have concerns, please inform the organizers. We can't wait to see you there! 😊 🇫🇷🇫🇷🇫🇷🇫🇷🇫🇷🇫🇷🇫🇷🇫🇷 **Échange Linguistique Français–Anglais 🇫🇷🤝🇬🇧** Bonjour à toutes et à tous ! Nous espérons que vous allez bien ! 😊 Nous sommes ravis de vous inviter à notre échange linguistique français–anglais ! 🕒 Heure : 15h00–17h00 📍 Lieu : Jardin de Reuilly - Paul Pernin (153 Av. Daumesnil, 75012 Paris) 🔍 Repérez une PARAPLUIE ROSE 💗☂️ à votre arrivée ! 💶 **Participation :** 5 € en **ESPÈCES** pour l'organisation 📱 **Contact :** **[Rejoignez notre groupe WhatsApp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EQr7SpyBTsfFEvaMH84sAM)** (pour la localisation en direct pendant l’événement et les annonces hebdomadaires) 💌 Venez seul·e ou accompagné·e — vous repartirez avec de nouvelles amitiés et des souvenirs inoubliables. 🗣️ **Concept de l’événement :** L’échange dure 2 heures et se divise en 4 sessions de 30 minutes : Chaque table accueille 4 à 6 personnes, avec un mélange de francophones et d’anglophones 15 minutes en français, suivies de 15 minutes en anglais À la fin de chaque session, les tables sont remaniées pour rencontrer de nouvelles personnes ! Cet événement est placé sous le signe de la détente et de l’échange culturel — sans pression, juste de bonnes vibes et de belles conversations. 🥂 ❗ **Important :** Ce n’est **pas un speed-dating**. Merci à tous de nous aider à maintenir une atmosphère respectueuse et inclusive. 📸 **Consentement média :** Des photos et vidéos seront prises pendant l’événement. En y participant, vous acceptez qu’elles puissent être utilisées dans notre communication ou sur les réseaux sociaux. Si vous avez des objections, merci de le signaler aux organisateurs. On a hâte de vous voir ! 😊

**Échange Linguistique Français–Anglais 🇫🇷🤝🇬🇧** Bonjour à toutes et à tous ! Nous espérons que vous allez bien ! 😊 Nous sommes ravis de vous inviter à notre échange linguistique français–anglais ! 🕒 Heure : 15h00–17h00 📍 Lieu : Jardin de Reuilly - Paul Pernin (153 Av. Daumesnil, 75012 Paris) 🔍 Repérez une PARAPLUIE ROSE 💗☂️ à votre arrivée ! 💶 **Participation :** 5 € en **ESPÈCES** pour l'organisation 📱 **Contact :** **[Rejoignez notre groupe WhatsApp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EQr7SpyBTsfFEvaMH84sAM)** (pour la localisation en direct pendant l’événement et les annonces hebdomadaires) 💌 Venez seul·e ou accompagné·e — vous repartirez avec de nouvelles amitiés et des souvenirs inoubliables. 🗣️ **Concept de l’événement :** L’échange dure 2 heures et se divise en 4 sessions de 30 minutes : Chaque table accueille 4 à 6 personnes, avec un mélange de francophones et d’anglophones 15 minutes en français, suivies de 15 minutes en anglais À la fin de chaque session, les tables sont remaniées pour rencontrer de nouvelles personnes ! Cet événement est placé sous le signe de la détente et de l’échange culturel — sans pression, juste de bonnes vibes et de belles conversations. 🥂 ❗ **Important :** Ce n’est **pas un speed-dating**. Merci à tous de nous aider à maintenir une atmosphère respectueuse et inclusive. 📸 **Consentement média :** Des photos et vidéos seront prises pendant l’événement. En y participant, vous acceptez qu’elles puissent être utilisées dans notre communication ou sur les réseaux sociaux. Si vous avez des objections, merci de le signaler aux organisateurs. On a hâte de vous voir ! 😊 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧 **French and English Language Exchange 🇫🇷🤝🇬🇧** Hello everyone! We hope you’re doing well! 😊 We’re excited to invite you to our French-English Language Exchange! 🕒 Time: 15:00–17:00 📍 Location: Jardin de Reuilly - Paul Pernin (153 Av. Daumesnil, 75012 Paris) 🔍 Look for a PINK Umbrella 💗☂️ when you arrive! 💶 **Participation :** €5 in **CASH** for organizing 📱 **Contact:** **[Join our WhatsApp Group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EQr7SpyBTsfFEvaMH84sAM)** (for live location during events and weekly event updates) **💌 Come solo or with friends —** you’ll leave with new friendships and unforgettable memories. 🗣️ **Event Concept:** The exchange lasts 2 hours and is split into 4 sessions of 30 minutes: * Each table has 4–6 people, with a mix of French and English speakers * 15 minutes in French, followed by 15 minutes in English * After each session, tables are reshuffled so you meet new people! This event is all about relaxed, friendly cultural exchange — no pressure, just good vibes and great conversation. 🥂 ❗ **Important:** This is not a speed-dating event. We kindly remind everyone to help us maintain a respectful and inclusive atmosphere. 📸 **Media Consent:** Photos and videos will be taken during the event. By participating, you consent to their use in promotional materials and on social media. If you have concerns, please inform the organizers. We can't wait to see you there! 😊

