Members of the Hoop Mamas use fire-laced hoops in South Park. They meet on Wednesday nights in the park during the warmer months.

Editor’s note: Reporter Mark Boyle takes us behind the scenes of news stories in the area. This week, he catches up with a group of women who, on Wednesday evenings, take over Lawrence’s South Park. Hoop Mamas formed as a play group for women, men and children of all ages who are interested in getting exercise through the hula hoop. As Mark found out, the activity is dynamic, entertaining — and tiring.

The Wakarusa Festival may be just a memory here, but it has left a lasting impression on a hula hoop club here in Lawrence.

Following a trip to the festival in 2006, Hoop Mamas was formed and has now taken off with a good following.

“I just wanted to do it; I wanted to learn tricks and do it with all of me,” said Alison Mangan-Fitzgerald, co-founder of Hoop Mamas. “I like to dance, and I just thought they look so graceful, and mostly because they looked like they were having a really good time.”

The club was started by three founders and has now grown into a regular Wednesday night following of more than 20 people.

Mangan-Fitzgerald says that anyone can be successful hula hooping; the club has both men and women members spanning all age groups.

Caitlin Hornbeck took up the activity nearly three years ago and says Wednesday night’s play shop in South Park provides her with a true escape.

“I do keep learning all of the time,” Hornbeck said. “It’s constant progress, it’s pretty awesome.”

Those who attend the weekly gathering use hula hooping as a chance to release stress, but also as a fitness activity. Many of the women in the club have dance backgrounds and have found a way to further their repertoires with use of the hula hoop.

“I was a ballerina, and so with the grace and technique of being a ballerina, it really helped with the flow of feeling where the hula hoop is and being able to just dance with it. It’s dancing with a prop,” said Amanda Cooper, a member of the group.

These dancers also dare to dabble on the dangerous side of hula hooping. Yes, there can be danger involved.

These members have constructed collapsible hula hoops that have torches attached.

They say their fire dancing is something that takes a lot of practice but is also highly addictive.

If you would like to get involved and join the Hoop Mamas play shop, e-mail info@hoopmamas.net.