Tours

**Sip & Paint @ QUO Bar** **Every Tuesday at 19:00 we meet at QUO Bar** for a relaxed and creative evening: a drink in your hand, some colors on the table, and good conversations with new people. Sip & Paint is perfect if you want to take a break from the routine, meet people and spend a different kind of evening. **No painting skills are needed** and there are no rules, the idea is simply to have fun, relax and be a little creative. **The cost is 15€ per person and includes:** • 1 drink • 1 aperitivo (snacks & bites) • all the materials needed for the activity Come alone or with friends, you’ll always find someone to sit with, chat and share the evening. **Every Tuesday — 19:00** **QUO Bar** \- Porta Romana\, Milan

Hello PyData People! We are excited to announce our next event of 2026! This time, we will be hosted at Generali Italia’s Torre Generali in Milan for an evening dedicated to open data, data platform orchestration, and scalable data engineering. 📅 When: Thursday, May 19th, 2026 – 18:30–21:00 📍 Where: Torre Generali Italia, Milan ⚠️ Important: Spots are limited. Please keep your RSVP updated to allow others to participate if you can no longer attend. *** **🕒 Agenda** 18:30 – Doors open & check-in 19:00 – Talk 1: Democratizing Data: A deep dive into Eurostat Open Database – Simona Mazzarino 19:45 – Talk 2: Scaling Data Mesh Orchestration with Dagster: Platform-Driven DAGs without Platform Friction – Marco Santoni and Andrea Romeo 20:30 – Networking & Social Dinner *** **🎤 The Talks** **1️⃣ Democratizing Data: A deep dive into Eurostat Open Database** Speaker: Simona Mazzarino (Data Scientist @ Clearbox AI) In this talk, we explore how to turn open data into actionable insights. You will learn how to navigate Eurostat, the EU’s vast statistical database, and use Python tools to fetch and process data for research, AI, and real-world analysis. We will look at how to discover relevant datasets, work with Eurostat’s interface and APIs, and integrate public statistics into your workflows for visualizations, dashboards, and models. A guiding example will be the analysis of migration flows across European countries, from data discovery to a usable dataset for analytics or machine learning. About the Speaker: Simona Mazzarino is a Data Scientist at Clearbox AI. With a background in linguistics, semiotics, and artificial intelligence, she specializes in language technologies. She is an active volunteer in the Python Torino community, where she helps connect people interested in Python applications, and she also volunteers for PyCon Italia. *** **2️⃣ Scaling Data Mesh Orchestration with Dagster: Platform-Driven DAGs without Platform Friction** Speakers: Andrea Romeo, Platform Engineer @ TeamSystem Data Mesh promises scalability and autonomy, but orchestration often becomes the hidden bottleneck: as data products grow, cross-domain dependencies explode, DAGs become fragile, and upstream teams are forced to react to every new consumer. In this talk, we present a platform-designed orchestration solution built on top of Dagster that enables company-wide orchestration without coupling data products together. Instead of requiring data engineers to manually define DAGs or modify upstream pipelines, each data product simply declares its dependencies on upstream output ports. From these declarations, the platform automatically builds and maintains the global DAG behind the scenes, ensuring that upstream data products remain unaffected by new consumers, orchestration scales as the number of data products grows, and platform standards are enforced without slowing down teams. We’ll walk through: * the orchestration challenges we faced when adopting data mesh at scale * how Dagster was extended and shaped into a platform abstraction, not exposed directly to product teams * the Python-based design patterns used to dynamically generate and evolve DAGs * the resulting developer experience for data engineers building data products This session is a practical, production-tested story of how Python and Dagster can be used to enable scalable orchestration in a real data mesh implementation — without turning the platform team into a bottleneck. About the Speakers: Andrea Romeo is a Platform Engineer at TeamSystem, where he focuses on building and evolving the technical foundation behind data infrastructure. He works closely with development and data teams to design scalable, resilient platforms that support data-driven products and services, with a strong focus on backend, cloud technologies, and developer experience. *** See you there! The PyData Milano Team

🎤Super international event in Milan: English Standup Comedy Open Mic!🎤 Show will be on **EVERY Tuesday** at Ostello Bello Centrale. If you see on this app only you are going, don't worry about it, we have multiple channels to post our events and we've been organizing shows for three years, we always have a big crowd where you can meet lots of friends!! We also encourage people to go on the stage for a free drink if you have funny stories or jokes! It is a free entry but **donation based** show, leave us your donations at the end of the show so we can keep English standup comedy going in Milan. Follow us on instagram: **yellowdicomedy**

