Our aspirational founder, Joe Hollingsworth Jr. (pictured left), and his family embody the spirit of vision and perseverance that will one day inspire Aspire.

In 1984, when Joe A. Hollingsworth built his personal home on the mountain just off 25W, he noticed 40 acres for sale across the street. Envisioning its potential as a future city park, he purchased the land. Soon after, an additional 16 acres adjoining this property became available, which he bought.

Initially, Joe explored the possibility of attracting businesses to the land instead of pursuing the park idea. However, the vision of creating a park prevailed; and, over time, it became evident that many of the most innovative parks in the nation were privately owned and controlled. Unlike public parks, private parks could implement changes without relying on annual funding from local governments, giving them the flexibility to evolve from passive to active spaces based on guests' needs.

This realization reinforced the decision to establish a foundation to support in perpetuity and develop the land into a private park.

In 2019, Mike Wallace, Executive Director of the Aspire Foundation, began researching the nation’s most successful parks. He compiled a collection of the most popular and effective park features to incorporate into Aspire Foundation’s plans.

Meanwhile, the property on 25W expanded from 64 to 178 acres through additional acquisitions. A unique opportunity arose with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), which had acquired the remainder of the Aspire mountain in the 1960s.

Recognizing Aspire’s potential to enhance the area, TVA agreed to a long-term cooperative agreement with the Aspire foundation. This agreement added another 192 acres to Aspire’s footprint, bringing the total to 370 acres, provided that the Aspire foundation improved the land with hiking and biking trails.

The foundation then held a national design competition, inviting six of the country’s most promising landscape architects. Port Urbanism of Philadelphia won the competition, marking the beginning of an exciting challenge.

By integrating insights from national park visits into the design, the Aspire Foundation developed the roof upsweep design, which was later complemented by additional features such as the focus on Service and Sacrifice, represented by the uplifting spires.

While this park has been in the dream stages for 40 years, the foundation believes Aspire represents the future of guest satisfaction and community-enhancing park experiences. Aspire is a role model for future privately-funded foundations that are pursuing similar developments.

That vision takes shape as construction begins, laying the foundation for something greater.

To further instill community pride and attract new families to Clinton, designing culture training for the first Aspire Teammates becomes a priority.

The foundation envisions Aspire as a place where individuals can grow through the opportunities it provides, enhancing their resumes and preparing them for future success. We are committed to ensuring that every individual who works at Aspire gains the skills and experience necessary to reach their full potential.

Aspire officially opens to the public, transforming the land into a destination for adventure, connection, and lifelong memories.

Aspire is built on a foundation of sustainability, community enrichment, and inspiration. Financially, the park will be sustained through an endowment, the leasing of its 14 exceptional venues, proceeds from The Pearl at Aspire and the Pearl Garden, and catering private events. This model ensures Aspire remains vibrant and self-sufficient for the next 100 years.

More than a park, Aspire is a living legacy of the Hollingsworth Family’s commitment to enhancing the East Tennessee region. By documenting the rich history of Clinton and preserving the stories of its leaders and notable events, Aspire connects guests to the area’s heritage along its 22 miles of hiking and biking trails. This effort not only honors the past but seeks to inspire future generations to dream bigger and achieve greater.

At Aspire, every visitor is encouraged to explore, reflect, and leave feeling empowered and confident. Aspire’s commitment extends beyond its guests to its teammates, providing cultural training and skill-building opportunities that enhance resumes and prepare individuals for success.

Aspire envisions a future where every individual, whether a guest or a teammate, leaves better equipped to achieve their full potential.