CJ Extra: Yoga at Topeka Cemetery combines exercise, history
The Historic Topeka Cemetery, with views of the city skyline, will also be the site for this year’s Yoga at the Cemetery.
Though a cemetery may seem to be an unusual location for an exercise group, it is one that has proved popular in the past.
Angela Lexow, co-owner of The Yoga Room and leader of the Yoga at the Cemetery session, and Lisa Sandmeyer, superintendent of Topeka Cemetery, answered questions about the event.
Could you give a little of the history behind yoga at the cemetery? Who came up with the idea?
Lexow: Not 100% sure who came up with it first. I co-own The Yoga Room and am on the board for the Friends of the Cemetery and thought it would be a cool, but very different, place to do yoga. I’m one of those people who like cemeteries and find them interesting and peaceful. I thought it would be a great way to join like-minded people in a fundraiser for the cemetery.
Where and when will this year's event occur?
Lexow: This year it will be 9-10 a.m. June 13, weather permitting and depending on governor’s group gathering orders at that time. We hope to do another in the fall.
How many people have attended the event in the past? What age groups were represented?
Lexow: We have had close to 30 people, I believe — all age groups from teens to 60s.
Are there other activities that go with yoga in the cemetery?
Lexow: We have had a tour after, but with distancing now, people can do a self-guided tour with the cemetery guidebook.
Where exactly is Topeka Cemetery located?
Lexow: The cemetery is at 1601 S.E. 10th.
Where in the cemetery will the yoga occur? Why was this location selected?
Lexow: Yoga will be on Mausoleum Row. It is the most famous part of the cemetery and easiest to find. There is a lot of open space there — grass and road and no tombstones so that we are not on any graves.
Sandmeyer: Topeka Cemetery is on the west side of California Avenue between Interstate 70 and 10th Avenue. For yoga, the best entrance to use is the main gate on 10th Avenue, which is at Leland Avenue. Come straight up the hill, and Mausoleum Row is at the top.
We do yoga in what is known as Hurley Park, the green space surrounding the 40-foot obelisk that is James Edward Hurley’s monument. He was a general manager for the Santa Fe Railway. The monument faces Mausoleum Row, one of Topeka Cemetery’s most interesting features. This is a large area, with plenty of room to stay 6 feet apart. It also has parking.
Is there a charge to participate? If so, what will the money be used for? Also, does one need to register in advance?
Lexow: There is no charge to participate, but a $10 suggested donation to help the Friends of the Cemetery continue special events, such as Memorial and Veterans Day events and ghost tours, etc. No pre-registration is required.
How long will the yoga session last? What type of moves will be included? How good of shape does one need to be in to participate?
Lexow: The session will last 45 minutes to one hour. The class will be gentle and good for anyone even if you are new to yoga. You don’t have to be super flexible — just able to get up and down on your mat, and possibly OK with heat. It may be warm on June 13.
Are there any similar activities planned for the cemetery in the future?
Lexow: We hope to have another in the fall. We have had planned several of these but sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Sandmeyer: This area is where most cemetery activities occur. We start most tours, including the self-guided tour, at the Hurley Monument.
One activity that is becoming popular is having the club meeting in Crane Mausoleum followed by an evening tour. Crane is large enough to seat 25 to 30 people with room for setting up a buffet line for dinner. Electricity can be provided. Groups can contact the cemetery office for information on scheduling and fees.
We hope to resume guided tours in the fall. In the meantime, people can take a self-guided tour on foot or by car with the help of the cemetery’s guide book. This is available at the office, or people can call and have one mailed to them.
The Friends are working on this year’s ghost tours. The format is being changed so more people can participate and reservations won’t be necessary.
Where can people find more information on this event and Topeka Cemetery itself?
Lexow: We have a Facebook event — Yoga at The Historic Topeka Cemetery. You can also find info on the Cemetery Facebook page, The Yoga Room at Fairlawn Plaza Facebook page or www.theyogaroomtopeka.com.
Sandmeyer: Historic Topeka Cemetery on Facebook and TopekaCemetery.com.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Lexow: People will need to bring their own mat and water as it may be hot. Because of COVID-19, no mats will be available to borrow. Please come early so you can find a spot and be ready to go at 9 a.m.
Sandmeyer: Friends of Historic Topeka Cemetery welcomes new members. Like most Friends groups, annual dues of $35 for an individual or $50 for a family are used to support the group’s mission to promote Topeka history through the stories of Topeka Cemetery’s 35,000 residents.
This year, a special Friends Night Ghost Tour will kick off that event, free to members (guests $10). Friends also get first crack at tickets for the Séance in the Cemetery and other major public events.
More information about the Friends and a link for joining can be found at TopekaCemetery.com.
The cemetery website also has a database of all burials along with maps and ground views to help people find their loved ones. The Walk-to-Site feature can be used on a smartphone to pinpoint locations in the cemetery.
The grounds at Topeka Cemetery are open from sunrise to sunset daily year-round.
YOGA IN THE CEMETERY
When: 9-10 a.m. Saturday, June 13
Where: Historic Topeka Cemetery, S.E. 10th and California
Cost: None; $10 donation recommended
Information: Historic Topeka Cemetery on Facebook; TopekaCemetery.com; www.theyogaroomtopeka.com
