Zimbabwe

💌 **Online Speed Dating for Detroit Singles — Real Connections, Long-Term Thinking** This is for singles who are done with apps that go nowhere. Done with casual. Ready for a genuine conversation with someone who might actually matter. Live on Zoom. Personality matched. Built for people who want something that lasts. **Choose your age group to register:** - Ages 18-32: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Detroit&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=18-32&face_v=2.0) - Ages 30-46: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Detroit&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=30-46&face_v=2.0) - Ages 40-58: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Detroit&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=40-58&face_v=2.0) - Ages 55+: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Detroit&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=55+&face_v=2.0) 🌿 RSVP here alone does not hold your place. Complete your registration through the link above and finish the short personality quiz. --- **How it works:** 1. Register via your age group link and complete the personality quiz. 2. Join Zoom at the event time — works on any device, no downloads needed. 3. Meet Detroit singles in short one-on-one rounds matched by age and personality. 4. Mutual matches are shared after — take it forward at your own pace. 🤍 Spots are kept small to keep things personal. If you are serious about finding the right person, this is where it starts.

💌 **Online Speed Dating for Cincinnati Singles — Real Connections, Long-Term Thinking** This is for singles who are done with apps that go nowhere. Done with casual. Ready for a genuine conversation with someone who might actually matter. Live on Zoom. Personality matched. Built for people who want something that lasts. **Choose your age group to register:** - Ages 18-32: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cincinnati&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=18-32&face_v=2.0) - Ages 30-46: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cincinnati&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=30-46&face_v=2.0) - Ages 40-58: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cincinnati&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=40-58&face_v=2.0) - Ages 55+: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cincinnati&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=55+&face_v=2.0) 🌿 RSVP here alone does not hold your place. Complete your registration through the link above and finish the short personality quiz. --- **How it works:** 1. Register via your age group link and complete the personality quiz. 2. Join Zoom at the event time — works on any device, no downloads needed. 3. Meet Cincinnati singles in short one-on-one rounds matched by age and personality. 4. Mutual matches are shared after — take it forward at your own pace. 🤍 Spots are kept small to keep things personal. If you are serious about finding the right person, this is where it starts.

Enjoy a nice day out for early dinner. No over-the-top expensive Mother's day hoopla stuff. Just good eats.

*We can only take 13 women on this trip.* **The details...** Immerse yourself in the wild splendor of Scotland on this exclusive **women’s 8-day hiking** adventure. Misty moors, heather-clad hillsides, verdant glens, and ancient castles steeped in folklore will fill your camera roll by the end of this trip. ***Learn more about this all women journey here: [Highlands](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/journeys-1/hiking-highlands-scotland-2026)*** **A guided adventure:** Guided by experienced locals, explore the untamed hills of Glencoe and the Cairngorms during invigorating day hikes. Each evening, unwind and reflect on the day’s experiences, forging friendships and savoring Highland hospitality. This is more than a hiking trip. It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in Scotland’s rich history and traditions. Learn about women-led crofts and take a loch plunge while wild swimming (followed by a steamy sauna). **What to expect...** * Hike in Scotland’s rugged Highlands and experience green Glencoe. * Visit a medieval castles and historic stone villages. * Soak up the history of Edinburgh’s city center. * Indulge in delicious and plentiful Scottish cuisine, including fresh seafood, local beer, and hearty breakfasts. * Traverse heather-clad landscapes while giving your body a good workout. (You must train for this trip.) * Enjoy restorative stays at beautiful hotels. **Wait, there's more...** * Bask in the beauty of the Cairngorms. * Hike with other Bold Spirit women who love to travel as much as you do. * Learn about rewilding and women-led crofting. * Shop along the cobblestone streets of Edinburgh. * Take the plunge into a loch for wild swimming and a shoreline sauna experience. * Stretch both your mind and hamstrings on this special journey. The best part? Our team **takes care of the logistics** so you can focus on enjoying a much needed vacation in beautiful Scotland. Are you ready to meet other women who love to hike and travel, plus see Scotland with professional guides? ***Learn more about this all women tour here: [2026 Hiking the Highlands Journey](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/journeys-1/hiking-highlands-scotland-2026)*** * Ask us questions here: [Tell me more about this trip](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/contact) * Learn about Bold Spirit Travel [here](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/about). * Rates start at $6195

