New Park Benches Commemorate Community Leaders

New benches bearing the names of Hermiston leaders will serve as tributes to three people who helped guide Hermiston through enormous growth and change over the past several decades.

A bench installed near the parking area at Riverfront Park honors the late Ed Brookshier, who served as Hermiston City Manager from 1991 to 2014. During his tenure, Brookshier guided the city through significant growth and development, including major expansions of Hermiston’s parks system and recreation programs. Brookshier passed away in 2025 and is remembered for his thoughtful leadership and community investment.

Rod Hardin, former City Councilor who served on the City Council for 32 years from 1992 to 2024, has a new bench bearing his name in front of City Hall. During his eight terms on the Council the Hermiston population grew from about 8,000 to 20,000. He is the retired principal at Hermiston Christian Center.

Former Mayor Dr. Dave Drotzmann will have a bench bearing his name installed at Funland Playground at Butte Park. Drotzmann served as mayor from 2012 to 2024 and was a strong supporter of the playground rebuild project after the wooden structure burned down in 2019. He is a local eye doctor at Lifetime Vision Source.

“These benches will be a reminder of the people who have dedicated so much of their lives to making Hermiston a sweeter place,” said City Manager Byron Smith. “Ed, Dave, and Rod each played an important role championing our community, not only in their duties at City Hall but also in their commitment to service in many other ways.”

The commemorative benches are part of the City’s ongoing effort to recognize individuals whose leadership and service have made a meaningful impact on Hermiston’s history and future.