Come sono passato dallo snobbare **Claude Code** (perché mi rallentava in qualsiasi task che non fossero i test automatici) a non riuscire più a farne a meno neanche per scrivere la descrizione di un meetup. 👉 Evento gratuito – registrati per partecipare 📍 **Martedì 19 maggio** – **Talent Garden Isola**, Piazza Città di Lombardia 1, Milano 🕡 18:30 ritrovo 🕖 19:00 inizio talk 🧠 **Cosa vedremo** **Come l'ho modellato sul mio workflow** Custom **commands**, **skills** e i **CLI** che non tolgo più dal PATH. **Cosa mi ha insegnato lui** Il peso di un CLAUDE .md fatto bene e come sfruttare la potenza del **Plan Mode**. **Cosa ho capito solo sbattendoci contro** La differenza tra **Subagents** e **Agent teams** e un paio di cose che vorrei che qualcuno mi avesse detto al primo mese. 🎁 Estraiamo una licenza JetBrains All Products tra i presenti! 👤 **Speaker** Michele Sangalli è Software Engineer presso Trustfull, lavora con PHP, TypeScript e Python, e passa parecchio tempo tra AWS e architetture serverless. Ah sì, è anche l'organizer del PUG Milano.

🌞 **Park Yoga is back!** 🌿 The sun is out, the grass is calling - and so are your yoga mats! Our favourite season has returned: **Yoga in the Park** is back for another round of movement under the open sky. 🧘‍♀️ All levels welcome (EN) 📍 Parco Sempione, Milano 🕒 Tuesday, 18:30-19:30 AM ✨ Bring your mat, water, good vibes 🌧️ In case of rain the class is cancelled and all tickets refunded. **Your Safety Matters** 1. Your well-being is my highest priority. While I create a safe and supportive environment, please remember that yoga is a physical practice and, like any form of movement, carries a risk of injury. 2. By choosing to participate in my yoga events, you acknowledge that you do so at your own risk and take full responsibility for your body and your practice. 3. You also agree to release your instructor from any liability, claims or actions resulting from participation in these sessions.

Community for all climbing enthusiasts. Whether you're an expert, a beginner, or just want to try something new, you're welcome! 🧗🏻 We meet on Tuesday/Wednesdayat 6:00 PM at Manga Climbing Alternatively, you can organize it yourself on the day you prefer. 👇 Via Privata Giovanni Livraghi 25, Milano https://maps.app.goo.gl/XjJjXMfUZ5cNRsQx6?g_st=ic Group Link https://chat.whatsapp.com/J8QIZ4TD3Yi0xBCu4qQmkb?mode=gi_t

#### Next step: schedule your first event. Scheduling an event will encourage more people to join your group. Schedule Change photo  # [Gruppo di biliardo pool/carambola amatoriale e mini-tornei](https://www.meetup.com/gruppo-di-biliardo-pool-carambola-amatoriale-e-mini-tornei/) [Milano, MI, Italy](https://www.meetup.com/find/it--mi--milano/) [1 members](https://www.meetup.com/gruppo-di-biliardo-pool-carambola-amatoriale-e-mini-tornei/members/) · Public group Share Manage groupSchedule event [About](https://www.meetup.com/gruppo-di-biliardo-pool-carambola-amatoriale-e-mini-tornei/?eventOrigin=your_groups) [Events](https://www.meetup.com/gruppo-di-biliardo-pool-carambola-amatoriale-e-mini-tornei/events/?eventOrigin=your_groups) [Members](https://www.meetup.com/gruppo-di-biliardo-pool-carambola-amatoriale-e-mini-tornei/members/?eventOrigin=your_groups) [Photos](https://www.meetup.com/gruppo-di-biliardo-pool-carambola-amatoriale-e-mini-tornei/photos/?eventOrigin=your_groups) [Discussions](https://www.meetup.com/gruppo-di-biliardo-pool-carambola-amatoriale-e-mini-tornei/discussions/?eventOrigin=your_groups) More ## What we’re about Buongiorno a tutti. Sono proprietario di un bar e dispongo di un tavolo da biliardo semi-professionale. Sto creando un gruppo WhatsApp di giocatori amatoriali di biliardo americano pool/carambola, per la maggior parte debuttanti. Cerco persone disposte a unirsi al gruppo per giocare e divertirsi nel tempo libero, il pomeriggio oppure la sera in ogni giorno. Per stimolare l'impegno di ogni giocatore, abbiamo pattuito che il vincitore di ogni "mini-torneo" organizzato nei vari giorni giochi gratis e non paghi la tariffa di tempo per il periodo di gioco (un'ora di gioco costa 10€, ma viene di volta in volta frazionata in base al periodo di gioco effettivo). Il locale si trova in zona nord di Milano, stazione Greco-Pirelli, università Bicocca. Chiunque dovesse essere davvero interessato a partecipare e unirsi al mio gruppo, non esiti a contattarmi. Cerco persone serie e disposte solamente a divertirsi, senza puntare mazzette grazie mille. Antonio