💌 **Online Speed Dating for Cleveland Singles — Real Connections, Long-Term Thinking** This is for singles who are done with apps that go nowhere. Done with casual. Ready for a genuine conversation with someone who might actually matter. Live on Zoom. Personality matched. Built for people who want something that lasts. **Choose your age group to register:** - Ages 18-32: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cleveland&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=18-32&face_v=2.0) - Ages 30-46: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cleveland&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=30-46&face_v=2.0) - Ages 40-58: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cleveland&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=40-58&face_v=2.0) - Ages 55+: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cleveland&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=55+&face_v=2.0) 🌿 RSVP here alone does not hold your place. Complete your registration through the link above and finish the short personality quiz. --- **How it works:** 1. Register via your age group link and complete the personality quiz. 2. Join Zoom at the event time — works on any device, no downloads needed. 3. Meet Cleveland singles in short one-on-one rounds matched by age and personality. 4. Mutual matches are shared after — take it forward at your own pace. 🤍 Spots are kept small to keep things personal. If you are serious about finding the right person, this is where it starts.

**💓 Zoom-Hosted Speed Dating for Toledo People Done with Apps** Each evening, you'll be guided through rapid one-on-one Zoom dates with people from Toledo sorted by age and compatibility, while a live host keeps things smooth throughout. Right after registering, you submit a short personality questionnaire — the quiz results inform who you meet to match you with Toledo singles who are likely to click with you, meaning your rounds are curated and not random. Once it is wrapped up, mutual match details are distributed — exclusively for mutual selections — and it is yours to follow up without any rush. **Find your bracket and register:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Toledo&groupurlname=collective-of-singles-planning-dinner-parties&ar=18-32&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Toledo&groupurlname=collective-of-singles-planning-dinner-parties&ar=30-46&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Toledo&groupurlname=collective-of-singles-planning-dinner-parties&ar=40-58&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Toledo&groupurlname=collective-of-singles-planning-dinner-parties&ar=55+&face_v=3.0) **⚠️ Important:** An rsvp on this page is not a confirmed spot, so use the link for your age bracket above, sign up, and finish the short personality quiz — spots go quickly so register now rather than later, and both steps together are what confirm your place. --- **Here is how the evening goes** 1. **Lock in your place** – by selecting your age group and following the link, then finish the compatibility quiz, because this step is your confirmation not the RSVP. 2. **Hop on** – via your Zoom registration link at the right time, any device works and no download is required, and the host introduces everyone and gets the rounds started. 3. **Have your dates** – timed one-on-one speed dates with age-matched Toledo locals paired by quiz, as the host handles all transitions so conversations stay natural, since every person you meet was matched to you on purpose. 4. **Review your matches** – after the night mutual match results are sent to both parties, since non-mutual choices are never shared with either party, and you reach out whenever you feel ready. **Who it is for:** - Individuals in Toledo finished with profiles that never convert to actual dates and are ready for a genuine first impression. - Those based in Toledo who are tired of endless scrolling and zero real dates and need a better way to meet people. - Anyone locally in Toledo moving beyond swiping left and right with no results and are ready for a genuine first impression. - Daters around Toledo who no longer want app fatigue and empty match queues and are serious about meeting someone. - People calling Toledo home wanting to escape swiping left and right with no results and are after something more than a swipe can offer. **Event Info** - **Format:** Host-managed through Zoom video built around curated one-on-one dates, personality-first and age-grouped at every stage. - **Where:** From home — on any screen with a camera and mic, Wi-Fi and a front-facing camera covers it completely, and any quiet space with good lighting will do fine. - **Host:** A welcoming host runs the session from the opening to the final round, so every conversation gets your full attention — there is nothing on your end to organise or manage. - **Vibe:** Comfortable short conversations with Toledo people who are ready for something real, and the whole thing is better than you would expect. - **Duration:** Roughly 60 to 75 minutes from host intro to final round, with most rounds feeling short. ⭐ *"Tried it once and booked again — did not feel awkward at all"* – Toledo attendee 💡 **Helpful hint:** prepare one or two opening questions, and the host takes care of everything else from there, and the host handles everything else from that point. --- ✨ Your next match could be one Zoom call away — grab your spot above and all the logistics are covered this time. See you on the other side. 💎 ✨

💌 **Online Speed Dating for Columbus Singles — Real Connections, Long-Term Thinking** This is for singles who are done with apps that go nowhere. Done with casual. Ready for a genuine conversation with someone who might actually matter. Live on Zoom. Personality matched. Built for people who want something that lasts. **Choose your age group to register:** - Ages 18-32: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbus&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=18-32&face_v=2.0) - Ages 30-46: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbus&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=30-46&face_v=2.0) - Ages 40-58: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbus&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=40-58&face_v=2.0) - Ages 55+: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbus&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=55+&face_v=2.0) 🌿 RSVP here alone does not hold your place. Complete your registration through the link above and finish the short personality quiz. --- **How it works:** 1. Register via your age group link and complete the personality quiz. 2. Join Zoom at the event time — works on any device, no downloads needed. 3. Meet Columbus singles in short one-on-one rounds matched by age and personality. 4. Mutual matches are shared after — take it forward at your own pace. 🤍 Spots are kept small to keep things personal. If you are serious about finding the right person, this is where it starts.