== ABOUT == * This is open to everyone who RSVP (mandatory) * We play casual and are open to any gender, age, and physical form, so far our demographics have been mostly men, between 20 and early 30 years old. Some haven't exercised/played for a long time (due to covid/confinements restrictions), and most of us are from outside Paris or even France, so pretty friendly and chill. * Sundays for 1.5 hours, 2 teams of 6 (max) 5 in with 1 sub, rotating every 5 min. * All pitches are synthetic/astro turf and have sidewalls that can be used to rebound (meaning no lines, probably more physical games) == PLACE == LeFive 17 - 26 Rue Hélène et François Missoffe · Paris 17 * All pitches are open-air and covered by the highway above. They are also all accessible directly from the street/park == RSVP, GUESTS, WAITING LIST AND CANCELATIONS == * The event will be limited to 12 players with a waiting list. * RSVP is mandatory. * Feel free to invite anyone, however, RSVP with guests is not enabled, if you want to bring a friend, share this event directly and let them RSVP themselves * If you wish to cancel, and it's before the RSVP deadline, you can cancel directly here, if after, talk with an organizer first (so we can give your payment link to some else) == EVENT BOOKING AND CANCELATION == * The pitch will only be booked as soon as the previous event ends * We are subject to pitch availability. It's not guaranteed that a pitch is available since there are only 4 in total. First come, first-served basis * Once we try to make the booking, we announce the confirmation or cancelation of the event == PAYMENT == * Payments will be made individually through Le Five, using a credit/debit card * Once the pitch is booked, it will be generated link with 12 shares * We ask you to make the payment within 48 hours. == PRICE == * The price is divided equally by everyone, so overall you should expect to pay 15€ == WHAT TO BRING == Le Five 17 now does have locker rooms, therefore: * You can come pre-equipped or equip there. * You can bring trainers/indoor boots/astroturf boots, NO soft/hard ground boots * For the shirt, Le Five 17 provide light green/yellow vests, so you can bring any colour but if its close to the vests colour you will be assigned to that team (you won't be needed to wear the vest thought) * Water No other accessories are required, things like glasses, hair/wrist/ankle bands, sports watch, etc... bring at your own will/risk == HOW TO GET THERE == By metro - (\~10/12 min walk): * Line 14 - Saint-Ouen : \~ 750m away * Line 13 - Porte de Clichy : \~ 950m away OR Porte de Saint-Ouen : \~ 800m away By train - (\~10 min walk): * Line C - Saint-Ouen : \~ 750m away By Velib : (\~2/3 min walk) * There's a station being built in the park but still not operational. == QUESTIONS AND WHATSAPP == * Feel free to ask any questions directly on event comments * We have a WhatsApp group that we previously used to organize these games and will be used to talk and discuss event issues/suggestions: To join Whatsapp group: message Miguel

