Hermiston Honors Carlisle Harrison for Transformative Contributions

The city of Hermiston celebrated a community icon Monday as Carlisle Harrison was recognized during the Hermiston City Council meeting for receiving the Lasting Impact Award from the Oregon Recreation & Park Association.

According to the city, this honor was a small token for Harrison’s 60 years of contributions to the development and enhancement of Hermiston’s parks, trails, and recreational facilities.

Harrison’s dedication to the Hermiston community is unparalleled. He was a founding member of the city’s first Tree and Parks Committee in the 1970s and has been instrumental in creating beloved community spaces such as Riverfront Park, Butte Park, Hodge Park, and Victory Square Park. His servant leadership has transformed Hermiston’s landscape, turning unused or underdeveloped areas into thriving hubs for recreation.

During his years of service, Harrison has led efforts to plant more than 7,000 trees throughout Hermiston, creating a greener, more welcoming environment. He also spearheaded the creation of key trails, including the Snell Trail around Hermiston Butte and the Oxbow Trail. He also personally supported basketball courts at his namesake Harrison Park and the Pickleball Courts project at Theater Sports Park.

“Carlisle’s impact on Hermiston is immeasurable and it’s hard to imagine what the community would look like without his efforts,” said Hermiston Parks & Recreation Director Brandon Artz. “Every park, trail, and tree in this city carries a piece of his legacy. He has made Hermiston a better place and set a standard of service and leadership that we can all aspire to.”

Going back to his days as a junior high teacher, Harrison has shown a passion for community engagement. Whether organizing volunteer efforts, collaborating with local service organizations, or directly mentoring the next generation of leaders, Harrison has fostered a culture of civic pride and environmental stewardship. He has been a driving force behind annual events like Hermiston’s Arbor Day tree giveaways, further strengthening the city’s commitment to sustainability.

“Carlisle doesn’t just dream big — he has made those dreams a reality through hard work and service-oriented mindset,” said Hermiston Mayor Dave Drotzmann. “From the initial idea to the last planted tree, he sees every project through and has set the vision for the entire community. Hermiston is truly a city shaped by his heart and hard work.”

The city’s recognition of Harrison highlights a lifetime of his contributions. His
leadership, generosity, and hands-on approach have not only created physical spaces but also cultivated a sense of community that will endure for decades. A short film about the award and Harrison’s history of service can be found at on the city’s website.

For residents of Hermiston, Harrison’s legacy can be seen in the parks where families gather, the trails that connect neighborhoods, and the trees that provide shade on summer days. As the city looks to the future, his work will remain a guiding example of what is possible when one person dedicates their life to the betterment of their community.