**🎉 Speed Dating without the Venue for Detroit Singles Tonight** You'll rotate through short virtual speed dates with Detroit singles your age curated by personality quiz, as a welcoming host takes care of everything. As part of your registration, you take a short personality assessment — those results are used to pair you intelligently with Detroit locals, so every round is informed by more than just looks. After all the rounds, we share who chose whom — exclusively for mutual selections — and you reach out whenever you are ready. **Registration — choose your age group:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Detroit&groupurlname=collective-of-singles-planning-dinner-parties&ar=18-32&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Detroit&groupurlname=collective-of-singles-planning-dinner-parties&ar=30-46&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Detroit&groupurlname=collective-of-singles-planning-dinner-parties&ar=40-58&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Detroit&groupurlname=collective-of-singles-planning-dinner-parties&ar=55+&face_v=3.0) **⚠️ Do not skip this:** Clicking rsvp is only the first step not the whole process, so register through the age group link, complete the form, and take the two-minute personality quiz — capacity is restricted so act soon, and your place is confirmed only once you have done both. --- **Made for:** - Members around Detroit moving on from matches that ghost after two messages and are ready for something genuine instead. - Women and men living in Detroit bored of endless scrolling and zero real dates and are serious about meeting someone. - Returners living in Detroit wanting to escape app fatigue and empty match queues and want to try something that actually works. - Members from the Detroit area leaving behind apps that waste evenings for no return and are after something more than a swipe can offer. **Four simple steps** 1. **Complete registration** – through the link corresponding to your age range, then take the brief personality quiz, because this is the only way to be confirmed. 2. **Show up on Zoom** – via your Zoom registration link at the right time, any device works and no download is required, and everything from that point is handled by the host. 3. **Go through the rounds** – quick private video rounds with age-matched Detroit locals paired by quiz, as the host signals each transition calmly and clearly, given that the matching was done before the evening started. 4. **Review your matches** – we reveal mutual matches once the session ends, as your data only goes to someone who matched you back, and the next move is completely yours to make. --- ✨ Detroit singles worth meeting are in this event — grab your spot above and we will do the rest while places last. Your next chapter might start tonight. ❤️‍🔥 ✨

**This month’s Creativity Circle is very timely. We will be making our own craft flowers out of paper, coffee filters, popsicle sticks, sparkles, cupcake liners, pipe cleaners and more! All ages welcome, show up as you can, bring a friend or a few if you would like to! Excited to see you there! Seats Limited. Held at the Westerville Public Library Meeting Room B.**

💌 **Online Speed Dating for Indianapolis Singles — Real Connections, Long-Term Thinking** This is for singles who are done with apps that go nowhere. Done with casual. Ready for a genuine conversation with someone who might actually matter. Live on Zoom. Personality matched. Built for people who want something that lasts. **Choose your age group to register:** - Ages 18-32: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Indianapolis&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=18-32&face_v=2.0) - Ages 30-46: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Indianapolis&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=30-46&face_v=2.0) - Ages 40-58: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Indianapolis&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=40-58&face_v=2.0) - Ages 55+: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Indianapolis&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=55+&face_v=2.0) 🌿 RSVP here alone does not hold your place. Complete your registration through the link above and finish the short personality quiz. --- **How it works:** 1. Register via your age group link and complete the personality quiz. 2. Join Zoom at the event time — works on any device, no downloads needed. 3. Meet Indianapolis singles in short one-on-one rounds matched by age and personality. 4. Mutual matches are shared after — take it forward at your own pace. 🤍 Spots are kept small to keep things personal. If you are serious about finding the right person, this is where it starts.

💌 **Online Speed Dating for Fort Wayne Singles — Real Connections, Long-Term Thinking** This is for singles who are done with apps that go nowhere. Done with casual. Ready for a genuine conversation with someone who might actually matter. Live on Zoom. Personality matched. Built for people who want something that lasts. **Choose your age group to register:** - Ages 18-32: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Fort%20Wayne&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=18-32&face_v=2.0) - Ages 30-46: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Fort%20Wayne&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=30-46&face_v=2.0) - Ages 40-58: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Fort%20Wayne&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=40-58&face_v=2.0) - Ages 55+: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Fort%20Wayne&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=55+&face_v=2.0) 🌿 RSVP here alone does not hold your place. Complete your registration through the link above and finish the short personality quiz. --- **How it works:** 1. Register via your age group link and complete the personality quiz. 2. Join Zoom at the event time — works on any device, no downloads needed. 3. Meet Fort Wayne singles in short one-on-one rounds matched by age and personality. 4. Mutual matches are shared after — take it forward at your own pace. 🤍 Spots are kept small to keep things personal. If you are serious about finding the right person, this is where it starts.

