Weekend Getaways

Do you like keeping your French up to date? Or do you want to help the ones that need some help here? If so, this meet up activity might be something for you :) Let's meet in order to have conversations in French together! * How to find us? - This meetup will take place at an easy to find venue, which is very close to subway station Gare Central and nearly to Grande place Brussels In this venue, it's possible to eat a little something - or to just have some drinks. we are in the hotel there is the big table , If you want speak with a few people you can change your chair or your place. For those who already speak a bit of French - ANYONE that can take part in the Meet up without having to ask "What does this mean?" all the time, is MORE than welcome! (And yes, pretending to understand it all and "Nodd and smile IS allowed :) ) Because reading and listening are very good teachers too... In fact anything that doesn't slow down practicing the language goes :) Or in more strict words: this Meet up is not the best place to go to for absolute beginners If you can not find call please Olivier 0476600552 or Mehrdad 0486652242 [https://www.google.com/maps/place/Rue+du+March%C3%A9+Aux+Herbes+100,+1000+Bruxelles/@50.8466178,4.3551211,3a,28.7y,35.83h,95.4t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1spHFBcXTJGMiNd7y_1PFAgg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!4m5!3m4!1s0x47c3c47f9e11971f:0x7c45bfb50b08362a!8m2!3d50.8467965!4d4.3553835](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Rue+du+March%C3%A9+Aux+Herbes+100,+1000+Bruxelles/@50.8466178,4.3551211,3a,28.7y,35.83h,95.4t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1spHFBcXTJGMiNd7y_1PFAgg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!4m5!3m4!1s0x47c3c47f9e11971f:0x7c45bfb50b08362a!8m2!3d50.8467965!4d4.3553835) Address is Rue du Marché Aux Herbes 100 Enjoy the Meetup!

Lead a marine research institute exploring the ocean depths. You recruit specialists, send expeditions, and build a powerful research engine while balancing scientific progress and conservation. A refined Euro with satisfying growth, strong theming, and meaningful long-term choices over a medium-length session. [How to Play](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLfcG_7rbT0) [BGG](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/367966/endeavor-deep-sea) [Rulebook](https://esltqdkllporgkecoqih.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/rulebooks/bcb00fe5-9279-4b91-b933-6cb0d34796e3.pdf?token=eyJraWQiOiJzdG9yYWdlLXVybC1zaWduaW5nLWtleV9mNjQ4ZTY5Yi02ZjdmLTRhY2MtYTI2NC05NDU5M2Q1ZGRmNTAiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJydWxlYm9va3MvYmNiMDBmZTUtOTI3OS00YjkxLWI5MzMtNmNiMGQzNDc5NmUzLnBkZiIsImlhdCI6MTc1ODczMjEwOCwiZXhwIjoyMDc0MDkyMTA4fQ.q0XzTMjPhlZIeW2n_N_gIe4eGthokGNK_t9U2KraiNE) Everyone is welcome! No previous experience or game knowledge needed — I’ll explain all the rules before we start.

Debut of Clank! Legacy 2 campaign. CLANK! Legacy returns with an epic sequel — **[Clank! Legacy 2: Acquisitions Incorporated - Darkest Magic](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/383010/clank-legacy-2-acquisitions-incorporated-darkest-m)**. Play co-operatively and competitively in the world of Penny Arcade's Acquisitions Incorporated! This campaign has already a fixed group to play it.

We do cycles of 4-6 weeks, with a progressive load, and a recovery week at the end of the cycle. Session: * 10 - 20’ warm up (easy run and drills) * Core session (ie. 6x5' - 2' recovery) * Cool down We run together during Warm-up, and cool down and tey to regroup during recovery time. Paces are not imposed (everyone runs at his/her own pace) given the intensity suggested. Notes: It's NOT required to have an activity tracker or smart watch to be able to follow the session, as I'll be giving signals with a whistle. Intervals training is not advised for total beginners. To have an idea, the average pace at the warm up is around 5'45"/km-6'15"/km so this pace should feel very comfortable ***Acknowledgement of member responsibility and release of liability.*** By signing up for this event, you agree to release the organizers from any responsibility and liability in all claims. As the participation is strictly voluntary and you freely choose to join, it is the responsibility of individuals participating to ensure that they are fit enough and have adequate coverage to protect themselves.

