Aspire Park redefines public gathering and open space in a rural community in East Tennessee, transforming a 180-acre site at the bend of the Clinch River into a dynamic destination for recreation, ecology, and cultural engagement. Situated approximately 45 minutes from Knoxville, the site’s design capitalizes on four iconic natural landscapes—Mountain, River, Field, and Meadow—creating a framework that celebrates the region’s unique beauty and diversity.

The Groves

The setting for the park offered beautiful nature and compelling topography yet was disconnected from the surrounding community by an active rail line. A new park entrance crosses this divide and brings visitors into the the Groves, a 7-acre landscape composed of over 500 trees arrayed across the site in large grids. Today, the Groves evoke the area’s agricultural history, but over time, they will form a dynamic and ecologically productive canopy that provides shade and shelter to visitors human and non-human alike. At the heart of the Groves sits The Exchange, a dramatic 300-foot long roof structure, which offers ample shelter for movie nights, picnics, farmers markets, and other community events.

The Meadows

Upland from the Groves is a 13-acre area of the site under which sits a clay-capped coal fly ash landfill, which could not be penetrated or disturbed during the construction of the park. Out of this heavily disturbed site grew the Meadows, a subtly undulating and ever-changing expanse of native wildflowers and grasses with winding walking trails that offer visitors a serene retreat.

The Launch

At the bend of the Clinch River we sited the Launch, a hub for local watersports and a place for fishing, canoeing, and other activities central to daily life and recreation on the river. Two piers jut into the river itself, offering shelter to visitors who are putting in their kayaks or canoes, and offering unexpected vistas over the river itself.

Upper Landscape

The upper landscape focuses on provisioning ample space for outdoor recreation, play, and gathering. At the foot of the forested ridge we sited the Onward and Upward center (OUC), a 22,000 sf that contains exhibit space, event space, park offices, maintenance facilities, and a full restaurant. Immediately adjacent to the OUC is a destination playground that serves as the launching point for various activities along the ridge. Play spaces terrace up the slope and provide experiences for all ages and abilities. Lower terraces cater to younger explorers, opening opportunity for imaginative play with a play hut and iconic wooden chicks and a mother hen. The middle terraces allow for climbing, swinging, balancing, and sliding, centered around the 40’ tall pyramid climbing tower. At the top of the slope, an immensely popular double zipline offers incredible views over the park as well as a thrilling ride. Trails from the playground takes visitors to a mountainside pump track and numerous trails.

Aspire Park combines bold architectural elements, extensive ecological restoration, and varied recreational amenities, reflecting the client’s ambitious vision for both local empowerment, community gathering, and regional attraction. Completed over the course of four years, Aspire Park is a $30 million generational investment in Clinton, Tennessee that creates a place for families, adventurers, and nature lovers to connect with one another and the natural world around them

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