Join us as we get together to see your choice of two VERY different movies – one sweet and wholesome – the other a terrifying folklore horror! Option 1 is the fun whodunnit-action-comedy-mystery led by Hugh Jackman, THE SHEEP DETECTIVES! Option 2 is the top-reviewed supernatural-horror-thriller starring Adam Scott, HOKUM! Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: THE SHEEP DETECTIVES: Every night a shepherd reads aloud a murder mystery, pretending his sheep can understand. When he is found dead, the sheep realize at once that it was a murder and think they know everything about how to go about solving it. The film is directed by Kyle Balda and take a look at this ensemble cast: Hugh Jackman, Nicholas Braun, Molly Gordon, Hong Chau and Emma Thompson and the voices of Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Bryan Cranston, Chris O'Dowd, Regina Hall, Patrick Stewart, Bella Ramsey, Brett Goldstein and Rhys Darby. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyZI5oM6hWk HOKUM: In this film, a horror writer visits an Irish inn to scatter his parents' ashes, unaware the property is said to be haunted by a witch. It is written/directed by Damian McCarthy stars Adam Scott, Peter Coonan, David Wilmot, Florence Ordesh and Austin Amelio. Hokum premiered to rave reviews at this year’s SXSW Festival and is being release by Neon. It is earning a stellar 97% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which calls it, “A classic haunted house story enriched with atmospheric folklore and perfectly-timed shocks!” TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVCIK_MPyhc PLAN: For those seeing HOKUM, please purchase your ticket for the 7:00pm showing and meet inside the theater lobby at 6:50pm! For those seeing THE SHEEP DETECTIVES, please purchase your ticket for the 7:15pm showing and meet inside the theater lobby at 7:00pm! For BOTH films, we’ll plan for a pre-show bite at nearby El Vaquero! For those joining for dinner, we’ll meet at El Vaquero at 5:45pm! Should be a couple of fun movies and a good time together, Dan

The theme for May is Thriller. • The book we will be discussing is A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson. (determined by votes from April Book Club. Let me know if you'd like a free digital copy of the book) • This event will be at the main library. Feel free to come whether or not you've started or finished the book. • Small snacks will be provided. You're welcome to bring your own snacks & drinks too! Let me know if you’d like to volunteer to bring snacks or drinks for the group.

Join us as we get together to get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event! We have a great little community of Movie Group friends so rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “create a better world” by helping serve those in need. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: FAITH MISSION – GRANT KITCHEN: The Faith Mission kitchen and dining room serves residents 3 meals a day, every day of the year. For this event, our group will help prepare food, serve meals, assist residents in the dining room, wash dishes, and clean surfaces. PLAN: We will be preparing / serving / cleaning for BRUNCH from 10:30am to 12:30pm and have space for a total of 7 volunteers. Please arrive at 10:20am and wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. LOCATION: Faith Mission – Grant Kitchen is located at 245 N. Grant Ave. Enter the kitchen at Dock 1 (in the back of the building), indicated in the attached map. On-site parking in the adjacent lot and street parking is available in the surrounding area. Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing all of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please try to update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. With few exceptions, no shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will not be eligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. Our Partner Agency for this event is Lutheran Social Services! A huge THANK YOU to all of YOU for volunteering at this (and any of our previous) CMG Gives Back events! Should be another good/fun/meaningful time together, Dan

**Every Thursday** 2390 Harper Isabelle, Columbus, OH 43235 **Register online at [enso.dance](https://enso.dance?utm_source=meetup)** We invite you to pay what you feel is fair. All proceeds support future events and 100% of tips are paid directly to artists. **May Schedule:** 6:45pm: Free hugs! 7pm: All Levels Kizomba 8pm: Bachata • Kizomba • Zouk social **No partner or dance experience required.** We rotate regularly and lessons are adjusted for students present. Non-grippy footwear (smooth soles or socks) is recommended. BYOB. **Alexandra** brings over 10 years of partner dance experience having travelled the world over to develop her skills as an ambidextrous dancer. Equally fluent in leading and following Kizomba and Zouk, she also enjoys dancing Bachata Sensual, West Coast Swing, Contact Improv and Argentine Tango. As a community builder, her goal is to create inclusive spaces where dancers from all backgrounds and experiences are welcome. Present. Connected. Beautifully Imperfect. We are **Ensō** dancers.

**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.

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!