Lake Walk, the emerging hub of technology and innovation in Bryan College Station, held a dedication and plaque unveiling at First Down Park on Aug. 25. First Down Park pays tribute to Red Cashion – 25-year NFL referee, Traditions resident, genuine family man, business leader, and friend of all.
First Down Park embodies Red Cashion’s enthusiastic and passionate outlook on life, which he carried into his NFL officiating. Cashion’s famous trademark call “first dooowwwnnn” was the inspiration for the park, and its name symbolizes how one can live a purpose-driven life.
Cashion passed away in February 2019, but First Down Park carries on his attitude of positivity and kindness. Plaques and benches throughout the park contain quotes from Red and Lou Cashion, as well as inspiring authors, encouraging guests to consider the legacy they want to leave behind.
Although Cashion traveled extensively, his home was always the Brazos Valley. He raised his family on the nearly 1,000 acres that now make up Lake Walk and Traditions Club and Community. Cashion was the recipient of many local community service awards, including Brazos County Volunteer of the Year in 1972 and Brazos County Citizen of the Year in 1994.
The main plaque was unveiled by the Cashion family, including Red’s children, Jim, Joyce, Shelly, and Sharon. The event was a small, intimate gathering also attended by College Station Mayor Karl Mooney; former Texas A&M football coach, R.C. Slocum; and family friends Barry Nelson and Cal McNeill.
College Station Mayor Karl Mooney says the sayings on the benches and plaques will help tie in Red’s memory to the place his cabin was located.
“What a nice place to be able to come when life seems to be throwing darts at you and you want to be able to come in and sit and just quietly look at the waters here or let the breeze flow through your hair. It’s a unique park, named, or in honor of, a unique individual," says Mooney.
First Down Park is an official city of College Station park and is dedicated to the people of the Brazos Valley and city of College Station. It is located on Health Science Center Parkway between Viasat and FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies on Cashion Pond. Amongst 50-year-old cypress trees, First Down Park visitors will find a tranquil, passive space that features a football-shaped centerpiece. It is now open for the public to explore.