EN (FR en bas): We're still accepting people in our classes. Join us!​ -step 1: Book here! -> [https://www.danceproject.be/reservations.html](https://www.danceproject.be/reservations.html) -step 2: Show up! [Schedule](https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#schedule) Fees : [All info on trials, packs, subscriptions here](https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#fees) Locations: -Rue Brialmont 7, Brussels Metro/Tram: Botanique Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Forró Intro - 1: From base to the dancefloor! When you come for the first time we go over the base & rhythm with you. Then you are included in the group and everybody learns the same new steps for which you just need the base. Practice makes perfect: just relax and enjoy Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop and/or Forró! Our group is very welcoming and looking forward to meet new dancers! Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Forró Roots I - 2: Ready to go deeper on Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop &/or Forró? Let's go! [https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#improvers](https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#improvers) Salsa, Forró Roots II - 3: Looking for #SalsaChallenge? Already familiar with Forró Root? We've got your back! [https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#intermediates](https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#intermediates) More info: -Web: [https://www.danceproject.be](https://www.danceproject.be) -Whatsapp: +32 493 16 41 10 -Mail: brussels.salsa.project@gmail.com -[Facebook](https://facebook.com/brussels.salsa.project) -[Instagram](https://instagram.com/brussels.salsa.project) \-\-\-\-\- FR: Nous acceptons encore de nouvelles personnes dans nos cours. Rejoins-nous ! -1ère pas : Fait ta réservation ! -> [https://www.danceproject.be/reservation.html](https://www.danceproject.be/reservation.html) -2ème pas : Vient danser ! [Horaire](https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#horaire) Les prix : [Toutes les infos sur les essais, packs, abonnements ici](https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#prix) Endroits : -Rue Brialmont 7, Bruxelles Metro/Tram: Botanique Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Forró Intro - 1 : De la base à la piste de danse ! Lorsque tu nous rejoins on voit la base et le rythme avec toi. Ensuite, tu es inclus dans le groupe et tout le monde apprend les mêmes pas pour lesquelles tu as juste besoin de la base. C'est en forgeant qu'on devient forgeron : détend-toi et profite la Salsa, de la Bachata, du Lindy Hop et/ou du Forró ! Notre groupe est très accueillant et a hâte de rencontrer de nouveaux danseurs ! Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Forró Roots I - 2 : Prêt à approfondir la Salsa, la Bachata, le Lindy Hop &/ou le Forró ? Allons-y! [https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#inities](https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#inities) Salsa, Forró Roots II - 3 : Tu cherches #DefiSalsa ? Tu connais déjà Forró Roots ? Nous sommes là pour toi ! [https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#intermediaires](https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#intermediaires) Plus d’info: -Web: [https://www.danceproject.be/fr.html](https://www.danceproject.be/fr.html) -Whatsapp: +32 493 16 41 10 -Mail: brussels.salsa.project@gmail.com -[Facebook](https://facebook.com/brussels.salsa.project) -[Instagram](https://instagram.com/brussels.salsa.project)

La idea es quedar y practicar francés y español en Bruselas. Apto para todos los niveles. Groupe pour améliorer l'espagnol et français à Bruxelles. Pour tous les niveaux. Nos juntaremos en el Centro Cultural Metaprosa (Chaussée de Saint Pierre 9, 1040 Etterbeek, Bruselas) para conversar con un café o una cerveza en la mano. Todos los martes de 19.00- 21.30.

Join Sunday Vacations for a cozy Saturday brunch at **Aksum Coffee House**, one of Brussels’ most beautiful cafés, where rich Ethiopian coffee, fresh Moroccan crêpes, and vibrant international vibes meet in perfect harmony. This is more than just brunch, it’s a relaxed way to start your weekend, meet new people, and enjoy a soulful spot full of stories and flavors. ### 📍 Where? **Aksum Coffee House – Galeries Sainte Hubert (Just a few steps from Grand Place) ### 🕚 When? **Saturday at 11:30 AM** Come hungry, curious, and ready to mingle! ### 🍽️ What’s on the menu? ☕ Fresh-roasted Ethiopian coffee 🥞 Moroccan-style crêpes & artisan pastries 🥚 Tasty brunch dishes (vegetarian options too) 🧾 Everyone pays their own order at the counter. ### 👋 Who’s joining? Expect a mix of international professionals, friendly locals, and Sunday Vacations regulars. Solo? New in town? Come anyway, this is the perfect place to connect. --- 🧡 **Limited spots** – RSVP early to secure your place at the table. By joining this event, you agree to the Sunday Vacations [Terms & Conditions](https://www.sundayvacations.com/terms), [Privacy Policy](https://www.sundayvacations.com/privacy) & [Code of Conduct](https://www.sundayvacations.com/code)

