Aspire: a park unlike any other

Whether you live in a big city, a small town or even out in the country, there is always something special about going to the park. It’s a place to gather with friends, watch the kids play or it’s a place where we can find time for ourselves.

a sprawling bicycle pump track winds down the ridge toward the Clinch River at Aspire Park in Clinton, Tennessee — The views from the top of the bicycle pump track at Aspire are some of the best in the park.

In the small town of Clinton, TN (just north of Knoxville), you’ll find the 300+ acre Aspire Recreational Park. It was a dream realized by local businessman Joe Hollingsworth, Jr. A private foundation owns and operates the park with the goal of providing Aspirational Recreation opportunities to the public for FREE

So, what sets Aspire apart from other parks. Think of it like this. You take Disney’s creativity and attention to detail, bring in a taste of the country’s best National Parks, and serve up inspiration and adventure all without charging an entrance fee. Check out the main attractions at this land of aspirational recreation.

Onward and Upward

For the hundreds of people passing by Aspire on Clinch Avenue, the thing that is probably most noticeable is the large stone and glass building at the base of a high ridge. On the side are dark green letters which spell out the word Aspire.. This is the Onward and Upward Building, a great place to start a visit to this one of a kind park just minutes from downtown Knoxville.

Step inside the doors and head to your left for a closer look at all the ways this place works to be aspirational. In addition to a large map of the park, you’ll find an exhibit featuring a holographic version of park founder Joe Hollingsworth. Beside this is the “Adventure to Aspiration” an interactive area designed especially for kids, but one adults can enjoy too.

pieces of fried fish inside a softshell taco with pickled onions and sauce drenched on top — Whether it’s hamburgers, a steak, or fish tacos you’re hungry for, the food at the Pearl Restaurant is sure to inspire the food lover in you.

Most of the people coming to the Onward and Upward building have food on their mind. This is where you’ll find The Pearl Restaurant. With seating inside and out there are plenty of places to enjoy this space, views of the park and tasty southern inspired dishes. Thirsty for an adult beverage? No problem. There’s a bar on the main floor with the restaurant and another one upstairs with rooftop seating. The team at Aspire worked diligently on crafting a menu and setting as well as prices that won’t empty your wallet.

Service and Sacrifice

No matter what time of day you pass through South Clinton, an array of 13 metal spires in the middle of Aspire Park will surely catch your attention. This is the centerpiece of the Sacrifice and Service Memorial. At night, the spires light up and a laser cannon shoots a beam of light high into the sky.

The pathway around the memorial features plaques honoring those who served in the military or as first responders as well as a marker for each of the 50 states. Two other features focus on the attacks of September 11th, 2001. One is a statue of “the man in the red bandana.” The other is a replica of the Liberty Bell, made from steel from the Twin Towers.

The Launch

Located across from a small island in the scenic Clinch River, The Launch at Aspire features places to cast your fishing line, launch a kayak or canoe or just sit by the water and enjoy the view. Spaces here are available to rent for gatherings as well as the nearby Exchange.

Spending time in the outdoors

Outdoor recreation abounds at Aspire Park. Visitors can take off into the woods or beside the river along 20+ miles of hiking and biking trails. Professional bikers designed a pump track, too that features adventure for bikers of all skill levels.

You don’t have to be adventurous to enjoy the outdoors at Aspire. At the center of the grounds, the wildflower garden beckons visitors with its cornucopia of colors at different times of the year. Often those colors extend beyond the garden with flowers visible along many of the walkways throughout the park.

Throughout the year, the colors shine at Aspire Park, like this summer scene at the Wildflower Garden.

Just outside the Onward and Upward building kids will marvel at the large wooden “pyramids” stretching up toward the sky. These slides are part of the Adventure Playground, where different sections cater to the curiosities and abilities of kids of different ages. There’s even a mini zip line.

Who doesn’t like climbing up into a pyramid and sliding down. The playground at Aspire Park provides adventures aplenty.

And for all those canine lovers, the Dog Park at Aspire provides plenty of space for your pooch to use up some of their boundless pockets of energy..

A park for all seasons

While spring and summer offer prime opportunities for enjoying all the outdoor activities at Aspire, the fun certainly doesn’t stop there. With its vast wooded areas you can expect Mother Nature to put on quite the show in the fall. And in the, the park presents the largest walk through holiday light show in the Southeast. Aspirations in Light is a ticketed event.

Aspirations in Light brings winter magic to Aspire Park. It is the largest walk through light display in the Southeast.

Aspire Park is truly a unique and wonderful place, an attraction well worth the drive from anywhere. While in the area be sure and visit Historic Downtown Clinton, the Green Macadoo Museum, the Secret City of Oak Ridge and Norris Dam State Park. Visit AlwaysAspire.com for even more information on the park.