Join us for an international social run at the Jardin des Tuileries, Paris 1st! We are Senzia, a club of runners from all around the world sharing the same passion. Whether you’re a Parisian local or a newcomer to the city, everyone is welcome — this run is the perfect place to meet fellow international runners and feel at home in Paris. 📍 Jardin des Tuileries, Paris 1st — meet us by the fountain 📅 Saturday at 11am 📏 Around 5km at 6:00 min/km — a comfortable, social pace 🎵 Running with music to keep the vibes up ☀️ Let’s enjoy the beautiful weather together ☕ We’ll finish the run at a nearby café See you Saturday! 🌿 Please note that Senzia cannot be held responsible in case of accident during the run. Also, we have no storage available — please do not bring any belongings you can’t carry with you.

Join us for a gentle Sunday walk along La Coulée Verte, one of Paris’ hidden green paths. We’ll meet at Bastille and stroll through the trees, enjoy the quiet, and practice a bit of mindfulness and body awareness as we go. After the walk, we’ll stop at a cozy café near the park for coffee, casual chat, and connection. 🌳 **☕** This first event is free of charge, as we start the season and get to know each other. Whether you’re into yoga, running, or just want a peaceful Sunday moment, you’re very welcome to join us! ✨

Réservation sur Billetweb obligatoire: https://www.billetweb.fr/fusion-tennis Envie d’essayer le tennis ou de rejouer sans prise de tête à Paris ? 🎾 On a organisé une session conviviale de **2h de tennis en intérieur**, accessible même aux débutants. L’idée est simple : venir, jouer, progresser un peu et rencontrer du monde, sans pression. *** Beaucoup de gens veulent tester le tennis, mais ce n’est pas toujours facile au début… On rate les balles, on n’arrive pas à échanger, et on abandonne vite 😅 C’est pour ça qu’on propose un format adapté 👇 *** 👉 Tu peux venir seul(e), on s’occupe du reste 👉 Pas besoin de partenaire 👉 Ambiance détendue, pas de compétition *** ## 🎾 Deux options au choix ### 🔹 Coaching en petit groupe (max. 4 pers.) Idéal si tu débutes ou veux progresser * 1h de coaching avec entraîneur * Accès au terrain pendant 2h Raquette et balles fournies * Petit groupe pour un meilleur suivi 💰 40€ / personne *** ### 🔹 Jeu libre & rencontres Pour jouer tranquillement et rencontrer du monde * Accès au terrain pendant 2h * Matchs organisés (rotation des joueurs) * Adapté à ton niveau 💰 15€ / personne *** ## 📍 Infos pratiques 📅 Samedi 25 Avril ⏰ 15h00 – 17h00 📍 Centre Omnisports Universitaire Carole Vergne (Gif-sur-Yvette) 👉 Environ 45 min – 1h depuis Paris *** ## ℹ️ À savoir * Terrain intérieur (pas de souci météo ☔) * Tous niveaux bienvenus *** ## ⚠️ Important Places limitées (surtout pour le coaching) Réservation obligatoire

🎲 Aprem Jeux de Société 🎲 Nous organisons une après-midi placée sous le signe du partage et de la découverte ! Le concept est simple : venir apprendre de nouveaux jeux, que ce soit avec vos amis… ou avec de parfaits inconnus. Ici, personne ne reste seul : il y aura toujours une table pour vous accueillir et vous permettre de rencontrer de nouvelles personnes dans une ambiance conviviale. 💡 Au programme : – Découverte de nouveaux jeux – Rencontres et échanges – Bonne humeur garantie 💶 Entrée : 10€ (avec un soda inclus) 📍 Adresse : 50 rue de l'Alma, 92400 Courbevoie Hâte de vous rencontrer et de partager cette soirée avec vous ! 🎉 🙏 Si vous ne pouvez finalement pas venir, merci de penser à vous désinscrire, par respect pour l’organisation et les autres participants de cet après-midi.