**Chur • Rafting • Flims • Scenic Train (Whit Monday Weekend)** Join us for a **3-day adventure in the Swiss Alps**, combining **rafting through a spectacular canyon, hiking above dramatic landscapes, and exploring one of Switzerland’s most scenic regions**. ## ✨ The Experience We’ll travel together from Brussels using the **Interrail network** and stay in **Chur**, the oldest town in Switzerland. Over the weekend, we’ll combine: - 🚣 rafting in the Rhine Gorge (“Swiss Grand Canyon”) - 🥾 hiking in the Flims region - 🌊 relaxing at a turquoise alpine lake - 🚆 a scenic ride on the Albula railway 👉 A perfect mix of **adventure, nature, and social moments** ## 🗓️ Program ### 🟢 Saturday — Arrival & Chur - Departure Brussels **6:23** - Arrival Chur **15:22** - Hotel check-in - Relaxed walk through Chur old town - Group dinner 🍻 ### 🔵 Sunday — Rafting + Hiking + Lake **🚣 Morning — Rafting (Highlight)** - Guided rafting in the Rhine Gorge - ~2h on the water - Beginner-friendly **🥾 Afternoon — Flims Hike** - Scenic trails with views over the canyon - Flexible pace **🌊 Caumasee** - Swim / relax at a beautiful turquoise lake **🍻 Evening — Social Night** ### 🔴 Monday — Scenic Train + Return - Morning scenic train on the Albula line - Optional visit to the Albula Railway Museum - Return to Chur - 🚆 Departure Chur at **13:30** - **🏡 Arrival Brussels 21:44** - **Earlier departure also possible** ## 💰 Costs ### 1. Organizing Fee (Sunday Vacations) - €80 Early Bird (limited spots) - €100 Regular (Explorer members) - €50 for Voyager members - Free for Ambassador members Includes: - full trip coordination - itinerary planning - group organization - shared guidance ### 2. Accommodation (Hotel in Chur) - Booked individually - Hotel suggestions will be shared in the WhatsApp group ### 3. Rafting -~ CHF 125 (~€130) - Paid directly to the rafting provider ### 4. Transport (Interrail) - Interrail pass recommended - Booked individually ### 5. Personal expenses - food, drinks, local transport ## ⚠️ Important Notes - This is a **community-organized trip**, not a travel package - **Hotel, transport, and rafting are booked and paid directly by participants to the respective suppliers** - Each participant is responsible for their own bookings and insurance ## 📲 WhatsApp Group After joining, you’ll be added to a **dedicated WhatsApp group** where we’ll share: - exact train connections - hotel suggestions - rafting booking link - packing tips ## 🔥 Why join? Because this is the kind of weekend where: - you meet great people - you step out of your routine - and you create real memories in the mountains ## ✅ How to join 1. Join the event on Meetup 2. Make sure you have your **Sunday Vacations membership** 3. Details will follow via WhatsApp

**Afterwork vibes. Sunset views. Great people.** Join us this Thursday for a relaxed rooftop evening above the EU district — the perfect way to unwind after work, meet like-minded internationals, and enjoy Brussels from a different perspective. This is a **small, curated gathering** to keep things social, easy, and high quality. *** ## ✨ What to expect * 🌇 Beautiful **sunset views over Brussels** * 🍹 Stylish rooftop bar (cocktails, wine, softs available) * 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Friendly group of people * 🎶 Chill, classy atmosphere (not a loud party) *** ## 📍 Practical info * **Location:** Sofitel Brussels Europe * **Meeting point:** Rooftop (enter Sofitel and take the lift) * **Time:** After work (see event time) * **Group size:** **Max. 15 participants** *** ## 🎟️ Reservation required (important) To ensure a smooth experience and avoid overcrowding, **a reservation is required**. * **Explorer members:** €5 to secure your spot * **Voyager & Ambassador members:** Included (free reservation) 👉 **Spots without reservation are not guaranteed** *** ## ⚠️ Good to know * Drinks are **paid individually at the bar** * Limitedty → first come, first served * This is a **social rooftop evening**, not a party *** ## 🌍 About Sunday Vacations A community of internationals in Brussels connecting through experiences, travel & good vibes. *** **Come for one drink… stay for the people ✨**

