Hermiston volunteer honored with Oregon Parks and Recreation Association Lasting Impact Award

Carlisle Brandon, the recipient of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Association’s Lasting Impact Award, told attendees he was "born in 1935" and learned early that communities succeed when people pitch in.

The presenter explained the award — administered by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Association and described as one tier below the recreation professional award — "is not given out every year" and can recognize an organization, business or individual for a lasting impact on Oregon park systems.

Speakers at the ceremony credited Brandon with hands-on work that shaped Hermiston’s park system. The presenter said Brandon helped establish a parks and tree committee, installed irrigation before a formal parks department existed, and played a leading role in creating Riverfront Park, Hodge Park and Mackenzie Park. "He established and helped create, many of the parks that we have," the presenter said.

Residents and former students described Brandon’s long engagement in community life. A resident who said she met Brandon "30 years ago" at Arman Larbi Middle School recalled his energy and inclusiveness: "He just took everybody under his wing." Another resident, who said Brandon was her science teacher at Arman Larabee Junior High, said she later saw how his "passion for his community" translated into projects that served "young, old, and included them."

Speakers also described Brandon’s work with Rotary Club projects, including an annual Arbor Day tree giveaway. A committee member said Brandon personally transported bare-root trees and helped remove invasive Russian olive trees along the riverfront — work that, the presenter said, "paved the way for the trail, the beautiful green park, and those trees that now inhabit the area." The committee member noted Brandon even took on chainsaw work on the Oxbow Trail.

Throughout, witnesses emphasized Brandon’s hands-on approach when "the wheels of government are slow to turn," saying he would gather volunteers and get projects done. At the ceremony Brandon quoted his father: if you live only for yourself "you're gonna have a very unhappy existence," and framed his volunteerism as a family and community responsibility.

The event in Hermiston concluded with speakers expressing appreciation for Brandon’s decades of service to local parks and recreation projects.