Web Mapping

**\~Please [SIGN UP here](https://calendly.com/breathinginnature/yoga-in-nature) for free before the class\~** [Click here for a map of the exact location](https://goo.gl/maps/x1YMV41Bmhcf7chb6). My community classes in High Park are by donation, for all bodies, and no experience is required. What is yoga? We combine breath, movement and awareness, all in the healing nature of High Park. **What to bring?** * Yoga mat (optional - the grass is nice to yoga on) * Water * Weather-appropriate clothing/ blanket for relaxation We yoga rain or shine. There is shelter if we need it. [Exact location](https://maps.app.goo.gl/9424Zn5G1Xf4kTEj7), close the the High Park Forest School by the North Gate (short walk from High Park Subway station, Bloor and High Park intersection). My classes are by donation, or pay what you can. It's also drop-in, so feel free to just show up. Donations can be made at the class in person, via our [Breathing in Nature Gift Economy](https://www.breathinginnature.com/gift-economy/) or e-transfer to nici@breathinginnature.com. On average folks donate between $5-$30 per class. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. 416.885.0583 If you are wondering who I am and what I do, feel free to check out my my [website](https://www.breathinginnature.com/), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/breathinginnature/), [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/nicole.bohr) page, [my bio](https://www.breathinginnature.com/about/), or [my LinkedIn](www.linkedin.com/in/nicoleczerwinski/).

🌸🌆 **FLEURS DE VILLES: FLORA – BLOOR-YORKVILLE FLOWER WALK** 🌆🌸 A Floral Trail, City Streets & A Peak Bloom Experience For a few days each year, Bloor-Yorkville transforms into something completely different — a curated, walkable floral experience right in the heart of the city. Join us for Fleurs de Villes: FLORA, a one-of-a-kind event where local florists, designers, and businesses come together to “flower-bomb” the neighbourhood with stunning installations. And here’s the bonus — we’re going earlier in the week, right during peak viewing time. That means fresher displays, fewer crowds, and the best chance to experience everything at its fullest. Expect to see over 30 creative floral displays popping up in unexpected places — from fashion-inspired mannequins to floral archways, window installations, and even edible creations along the way. This is not a formal tour. It’s a social walk — come explore, wander, and take it all in together. 📲 **Join Our WhatsApp Group:**[ Click here to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DRFTkxRlHS4B3IL1lMleUd) \*\*\* 🚶‍♂️ **What We’ll Do** We’ll meet at the Toronto Reference Library and begin our walk through the Bloor-Yorkville area, following the floral trail and discovering installations as we go. There’s no rush — we’ll take our time, stop for photos, and enjoy the creativity of each display. After the walk, we’ll head over to Jack Astor's for food, drinks, and a chance to hang out and connect. 🍔🍹 You’re welcome to join for food or head out whenever you like. \*\*\* 🌆 **Vibe & Expectations** This is an easy, relaxed city walk — no distance pressure, no intensity. Just: ✔️ Beautiful visuals ✔️ A lively neighbourhood ✔️ Good company Also — this is NOT a guided or historical tour. It’s about enjoying the experience and being social. \*\*\* **🧢 Meetup Details** 📍 Meetup Location: Outside the Toronto Reference Library 🫎 I’ll be wearing my Moose Hat ⏰ Meetup Time: 6:00 PM I will only wait 5 minutes. Early is on time. On time is late. We’ll head out promptly. End Point: Yonge & Bloor \*\*\* 🎟️ Meetup Fee: $5 cash in person or e-transfer to 📧 \*\*[mathewmaclean@hotmail.com**](http://mathewmaclean@hotmail.com%2A%2A/) This helps support the group and allows us to keep hosting events like this. Thank you for supporting community! 💖 \*\*\* 🎒 **What to Bring** Water Comfortable walking shoes Camera or phone for photos 📸 Weather-appropriate clothing Optional: cash/card if joining for food & drinks afterward Please also use the washroom before arriving, as stops are limited. \*\*\* **🌈 Who Is This For?** This group is open to anyone who wants to be social and make friends — whether single or not. **We also host:** 🎬 Movies 🚶 Walks & hikes 🎭 Arts & culture outings 🍽️ Restaurant gatherings There’s always something happening. \*\*\* **REMEMBER:** You’re welcome to just show up on the day if you’re unsure about your schedule. And as always, sometimes plans shift and events may need to be canceled — please keep an eye on updates. \*\*\* 👤 Organizer: Mathew Questions? Post on the event wall or email 📧 [torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com](mailto:torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com) Come for the flowers. Stay for the atmosphere. Leave feeling like you walked through a version of the city you didn’t expect. 🌸✨