Join us for a 3 day intensive trekking in the Julian Alps and one cultural evening in Venice (for those who survive)! The Julian Alps are a stunning, limestone-dominated mountain range stretching from northeastern Italy into northwestern Slovenia. We will operate on the border of Italy and Slovenia (Julian Prealps). Possible attack on the Kanin summit (2587m). Very good physical condition required (approximately 800m ascents with 10-15kg backpacks per day,6-8h trek/day). 2 nights in unmanned mountain huts, last night near Venice (sightseeing/Vivalidi's concert?). Mountain/snow experience/equipment not required. The schedule: 22.5 - 04:00 a.m. departure (the car of the trip leader) to Charleroi Airport, flight: 06:45 to Venice Treviso (or the day earlier for those who prefer)-> Stolvizza (by rented car - possibility of teleworking from the car in the morning of 22/5 for those who can ;)(650m)-> mountain hut 1 (1450m), possible ascent towards Kanin summit on the same day (or the next one). 23.5 - mountain hut 1-> Bivacco Franco (1700m) -> (optional) pass Med Baban (2031m)-> Forcella Predolina->Monte Guarda and Plange-> mountain hut 2 (1200m). 24.5 - mountain hut 2-> Monte Plagne->Capella del Chila->Stolvizza (car)->evening in Venice->Hotel 25.5 (national holidays in BE) flight from Venice Treviso 11:50 (or 17:50 or the next day for those, who wish) to Charleroi ->13:30 return to BXL by the car of trip leader around 15:00. We will share the real costs equally + small organising fee for the Sunday Vacations/ Ujamaa ASBL platform. Budget (excluding meals, attractions in Venice and flight tickets-currently at 150E return ticket): car (Italy+Belgium+parking)+fuel, 1x20kg checked-in luggage, hotel in Venice (1 night) = around 150 EUR/pp. 4 or 9 people maximum (mountain huts/cars constraints)

Ready to shake off the work week and channel your inner rockstar? Join us for an unforgettable night of music, drinks, and questionable vocal choices at Red Karaoke in the heart of Brussels! Whether you’re a shower-singer extraordinaire or a seasoned stage pro, this is your night to shine. From timeless classics to the latest chart-toppers, we’ve got a microphone with your name on it. 🕒 The Game Plan * When: This Friday * Time: 9:00 PM (We’ll grab drinks first to find our "liquid courage") * Where: Red Karaoke, Brussels * Vibe: High energy, zero judgment, and 100% fun. 📝 What to Expect * Meet & Greet: We’ll gather at the bar at 9:00 PM to introduce ourselves before the singing starts. * The Playlist: Red Karaoke has an extensive library. Start thinking of your "go-to" song now! * No Pressure: Not a singer? No problem! We need enthusiastic backup dancers and professional "applause-givers" too. 📍 Logistics * Entry: Please RSVP so I can manage the table/booth booking. * Costs: Everyone covers their own drinks and their share of the room/singing fee (if applicable). * Finding Us: I’ll post our exact spot in the comments/chat on the night of the event. Look for the group laughing the loudest! > Pro Tip: Friday nights get busy! Please arrive on time so we can maximize our stage time. Let’s make some noise, Brussels! 🥂

🏃‍♂️ Sunday Vacations | Train Together, Finish Together --- Thinking about joining the **20km of Brussels on May 31st**… but don’t want to train alone? 👉 Join our **after-work training group** and prepare together in a fun, social, and motivating atmosphere. Whether you're a beginner or already running regularly — **you’re welcome.** --- ## 📆 Weekly Runs (April → May) We train **twice a week after work**: ### 🔵 Once per week – Easy Social Run 👉 Perfect to build consistency and meet the group --- ### 🟣 Once per week – Long Run (Main Session) * Distance increases every week * Structured pace groups 👉 This is the **key session** to prepare for the 20km --- ## 🏳️ Follow Your Flag (Pace Groups) To keep things simple, we use the official **20km Brussels pacemaker system**: * 🟠 **Beginner (≈ 2h15)** Run/walk friendly — just aim to finish * 🟣 **Steady (≈ 2h00)** Comfortable and regular pace * 🟢 **Intermediate (≈ 1h45)** Faster group for those who want a challenge 👉 Not sure? Start easy — you can switch anytime. --- ## 📊 Long Run Progression We gradually build up to the race: 6 km → 8 km → 10 km → 12 km → 14 km → 16 km → 18 km 🔥 * lighter week before the race --- ## 🏁 Goal 📅 Sunday 31 May 2026 🎯 Run the 20km of Brussels — together --- ## 💡 What to expect * Friendly, international group 🌍 * No one left behind * Natural pace groups * Motivating and social vibe 👉 We start together, run in groups, and finish together. --- ## ☕ After the run Optional drink or snack — because it’s also about **meeting people and having fun** --- ## ⚠️ Practical info * Bring water * Wear proper running shoes * Join at your own responsibility * Beginners welcome --- ## 🌍 About Sunday Vacations We are a **Brussels-based community** organizing social activities, hikes, and trips. 👉 This training is part of our mission: **bringing people together through shared experiences** --- ## 🔗 Participation To join, a **Sunday Vacations membership** is required: * Explorer (€5/year) → + €5 organizing fee * Voyager (€50/year) → no organizing fee * Ambassador (€150/year) → no organizing fee + perks 👉 Details: [www.sundayvacations.com/membership](http://www.sundayvacations.com/membership) --- 🔥 Don’t train alone — join us and enjoy the journey to the 20km!

