Gary Jenkins, with a few members of his band, the Thundering Hearts, entertain the Party in the Park crowd on June 5. (Record Photo/Nick Sellers)

By Nick Sellers | Staff Writer

MADISON – For the Madison Hospital, it was an evening to benefit its labor and delivery unit.

For the host venue, Insanity Skate Park, it’s the first of many events for the inside of the highly visible entertainment space that’s been in the works for years.

After having had the outdoor skate park and mini golf facilities opened previously, the newly opened inside made its debut on June 5 with its first public event, as attendees were treated to an evening of food, libations and entertainment provided by Nashville entertainer Gary Jenkins.

Organized by the Huntsville Hospital Foundation, the Friday-evening Party in the Park proceeds are to aid Madison Hospital help combat the growing demand for use of the hospital’s labor and delivery unit.

“I think this place is perfect for any event,” Madison Hospital President Mary Lynne Wright said.

Kristine Taff, lactation consultant for the hospital, said four labor rooms exist at Madison Hospital and that hopefully three more would be added soon with the help of proceeds from Party in the Park.

In addition to Jenkins’ musical entertainment, guests perused the Insanity Skate Park campus, which now includes laser tag, an indoor climbing wall, arcade games and two indoor skating rinks. Tables for guests were set up on one rink, while a cornhole tournament took place on the other.

“You will never find a better facility than here,” owner Brenda Buschmann said, adding that the facility employs 100 people. “This is not just a skate center. This is an event center.”

A yogurt and coffee bar is expected to be fully operational soon.

The evening’s festivities concluded with a live auction emceed by Jenkins.

“I’m super thankful to be invited here,” Jenkins said. “We’ve been overwhelmed by the great staff.”

Taste the Spirit of Madison, on June 13, and Parrots of the Caribbean, on Aug. 22, are two upcoming events to make use of Insanity Skate Park in the coming months.