Join us for an evening of French conversation at B Espresso Bar in the atrium of the Toronto Royal Conservatory of Music (near St. George station)!
We welcome all levels of French, and it's free\*.
Venez pratiquer votre français! \*While there is no fee to attend this event, guests are expected to purchase something from B Espresso Bar, in accordance with RCM's restrictions on usage of the cafe atrium space. **Building location:** The Royal Conservatory is at 273 Bloor St W, between Varsity Stadium and the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). There are entrances off Bloor St. and Philosopher's Walk. If you enter from Bloor St through the large glass doors, follow the hallway on the left beside the staircase and turn left at the end. (Closest TTC: St. George) **Notes and restrictions:** The host may or may not attend this event. Attendees are encouraged to seat themselves at two or more adjacent tables, as needed. Please form groups of 6 people at each table; do not rearrange chairs and tables to accommodate more people, as this obstructs the narrow walking space. Guests are expected to order something from the cafe, and are asked to please refrain from bringing outside food or drink. Attendees must leave the building at 8pm when the cafe stops serving. **Contributions:** If you are a regular with us and would like to support the group, please send any contributions by e-transfer to [diskutomeetup@gmail.com.](http://diskutomeetup@gmail.com.) The yearly donation goal and amounts received year-to-date will be tracked anonymously on [this google sheet](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/18GfqYsis8Cf2XGg4KsKQJsY_0Fv3bsSQHwJAxvC1Km8/edit?usp=sharing). Thank you so much for your support.

**HOSTED BY Neon Riders** Let's go on their 2026 Cherry Blossom Ride! This is a late night 18 km route as they start their season visiting numerous Cherry Blossom sites during peak bloom! Starting and ending at Nathan Phillips Square. Pitstops are as follows: Pitstop #1 - Mini Blossom Park \~ 8:30 pm Pitstop #2 - Music Garden \~ 9:30 pm Pitstop #3 - Princess Margaret Fountain \~ 10:30 pm Pitstop #4 - Trinity Bellwoods Park \~ 11:30 pm Please view their waiver before attending a Neon Ride: [https://www.facebook.com/groups/neonriders/permalink/2094930834208936/](https://www.facebook.com/groups/neonriders/posts/2094930834208936/?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZbq71ngxlOVzEW2xsFY-KRhL4M758q9ucIamjzhdEqr8IupbMQ023HIPoFsGyUT_T2OdjPD1aul5czM0yjbogVNiQxlbucela7koNC3wTlGLg&__tn__=q) **Neon Riders** is a group for *Rave night bike rides* in Toronto. They usually meet on Thursday evenings at Nathan Phillips Square from May to October. Every ride is posted in their Facebook Events section along with a detailed route and pitstops. I recommend you join the [Neon Riders Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/events/1662993048222332/?active_tab=discussion) page for up to date information and future rides. Additionally, ensure you have **LIGHTS**, water, snacks, and your air, brakes, and chain are in good shape! Brompton Community Rules: 1. Be kind. Welcome and encourage other riders. Insults, shaming, and hate will be removed, and offenders will be banned. 2. Your safety is your responsibility. Helmets are required. Lights are required if riding in darkness. It is each rider’s responsibility to ensure their bike is clean, well-maintained, and fully functional. 3. All bikes are welcome. Occasional Brompton-only events will be clearly labeled. Contact your local Brompton dealer if you'd like to borrow a Brompton for an event (participation may vary). 4. If your plans change, please update your RSVP. BY ATTENDING this event you ACKNOWLEDGE and ACCEPT the following: 1. I ACKNOWLEDGE, agree, and represent that I understand the nature of bicycling activities and that I am qualified, in good health, and in proper physical condition to participate in such activity. I further acknowledge that the ride-out will be conducted over public pavements and facilities open to the public, and upon which the hazards of traveling are to be expected. I further agree and warrant that if, at any time, I believe conditions to be unsafe, I will immediately discontinue further participation. 2. I FULLY UNDERSTAND that (a) BICYCLING ACTIVITIES INVOLVE RISKS AND DANGERS OF SERIOUS BODILY INJURY, INCLUDING PERMANENT DISABILITY, PARALYSIS AND DEATH ("Risks"); (b) these Risks and dangers may be caused by my own actions or inactions, the actions or inactions of others participating in the ride-out, the conditions in which the ride-out takes place, or the negligence of others; (c) there may be OTHER RISKS AND SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC LOSSES either not known to me or not readily foreseeable at this time; and I FULLY ACCEPT AND ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS AND ALL RESPONSIBILITY FOR LOSSES, COSTS, AND DAMAGES I may incur as a result of my participation; (d) I acknowledge that Brompton Bicycle, event organizers, ride leaders, and volunteers will not be liable for any accidents or damages through this ride-out. 3. PHOTO RELEASE: I CONSENT to my voice, name, and/or likeness being used, without compensation, in any and all media, whether now known or hereafter devised, for eternity, and release Brompton Bicycle, its successors, assigns and licensees from any liability whatsoever of any nature. DO NOT REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO BE SUBJECT TO THE FOREGOING.