BALAGAN X SANCTUM WE ARE BACK on Saturday, May 23 ! This Saturday 23th of May 2026 \| we are going to La Terrasse O2 for an unforgettable summer party \! BALAGAN & SANCTUM go to La Terrasse O2 w/ Party Finder - FREE ENTRANCE ☉ Priority free pass : [https://www.partyfinder.com/en/event/16117](https://www.partyfinder.com/en/event/16117) ☉ Facebook [https://fb.me/e/83Gq2wLxJ](https://fb.me/e/83Gq2wLxJ) ☉ Table booking : [https://www.la-terrasse.be/fr/reservation-du-salon/](https://www.la-terrasse.be/fr/reservation-du-salon/) ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ ☉ Line Up (A-Z) → GERSH → VICC → JEREMIE CHARLIER ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ ☉ DATE ? → Saturday 23 May ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ ☉ TIME ⏰ → 6Pm - 12PM ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ ☉ LOCATION ? La terrasse 02 Chaussée de la Hulpe 51-53, 1180 Uccle, Belgique ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ ☉ Casual elegance with a touch of summer vibe priority pass with the free tickets , firt in first served

Join us for a relaxed and enjoyable brunch at 17 Arrows Kitchen and Bar! This is a great opportunity to meet new people, enjoy good food, and ease into the weekend with great conversation. Whether you’re new to the group or it’s your first event, you’ll feel right at home.

**Soulbits Circle: A Monthly Gathering** **Every fragment of your story is medicine; come weave it into being** **Hosted by: Caitlynn Fortson** **[www.kalikwellnesswithin.org](www.kalikwellnesswithin.org) \| [www.centerfornewlife.org](www.centerfornewlife.org)** **The Center for New Life or Virtual, upon request** **Monthly Circles \| Fridays 6:30\-7:30PM** **Upcoming Dates: 5/1, 5/29, 6/26, 7/24, 8/28, 9/25, 10/23, 11/27, 12/18** A monthly healing space where we gather to tend the pieces of ourselves and weave them back into wholeness that we are. Each session opens with a Soulbits oracle image setting the tone for the gathering we will move through. We will come together to honor the natural rhythms of rooting, rising, releasing, and receiving; the cycles that shape the soul’s journey. Through the four pillars of being: mindset, movement, connection & nourishment, we will create a space where imagery, sensation, and community weave together. Where the body becomes the guide, images act as mirrors, and the soul speaks. This circle is about noticing what rises, honoring what’s true, and reconnecting with the parts of yourself ready to be seen. This is a space to gather your scattered pieces, soften your body, and return to your truth with community by your side. Soulbits Circle is a reminder that every fragment of your story, every soulbit, belongs. Together we weave them into the blooming wholeness that you are. *Energy Exchange: 1-group $20-40 or 6-group $115* *Payment Options: Venmo or Cash* **Please RSVP to [Caitlynn](https://kalikwellnesswithin.org/) via** **email @ [kalik.wellnesswithin@gmail.com](mailto:kalik.wellnesswithin@gmail.com)** **text @ ‪(614) 407-4021‬** 💫

This is an in-person meeting. Did you know that unwanted emotions like loneliness, sadness, hopelessness, anger, fear, anxiety, or feelings of irritation don’t just fall on you for no reason. They are not random occurrences that simply happen to people's minds. They are definitely not chemical imbalance in your brain due to some nebulous chemical reactions by chance. Your negative emotions are the symptoms of the painful experiences that you have which are not healed, and which are still affecting you. The effects of these painful experiences are exacerbated by the pressures or difficulties of the other problems in your life. For instance, let's say you are already carrying a huge load on your back, then you cannot take on much more, but, let's say something else happens to you, such as the difficulties from the Pandemic, then the resultant combined weight on you can take you over the edge, kind of like the straw that break the camel's back. When this happens, people's attention usually goes to the straw that was added, but actually the majority of the weight had come from the huge load that were already there, holding a person down and causing a person issues. So how do you remove the huge load that was already there? How do you lighten them up? Is it possible to get rid of them? That is what this meeting will be all about. Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of 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 and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

**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.