Lake Moro is a natural gem of remarkable beauty. Nestled between the Sorline and Rodino hills and overlooked by Mount Pora and Mount Altissimo, it sits at just 381 meters above sea level. From a naturalistic point of view, the influence of the Mediterranean climate of Lake Iseo and the glacial climate of the Adamello makes Lake Moro one of the areas with the highest concentration of biodiversity in Europe. This unique condition also benefits local productions such as cheese, honey, and olive oil. **PROGRAM** 11:00 – Meeting point at G8 Wine Bar Café, Via Vittorio Veneto 20, 24060 Rogno (BG) 11:15 – Departure for Lake Moro Park 12:30 – Approximate arrival, free time, relaxing on the lakeshore, and lunch (packed lunch or independently arranged at local venues) 15:00 – Approximate return **Easy-Medium Level** – About 1h30 and 3.5 km each way, 250 m elevation gain. No special equipment or clothing required. Always bring some food and water, trekking shoes, a towel, and a swimsuit for a possible lakeside break. **Note 1:** Participants must reach the starting point independently (car, bus, train, etc.) or via carpooling by coordinating with other participants in the private Facebook and/or Telegram groups reserved for members (request access once you have your membership card). **Note 2:** The “I will attend” button on Meetup is not considered valid for us. Meetup is only used to publish the event and gauge interest. Once you become a member, please follow the instructions for the event’s *official* registration. **COSTS AND PARTICIPATION – MIN 7 PEOPLE, MAX 30** Event reserved for Gitup Enac members. Free for 2026 members - request your participation ticket here: [http://www.gitup.it/iscrizione-eventi/](http://www.gitup.it/iscrizione-eventi/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExNXJOZlBOUFo2TnU0MlJrTHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR40isxRJnPDxRFBNp_iADFxV_t_IXXYerPrzof2wC-vrsxh7YCQuE9AZYVKrA_aem_0zRMrPM9cBRzv2anqxS0Zg) Not a member yet or need to renew? A membership card is required — request it here: [http://www.gitup.it/iscrizione/](http://www.gitup.it/iscrizione/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExNXJOZlBOUFo2TnU0MlJrTHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR40isxRJnPDxRFBNp_iADFxV_t_IXXYerPrzof2wC-vrsxh7YCQuE9AZYVKrA_aem_0zRMrPM9cBRzv2anqxS0Zg) In case of bad weather, the outing may be canceled. Participants will be notified through the dedicated groups and via updates on this page. **P.S.** Please remember that GitUp is not a travel agency but a non-profit association that brings people together to enjoy pleasant shared experiences. [www.gitup.it](http://www.gitup.it/) [https://www.facebook.com/gitupassociazione](https://www.facebook.com/gitupassociazione)

## **4 hours. One crew. The easiest way to experience Milan nightlife.** Milan is iconic after dark—but if you don’t know where to go, it’s easy to waste the night in the wrong places (or spend it queueing). **Riviera Bar Crawl Milan** is built for travelers, expats, students, and **solo travelers** who want a **fun, social, stress-free** night out with an international crowd. Show up, meet people fast, and let the night unfold—together. ## ✅ WHY THIS MILAN BAR CRAWL WORKS **1) Meet people instantly (even if you come solo)** This is the easiest way to turn a random night in Milan into a night with a real crew. **2) No planning, no guesswork** You don’t need to research bars, neighborhoods, or “where to go next.” You just enjoy the experience. **3) The energy of a real travel community** Riviera Bar Crawl Tours has welcomed **100,000+ delighted clients** and features **1291 reviews** across the website—so you’re joining something proven, not a gamble. ## 🕒 THE EXPERIENCE * **Tour name:** Riviera Bar Crawl Milan * **Duration:** **4H00** * **From:** **EUR 25.00** ## 📍 MEETING POINT **Ostello Bello** **Via Medici, 4, Milan (Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy)** ## 🎟️ WHAT’S INCLUDED Your ticket includes the **organized bar crawl experience** (details like number of venues, drinks, shots, and deals depend on the specific Milan product setup). ## 💬 QUICK OBJECTIONS * **“I’m solo.”** Perfect—this is exactly what a **pub crawl in Milan** is for: easy social vibes and instant connections. * **“I don’t know Milan nightlife.”** That’s the point—no planning, no stress. * **“What if it’s quiet?”** Riviera runs experiences in top destinations and has strong social proof across the brand—this is designed to be a real group night out. ## 🚀 BOOK NOW Spots go quickly on popular nights—don’t wait until you’re standing outside wondering where to go. [👉 ](https://rivierabarcrawltours.com/tour/pub-crawl-milan/)**[Book Riviera Bar Crawl Milan now](https://rivierabarcrawltours.com/tour/pub-crawl-milan/)** **Riviera Bar Crawl Milan** — your simplest, most social way to experience **Milan nightlife**, meet new people, and make the most of your trip.