Dodgeball is back again! If you’ve been wanting to come out, this is an easy one to join. We’ll be playing for about 1.5 to 2 hours, you do not need to bring any equipment, and no experience is needed. We use a specific set of rules and equipment to make the games run better and keep them fun for everybody, not just people who already know how to play. If it rains, the event will be canceled.

We have never until now featured Zinfandel, the ubiquitous California grape with the Dublin Wine MeetUp Group. At its best Zinfandel, is rich, voluptuous, with great depth of red and blue fruits. Jammy and hedonistic are common descriptions Each person should bring one bottle of an quality Zinfandel wine; be creative and quality conscious, with some bottle age if possible. Turley, Martinelli, Biale, Seghesio, Ridge, Hartford Bedrock, Carlisle, Klinker Brick, Frog's Leap, and anything from the Rockpile vineyard is likely to be very good to great. The Prisoner wines began as a Zinfandel blend. Also bring a protein based appetizer to share and **a wine glass for your personal use.** Cheese and meats are best with these wines. There will be a gas grill behind the clubhouse to grill. We’ll gather at the Oak Creek clubhouse, where the Dublin Wine Group, hosted by Thom and supported by Timothy, will take it from there. Come join us for a fantastic mix of great wine, food, and even better company! The evening wraps up at 10 PM. **Please pay $10 at the door per person to cover the cost of the room rental and for the tableware, napkins, water and cups.** 🍷 **6:46 PM – Dublin Wine Group Social** 📍 **Oak Creek Clubhouse** **9005 Oak Village Blvd, Lewis Center, OH 43035** View on Maps (https://maps.apple.com/place?address=9005%20Oak%20Village%20Blvd,%20Lewis%20Center,%20OH%20%2043035,%20United%20States&coordinate=40.158011,-83.003901&name=Oak%20Creek%20at%20Polaris&place-id=I8D83B59D441EDD9B&map=explore)

Columbus Code & Coffee is an inclusive, informal co-working session. People of all skill levels attend, and we love it that way. Many people (optionally) bring projects to work on, and many other people (optionally) socialize the entire time. It's entirely up to you! **What to Expect at the Intro Circle** \~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ Near the beginning of the event (1:30 pm), we do a standup: * Organizer announcements, updates, and logistics Round 1 - (7 secs max): * Your name * What you're working on * What you can help others with Round 2: * Community events you wanna plug. If none, that's cool too. Round 3: * Job opportunities you're hiring for OR announce that you are looking for one. If none, that's cool. After the introduction circle, everything is self-organized! Feel free to work alone, pair up, attend one of our workshops/presentations, or mingle!

**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.

Let's check out the Upcoming Horse Race Event at Worthington Hills Country Club with the Dublin-Rotary Worthington Club! Food will be served along with a cash bar! Cost is only $40.00 per Ticket plus a small fee: [Night at the Races - Dublin-Worthington Rotary - 2026 Tickets, Wednesday, Apr 22 from 6 pm to 9 pm | Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/night-at-the-races-dublin-worthington-rotary-2026-tickets-1980210210044?aff=ebdssbdestsearch) Purchase your tickets ASAP because they will stop selling them on April 7th. I haven't been to a Horse Race Event in awhile and feel that this will be an extremely fun and exciting opportunity! Horse racing is a thrilling sport. Worthington Hills Country Club is a Beautiful Club in Worthington, Ohio with Captivating Scenery and Prestigious Charm. Parking is FREE and widely available in the Large Parking Lot in front of Worthington Hills Country Club. We will meet at 6:00 PM the Main Front Entrance at Worthington Hills Country Club. Thanks and hope to see you come out!