**This is a ticketed event. Please register at [this link](https://luma.com/tndnx2o9).** Giles Edkins looks into what we know about the alignment and cyber capabilities of Claude Mythos Preview. ​​​**Event Schedule** 6:00 to 6:30 - Food and introductions 6:30 to 7:30 - Presentation and Q&A 7:30 to 9:00 - Open Discussions ​​​​​​If you can't make it in person, feel free to join the live stream starting at 6:30 pm, via [this link](https://www.youtube.com/@Trajectory-Labs/live).

Twist Gallery and Dreams Tree Community Investments and photography by Ryan Bolton and Yuma Dean Hester! With no fixed itinerary, we traveled north through Northern Alberta into the Rockies. We then ventured into the Yukon and the Northwest Territories in pursuit of the Northern Lights. What began as a road trip became an exercise in listening and being present. Along the way, we met with Elders, Chiefs, and storytellers whose histories are inseparable from the land. Conversations about memory, responsibility, and continuity — reminders that these landscapes are not empty expanses, but living territories shaped by generations of knowledge and care. Before Borders reflects on what it means to cross provincial lines while recognizing deeper, enduring boundaries that predate them. The work considers travel not as an escape, but as an exchange — guided by those who have called this land home since time immemorial.

Let’s do some coding together at a cafe! No more working alone in the weekend. Here, we write code together. And I mean together together. Not occupying-the-same-space-but-separate together. Here’s how it works: Jennifer brings her mobile app project, tells everyone that it is like Pinterest for recipes and she’d like to work on the nav bar. Paul and Chloe think Jennifer's project is fascinating, and they join the group. They gather around Jennifer’s laptop and work on the nav bar for 2 hours. Jennifer is the one typing out the code while Paul and Chloe research, brainstorm, and offer suggestions. If you’re feeling stuck on your own project or need a motivation boost, bring it to mob programming! Want to learn by watching how others code and solve problems? Join someone else’s project at this event! Oh and we love your half-done projects that you are a bit embarrassed to share. Absolutely bring those to the event! **Discord**: We use Discord to share screen & code snippets during the event. Also feel free to share your projects here before the event! https://discord.gg/xwjDdVSw3E **Event policy**: * We have 0 tolerance for harassment. * We don’t allow the projects that are not meant to be shared in public such as school assignments, interview tasks, or trade secrets. * The goal is to write code. We discourage you from pitching business ideas here, doing code reviews, or spending the whole event on planning what to do. * Please buy a drink, and tip the barista well.