Join us for an unforgettable evening at the **White Party** in the heart of Milan, set in the beautiful surroundings of Parco Sempione. Organized by **Eventi Milano & Milano Expat**, this exclusive event offers a unique blend of elegance, fun, and stunning views of the city. **Event Highlights:** * **Welcome Aperitivo:** Begin the evening with a refined aperitivo, featuring a selection of gourmet bites and refreshing drinks, perfect for mingling and enjoying the lively atmosphere. * **Terrace Party:** Continue the night on a stylish terrace overlooking the lush greenery of Parco Sempione. Dance under the stars to the beats of our live DJ, and immerse yourself in a chic, all-white dress code that adds a touch of glamour to the night. * **Torre Branca Experience:** The highlight of the event is the complimentary ascent of Torre Branca, one of Milan's most iconic landmarks. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline, a truly magical experience that will make this evening unforgettable. Dress in your best white attire and be part of this exclusive celebration that combines style, music, and breathtaking views. Don't miss out on this extraordinary night at one of Milan’s most scenic locations! **Dates:** Saturday, 23 May **Location:** Parco Sempione @JustMe & Torre Branca, Milan **Dress Code:** White (no shorts or tuta o striped jeans) **Exclusive Milano Expat Guest List - Limited places** How much does it cost to participate? **€ 15 per person with entrance from 19.30 to 21.30 which includes:** \- 1 drink \+ royal buffet;ì \+ tasting fernet Branca \- 1 ticket to climb the Branca Tower offered by Milan events to admire the Milanese skyline at over 100 meters high \(in case of rain or bad weather the tower will remain closed\)\. Aperitif until 22.00, with the possibility of climbing the Branca Tower until 10.30pm For those who want to join us in the evening, from 9.15 pm until 00.30, the entrance will cost 20 euros with an included drink! Curated clothing is mandatory, adapted to the event and the room (no suit, short shorts or torn jeans). It will be an unmissable opportunity to live a moment of pure enchantment and admire the city from above, everything while enjoying the refined atmosphere and the pleasures of the evening. Join us for an unforgettable night under the stars! The high request for participation makes places for the reserve event limited, therefore early reservation is strongly recommended.

*For our May events, we're partnering with* ***[Wayla](https://www.wayla.it/app/)*** *so attendees from Milan can come to Monza and back to Milan using the van-sharing platform.* ***Use the code* EXPAT20 *for 20% off in your rides!*** \-\-\-\-\-\-\- Hey there! On **Saturday, May 23rd**, let's meet at Monza park from **15:30** for an English afternoon picnic! **REQUIRED:** Please bring your own (national) food and drinks, blankets, games, speakers for music, and all kinds of fun things! Bring all your friends, and the event is free. 🌟 **Location:** https://maps.app.goo.gl/8mERNUwdQmkFJNa66 **Address:** Just behind Villa Reale! **Start time:** 15:30 **Instagram for DM and info:** https://www.instagram.com/whatsupmonza **\- Matthew**

