‘Thank you’

Aspire Park holds soiree for Chamber, shows part of grounds

June 14, 2023 by Ken Leinart

It doesn’t seem like it’s been that long ago.

Was it really 2019 when the Hollingsworth Foundation first announced plans to build Aspire Park in South Clinton?

The park, which will probably be completed by the end of the summer, has transformed the city of Clinton. It has given it a solid focal point, a purpose, if you will.

It has shown what can be done with determination.

And help.

Thursday night, The Hollingsworth Foundation, the Aspire Park Foundation, and the Anderson County Chamber of Commerce hosted a summer soiree at Aspire to showcase some of the park’s features and to also raise funds for the Chamber of Commerce’s new home near the heart of downtown Clinton.

Held in the open air pavilion of The Exchange, Thursday evening’s event was a way of saying “thank you” to the community that has supported the venture, but also those who have worked against some incredible obstacles to make it happen.

Yes, it was 2019 when the plans for Aspire were announced. And yes, a lot has happened since then.

Joe Hollingsworth Jr. addressed those obstacles in brief remarks Thursday. “We were hit by the pandemic,” he said. “Then there was the supply shortage.”

But he added that the Hollingsworth Foundation and the Aspire Foundation — all the people who are making Aspire possible — worked tirelessly to overcome any obstacle before them.

He had a special “thank you,” for Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, who, he said, “Carried a lot of water for us.”

Hollingsworth said when it came time to negotiate with Norfolk Southern Railroad, TVA and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, it was McNally who stood in the park’s corner.

“And he’ll be asked to carry more water for us,” Hollingsworth said.

And he thanked the Chamber of Commerce for its participation, joking he was “told” Aspire was hosting Thursday’s event.

Chamber President Rick Meredith noted that the excitement surrounding Aspire is an inspiration — saying that the Chamber hoped to raise $100,000 for its new home Thursday night. By time the actual fundraising efforts began, nearly half of that was already committed.

Fittingly, the Service and Sacrifice Memorial was the backdrop for much of the event Thursday night. It was the showcase of all the many showcases the park will offer that pulled those attending Thursday night to visit.

“Selfies” were taken, and the meaning of the memorial discussed.

And Thursday it should have been.

From the Aspire website:

“In heartfelt homage, we unveil the ‘Service and Sacrifice Monument’ as a profound tribute to the courageous men and women who selflessly sacrificed for others and tirelessly served in our United States Military, safeguarding our nation’s safety.

“Thirteen majestic spires soar, symbolizing the original colonies, gracefully expanding into 50 states — an emblem of our nation’s growth from cherished ideals to global prominence. Encircling the monument, plaques pay homage to the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force, embodiments of valor.

“Within this dedicated space, the statue of Wells Remy Crowther, ‘The Man in the Red Bandana,’ stands tall, honoring heroes without uniforms. His selfless sacrifice during the 9/11 attacks reverberates through time. An adjoining plaque narrates his extraordinary story, eternally preserving his bravery.

“Nearby, the life-size replica of the Liberty Bell beckons — a powerful symbol of resilience, forged with fragments from the fallen Twin Towers, reminding us of our unwavering spirit.”

Though maybe not of the same nature, or the same stature, since 2019 there has been “service and sacrifice” from those who brought the memorial to fruition. There has been “service and sacrifice” to make Aspire what it is and what it will be.