[Summary] This meetup is for those who are interested in code, web development, design, cloud, or AI. All levels are welcome, so feel free to bring your laptop and discuss what you are working on or what you are learning. You can share your projects and ideas with other participants freely. There are outlets and WiFi, drinks are about $5 for tea, they take card only. [Price] Attendance is FREE. But you need to buy something from the venue. [Policies] \- We do not tolerate harassment of our members \- We remind users that that this meetup is intended for networking and hobby development\, and any attempts at using this meetup event as a dating platform will not be not be tolerated Further information: https://torontostack.exchange/

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/intro-navigation-26)** **Navigation isn’t a lost art - it’s a life-saving skill. Whether you’re exploring remote backcountry or just trying to orient yourself on a trail, knowing how to read the land can make all the difference.** Join us for this *one-day navigation workshop,* which will equip you with the skills needed for safe and confident adventures. **Interested in joining this year’s Epics? Completing this and other relevant courses will support your approval process for advanced adventures.** **Morning: Theory** We’ll start with hot beverages and a hands-on classroom session where you’ll learn: * Why maps still matter in a GPS world * How to read a topo map and visualize the land * What contours tell you about your route (and your legs) * How to orient yourself when you’re turned around * Compass skills that could save your life **Afternoon: Practice** After a quick lunch, the real fun begins. With only a map, compass, and your brain, you’ll work in teams to complete a real-world navigation challenge. Each team gets a unique course and a grid reference sheet to plot and follow. Fastest (and most accurate) team earns top bragging rights as Wilderness Union’s best navigators. You’ll build and follow a route card, learn to trust your instincts, and develop the kind of confidence that only comes with practice. **Your Instructor:** Former Canadian Army Advanced Reconnaissance Instructor, Captain Buckingham is a decorated Pathfinder and the Canadian Infantry School’s top navigation instructor, he’ll guide you every step of the way. **Who It’s For:** This course is for beginners and intermediate explorers alike. No military mindset required—just curiosity, a willingness to learn, and a love of getting outside. This is an amazing opportunity not only to learn from a world-class expert but it's a fun, practical lesson at a uniquely low price. **About this series:** The Survivalist Series is an expert-led set of courses designed to develop applicable, and life-saving skills in the wilderness. Keep your eyes peeled for more courses that become available. **Due to the cost of parking at Bronte Creek, WU transport is recommended for this course.** **Highlights** **Expert Instruction -** Our amazing expert guides will teach you everything you need to know in a safe and fun way. **Practical Skills -** Develop essential skills to survive and thrive in the wild. ‍**Local Adventure -** Just 45 minutes from Toronto, this adventure is close to home for anyone living in the GTA. **Event cost: $80+HST - optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/intro-navigation-26)** **About Wilderness Union** Wilderness Union is deliberate about building an outdoors community that connects you to the life-changing magic of the outdoors and helps you find your people. Members range from 20-40 years old. The group is a mix of GTA locals and newcomers to Toronto from within Canada and abroad. Attendance numbers on Meetup don't reflect our actual event attendance - we typically have 15-20 community members at each event. Large enough that there's someone new to meet but small enough that it's not overwhelming! ***Learn more at our website [www.wildernessunion.com](https://www.wildernessunion.com/)***

40.6 km cherry blossom ride from Pioneer Village to Union Station Via Humber River Trail and High Park Route Map: https://www.komoot.com/tour/2821848844

