HERMISTON, Ore.-New benches in Riverfront Park, outside City Hall, and at Funland Playground honor Ed Brookshier, Rod Hardin and Dr. Dave Drotzman, three longtime Hermiston community leaders.
“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.
A bench in honor of Ed Brookshier, who served as Hermiston City Manager from 1991-2014, was placed near the parking area of Riverfront Park.
According to the City of Hermiston, Brookshier, who passed away in October 2025, guided the city through significant growth and development, including the expansion of Hermiston’s parks system and recreation programs.
Rod Hardin, who served on the Hermiston City Council for 32 years from 1992 to 2024, was honored with a bench outside City Hall.
Hardin, the retired Principal at Hermiston Christian Center, served as a City Councilor during a time of rapid growth in Hermiston, with the population expanding from roughly 8,000 to 20,000 residents during his eight terms, according to the City.
A bench with the name of former Mayor Dr. Dave Drotzman will be installed at Funland Playground at Butte Park.
Dr. Drotzman, an Optometrist at Lifetime Vision Source in Hermiston, served as Mayor from 2012-2024, and strongly supported the project to rebuild Funland after it burned in 2019, according to the City.
“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,” said Smith.
According to the City, the commemorative benches are part of an ongoing effort to recognize individuals whose leadership and service have made a meaningful impact on Hermiston’s history and future.
