Air Madness: An Action-Packed Destination

By Claudia Miller

April 30, 2018

Harrisburg’s entertainment options recently jumped to new heights with the opening of Air Madness, a large trampoline park.

Air Madness evolved from owner Jesse Van De Stroet’s original idea of building an ultimate dodgeball court onto his indoor sports complex, The Academy. After traveling out of state to research trampolines for the court, he was inspired to think much larger.

“He came back and the whole thing is a trampoline park. This new idea emerged,” recalled operations manager Kate Joffer. “His heart is for family, for kids, and to make a family atmosphere. You can’t go wrong when your heart’s in it.”

The concept transformed into reality with a 25,000 square-foot expansion to the preexisting structure. On September 30, 2017, Van De Stroet, his wife, Tanya, and their family officially opened Air Madness. General manager Tyler Pederson has seen the value of the park to the community and beyond.

“Family entertainment – it’s a need right now. Especially for your parent-kid interaction,” he said. “We have people from Watertown, Pierre, Iowa, Minnesota… it’s been a hit.”

Wall-to-wall trampolines are only the beginning. Air Madness offers a variety as massive as its location. With safety being a top priority, there’s also a lounge that overlooks all the attractions. Parents can relax, while easily keeping an eye on their children.

“We’re learning everything as we go. Everyone’s got new ideas and you’ve got to keep up with the times,” explained Joffer.

Air Madness entertains kids of all ages but doesn’t stop there. Plenty of adults jump into the excitement as well.

“We’ll have the adults come in and do the obstacle course or dodgeball,” explained Pederson. “Their first time here, they let their kids jump. Then, once they look around, they’re like, ‘This could be a lot of fun.’”

With many people working hard at the office or spending long hours in the car for vacations, Joffer believes adults can use a little bounce in their routines.

“It’s a fun place to work. There’s something new every day.” – Tyler

“Is it great for kids? Yes, the exercise, and to be able to keep them active. But you’ve got to think about that, too. You know, we sit behind a desk all day,” said Joffer. “It is really fun for all ages. You can’t put a limit on it.”

The park and its approximate 75 employees also have no issue handling a crowd. Private events have grown to high demand since opening. From birthdays to Christmas and after-prom parties, Air Madness is all about celebrating. The park even hosts its share of business gatherings.

“You would be surprised how many team building events we’ve had. They make their own competition out of it,” said Joffer. “People are really creative, and they come out of their shell. You see a different side to them.”

Air Madness’s first summer is approaching, and the new business isn’t setting any limits for the future.

“We’re so new, so we’re getting that game plan now of what our approach is, come summertime when it’s nice out,” said Pederson.

One thing is for sure: there will be no shortage of optimism at the park this summer. Joffer remains eager for Air Madness to soar to new levels during upcoming ventures.

“I’m excited for other people’s ideas on what we could do here for any upcoming event. So that’s not just for now, that’s for every day, every month,” said Joffer.

For more information, visit AirMadness.com.