Nordheimer ravine is relatively short but as with other midtown ravines like Cedarvale, it's well-used and surrounded by moneyed neighbourhoods. There are spectacular vantage points in the surrounding parks. This neighbourhood also has popular attractions like Wychwood Barns, Casa Loma, Spadina Museum, and a bunch of murals. I hope you like hills because there will be several of them. This hike is sandwiched by restaurant rows at St Clair Ave W and Dupont St. There isn't any standout cuisine but Dupont is home to a mini-empire of Middle Eastern restaurants. On St Clair Ave W are some of the best upper mid-range restaurants in Toronto for Italian, North Indian, and Persian cuisine. And possibly one of the best gelaterias in the city. There will be long lines at Bar Ape so come earlier if you want to get gelato there. **Highlights** 1. Bar Ape Gelato (depart 2:30 pm) 2. Pura Vida / Baker and Scone 3. Pink Ice Cream 4. Sea Witch / JABS 5. Wychwood Barns (depart 2:55 pm) 6. Hillcrest Park 7. Tollkeepers' Cottage 8. High Level Pumping Station 9. Nordheimer Ravine 10. St Clair Subway Station, south side of St Clair Ave W (depart 3:55 pm) 11. Sir Winston Churchill Park 12. Casa Loma (outside) 13. Spadina Museum (depart 4:35 pm) 14. The Backyard Smokehouse / Euphoria Cake 15. Roti Cuisine Of India (arrive 4:55 pm) **Neighbourhoods** Wychwood > Casa Loma > The Annex **Map** [https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=16joz8-VYsQ8lr155TDonvYdkgl70iwI&usp=sharing](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=16joz8-VYsQ8lr155TDonvYdkgl70iwI&usp=sharing) Uphill and downhill at Hillcrest Park, Nordheimer Ravine. Stairs at Winston Churchill Park and Casa Loma. **How it works** Hike starts punctually. Late or can't do the whole route? Meet us at scheduled checkpoints. We'll browse many food places but won't linger long. Grab ready-made food, or see the route in advance, organize takeout, then pickup along the way. Not sure what to try? Join our omakase for $5, which gives a tiny sample from different restaurants. Payment on the day of event by cash or e-transfer to [globaltorontoeats@gmail.com.](http://globaltorontoeats@gmail.com.) No refunds after orders are placed. Details of sampled food will be uploaded after the hike. Limited cutlery provided. Highly recommended to bring cutlery and containers for omakase and bringing back leftovers. See our [About section](https://www.meetup.com/hike-to-eat/) for more info.

To register your child for this 10 week PB program, which leads into a League, please sign up via the YMCA website or you can go to the Y in person and register at the front desk. Here is the link: [CLICK HERE FOR YMCA REGISTRATION LINK](https://anc.ca.apm.activecommunities.com/ymcaofoakville/activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&activity_select_param=2&activity_keyword=pick&viewMode=list) The program repeats itself after 10 weeks. Should you have any questions please contact the Y directly: Zack Jones (he/him) Program Manager, HFA YMCA of Oakville 410 Rebecca Street, Oakville, ON L6K 1K7 M: 905\-808\-7093 \| E: [zackjo@oakville.ymca.ca](mailto:zackjo@oakville.ymca.ca)

**Total Eclipse of the Chart: School Redistricting Dashboards** In this presentation, we will explore the utilization of maps, sets, and SQL within a Tableau dashboard to help provide “what-if” analyses generated through the use of a mapped dashboard, providing different scenarios and the potential implications of these. While in this use case we are focused on a large school district, the concepts of utilizing existing data to explore the future impacts of modifying different geographic boundaries can be useful to many industries, balancing the mix of maps with visual analytics. **About Our Speaker** Robert Kramer is the Data Systems and State Reporting Coordinator at South Western City Schools in Grove City. He has worked there for 17 years, serving previously in the roles of Data Analyst, Programmer, and Operations Coordinator. Prior to working at South Western, he worked as a Systems Engineer at Pinnacle Data Systems in Groveport. He graduated in 2005 from The University of Toledo with his Bachelor’s in Computer Science and Engineering, and a minor in Mathematics. Robert resides in Obetz with his wife, and their 15 and 12 year-old daughters. He was also just elected to his 3rd four-year term on the Obetz City Council. Thanks to our 2026 sponsors: [Clarivoy](https://www.clarivoy.com), [What Box Consulting Group](https://www.whatboxconsultinggroup.com), [Conductrics](https://www.conductrics.com), and [Piwik PRO](https://piwik.pro) More info at [cbusdaw.com](https://cbusdaw.com)

**TBA**

Our monthly PHP meetup. A virtual shindig courtesy of Zoom. Check back here for the details around 6:15 pm

**TBA**

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

**Improving Office in Franklinton** Physical location: Improving Office 330 Rush Alley Suite #150 Columbus, OH 43215 Schedule: 6:00 p.m.: Socialize, eat, and drink. Improving will be providing pizza and beverages. 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Main meeting and presentation(s). Topic: This month John Lairson will share a notebook describing the Alpaca (Paper) Trading API and discuss different algorithms for evaluating stock trades. We meet on the last Monday of each Month. Presentations are given by members and friends of this group. If you would like to do a presentation (small or large) on a python topic, please contact Central OH Python at centralohpython@gmail.com

**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.