Hi, I’m **Ozzy**. I’ve been teaching yoga in Milan for 5 years, bringing together internationals and locals. **How to Join?** Add your name on Meetup. [Message me on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/393500966059?text=Hi%20I%20saw%20your%20weekend%20park%20yoga%20classes%20on%20Meetup%20and%20would%20like%20to%20join) to receive payment details: **Drop-in or discounted class packs available** Your spot is confirmed once payment is completed. **You can see the vibe of the classes here:** Instagram: @ozzyoga.milano **Wednesday Park Yoga in Sempione with Ozzy** Join us for a mindful yoga session in the park **Time:** 19:15 **Duration:** 60 minutes **Language:** English **Level:** All levels Beginner-friendly **Location:** Parco Sempione Exact meeting point will be shared via WhatsApp after booking **Pricing** **Drop-in:** €15 **2 classes:** €28 **4 classes:** €50 All prices are final and include VAT All packs are valid until the end of July Valid for all regular group classes (weekend & future weekday sessions) Packs can be used for classes as they are released on Meetup **Before you come** Bring your mat (or a towel), wear layers for changing weather, and consider water, sun cream, and insect spray. **Cancellation policy** – **More than 24 hours before:** Cancel directly on Meetup → no charge – **Up to 1 hour before the class:** Please message me on WhatsApp → your credit is kept – **Less than 1 hour before, no-show, or no notice:** The class is counted → no refund or credit (no exceptions) *If a class is cancelled due to weather or by the organizer, your credit will not be lost and can be used for another class.* **Safety & Notes** Please listen to your body and practice at your own pace. This class is not suitable for pregnant women. If you have any health concerns, please consult a doctor before joining. By attending, you take responsibility for your own practice. **About me** I’m Ozzy, a certified and Yoga Alliance registered yoga teacher. 👉 https://linktr.ee/ozzyoga.milano

Hi, I’m **Ozzy**. I’ve been teaching yoga in Milan for 5 years, bringing together internationals and locals. **How to Join?** Add your name on Meetup. [Message me on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/393500966059?text=Hi%20I%20saw%20your%20weekend%20park%20yoga%20classes%20on%20Meetup%20and%20would%20like%20to%20join) to receive payment details: **Drop-in or discounted class packs available** Your spot is confirmed once payment is completed. **You can see the vibe of the classes here:** Instagram: @ozzyoga.milano **Weekend Park Yoga in Sempione with Ozzy** Join us for a mindful yoga session in the park **Time:** 11:30 **Duration:** 60 minutes **Language:** English **Level:** All levels Beginner-friendly **Location:** Parco Sempione Exact meeting point will be shared via WhatsApp after booking **Pricing** **Drop-in:** €15 **2 classes:** €28 **4 classes:** €50 All prices are final and include VAT All packs are valid until the end of July Valid for all regular group classes (weekend & future weekday sessions) Packs can be used for classes as they are released on Meetup **Before you come** Bring your mat (or a towel), wear layers for changing weather, and consider water, sun cream, and insect spray. **Cancellation policy** – **More than 24 hours before:** Cancel directly on Meetup → no charge – **Up to 1 hour before the class:** Please message me on WhatsApp → your credit is kept – **Less than 1 hour before, no-show, or no notice:** The class is counted → no refund or credit (no exceptions) *If a class is cancelled due to weather or by the organizer, your credit will not be lost and can be used for another class.* **Safety & Notes** Please listen to your body and practice at your own pace. This class is not suitable for pregnant women. If you have any health concerns, please consult a doctor before joining. By attending, you take responsibility for your own practice. **About me** I’m Ozzy, a certified and Yoga Alliance registered yoga teacher. 👉 https://linktr.ee/ozzyoga.milano

*For our May events, we're partnering with* ***[Wayla](https://www.wayla.it/app/)*** *so attendees from Milan can come to Monza and back to Milan using the van-sharing platform.* ***Use the code* EXPAT20 *for 20% off in your rides!*** \-\-\-\-\-\-\- Hey there! On **Wednesday, May 20th**, let's meet at Trallallà from **20:00** for an English blind drawing and social night! Blind drawing starts at 21:00 and runs for an hour! Please bring your art supplies/materials! Bring all your friends, and the event is free - you pay for what you consume. 🌟 **Location:** https://maps.app.goo.gl/uNZ6qibXds9pcJhi6 **Address:** Via Magenta, 7, 20900 Monza MB **Start time:** 20:00 **Instagram for DM and info:** https://www.instagram.com/whatsupmonza **\- Matthew**

Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.

It’s time to take control of your mental health. How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Here is the secret of being positive and free: Thinking positively is not enough. You also have to get rid of the negative thinking. Your mind is like a garden. You can plant many beautiful flowers in it, but if you don't get rid of the weeds when you plant your flowers, the weeds will soon take over the whole garden. A positive thought is like a flower in your mental garden, and a negative thought is like a weed. You cannot expect to have a positive mindset if you continue to have negative thoughts dwelling and growing there. So, how do you get rid of the negative thoughts? That's what this Meetup is all about. Attend this local meeting and find out! The Meetup event will be led by a consultant who had helped many people live happier in life. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is created by the Dianetics & Scientology life improvement center.

Join us this Thursday at 6:30 pm for a nice hike along the Big Walnut Trail along the Gahanna golf course, circling Creekside and back. This 2 mile hike is fully paved and a beautiful walk through the heart of Gahanna.

It’s time to take control of your mental health. How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went? Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence? Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp.

**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.

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