Parks and Recreation & Commission on Aging (COA)

Beautification Day ~ Saturday, April 26, 2025, 8:30am-noon, Meet in Rotary Park ~ Snacks & light lunch included!

April 26, 2025 ~ Sign up online

Scenes from Beautification 2024

ABOUT THE MORNING: Beautification Day is a major volunteer effort. Partnering with the Putnam Business Association (PBA), the annual Clean-Up Day happens as Spring arrives.

Youth groups are encouraged to participate.

Meet in Rotary Park at 8:30am to get a map and an assigned area. Garbage bags and gloves are handed out to volunteers.

Clean up your assigned area, and trucks will be positioned around town to haul the garbage away once the clean up is complete.

Meet back in Rotary Park when you are done, and by 11am or so.

Snacks are available in the morning, and a light lunch of hot dogs & chips are available after the clean up.

Youth needing community service hours shouldbring their form with them to be signed.

A WIN-WIN for all!

International Day ~ Sunday, April 27, 2025 ~ Downtown Putnam

What an Exciting community event!

What happened in past years?

Guided tram tours around town
Cooking demos
Passports to many countries you can visit all right in downtown Putnam - prize was awarded
Street performances
Face painters
Origami
Plenty of downtown shops, galleries, restaurants
PHOTO OPS galore!
Visit Discover Putnam for ever updated details on other community events!

Quiet Corner Pride Festival ~ Saturday, May 3, 2025 ~ 12-4pm

Awareness, acceptance, support!

Join us Saturday, May 3, 2025, 12-4pm

Limited Vendor Space Available - click to Create Your Account, Sign up for the Vendor Program and Pay Online

To keep up with all things about this event, please visit the Quiet Corner Pride website www.quietcornerpride.com

In 2024This happened!

We had vendors, music, and tons of GREAT VOLUNTEERS like the Diversity Club from Tourtellotte Memorial High School!

Fishing Derby for children by Putnam Rotary Club ~ Saturday, May 10, 2025 ~ 9am-noon ~ Ages 15 & under

Superhero Day ~ Saturday, May 17, 2025 ~ 10am-1pm (rain date Sunday, May 18th)

Memorial Day Parade & Program in the Park ~ Monday, May 26, 2025 ~ 10am start

Particle Accelerator ~ A Benefit Concert in Rotary Park ~ Saturday, June 7, 2025

Juneteenth in Municipal Complex ~ June 19, 2025

Celebrate Juneteenth, June 19th.

Thanks to the Putnam High School Black History Class Students for their work to bring you this event, held for the 1st time in Putnam on June 19, 2024.

The 2024 program took place in the Town Complex community rooms, and they were filled.

The color guard presented the flags, the pledge of allegiance was recited by all, and the PHS acapella singers performed the National Anthem.

Mayor Seney welcomed the crowd, and PHS students offered wisdom & some info on what Juneteenth is.

Larry Christy offered a compelling oration of his experience and perspective, covering the span of his years.

Aspinock Historical Society's Bill Pearsall told the tale of Thomas "Tommy" Taylor, who at the young age of 14 was on the ironclad vessel the USS Monitor and during the battle of the Monitor and Merrimac. (Visit the AHS to get the scoop on Tommy, and you can visit his gravestone in the Grove Street Cemetery.)

Sweet tunes were sprinkled throughout the program by the PHS acapella singers.

The town presented Larry Christy with his "Hometown Hero" banner that flew over the streets of Putnam a few years ago to honor his military service.

Dr. Melissa Zablonski, PHS teacher of the black studies class had parting words and thanks to all attendees and speakers.

It was from start to finish an inspiring, uplifting and eye-opening educational day for all who were involved in organizing the event as well as for the crowd of attendees.

click to view the program in full

P.A.S.S. Program (Putnam After School Services) with Putnam Rec

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM (P.A.S.S.)

SPACE WAS LIMITED ~ Waiting list is now being created. This year's P.A.S.S. program is at capacity.

2024-2025 Details

COST is $30 per week / per child (cash, check, or money order to P.A.S.S.)
START DATE is: 9/3/2024
END DATE is: tentatively 6/6/2025 (pending school calendar adjustments)
NOTE: we will be doing all half days but will not be open for parent / teacher conference half days.

Click here to learn about our Putnam After School Services Program on Facebook (P.A.S.S.)

Putnam Fine Arts & Crafts Festival by Putnam Arts Council (PAC) at Municipal Complex ~ Saturday & Sunday June 21 & 22, 2025

Fireworks (9:15pm) & Concert (Headliners 7:15pm) in Rotary Park ~ Saturday, July 5, 2025 (rain date Sunday, July 13)

Summer Day Camp with Putnam Rec ~ Registration Opens April 1, 2025

2025 Summer Camp runs July 1- August 8

Sign ups start April 1st: click here to create your account and register. Choose your weeks and pay online.

Thank you Staples Employees for the 2023 donation!

Camper Rep Meyette & Acting Camp Director DiColella accept check from William Verrette for $250 at the end of July 2023 on behalf of Staples employees in support of camper opportunities.

(L-R)William Verrette-Staples, Avery Meyette-Day Camper Representative, Colleen DiColella-Acting Day Camp Director.

Keep up with "Putnam Recreation for Kids" on Facebook!

Al Fresco Concert & River Fire in Rotary Park ~ Saturday, July 19, 2025

What exciting theme will occur at the 2025 al fresco show? Stay tuned!

In 2024, this happened!

Yacht Rock Al Fresco ~ a free concert in Putnam’s Rotary Park happened on July 20, 2024 in spite of Mother Nature's rain delay.

Once the brief and surprising rainfall ended, the 30-piece Putnam Festival Orchestra kept the ship running smoothly as they accompanied these talented Yacht Rock performers: Ron Giorgio, John Price, Wayne Sinclair, and Elle Sherman.

Yacht Rock Al Fresco 2024 was powered by Centreville Bank, Spicer Propane & Oil, and WIN Waste Innovations.

After the Yacht Rock crooners finished, the crowd did not abandon ship, but turned their chairs from the stage to the water as the River Fires were lit on the scenic Quinebaug River.

Music for River Fire was be produced by WINY 1350 am & 97.1 fm while the fires were powered by Spicer Propane and the Town of Putnam Public Works & Parks & Recreation Departments.

Summer Basketball Clinic ~July 21, 22, 23rd, 2025 - REGISTRATION OPENS 5/1/25

Camp registration opens May 1st ~ Click here to create your account (if you don't already have one) and register for summer hoop clinic!

Click to Register for program

Shoot for the STARS!

Hoopsters were shooting for the Stars again in the 2024 Putnam Summer Basketball Camp!

2023 Putnam Summer Basketball Camp hosted 50 campers and staff who enjoyed a great experience of skills and play in Putnam High School gym.

Concert & River Fire in Rotary Park ~ Saturday, August 9, 2025

Main Street Car Cruise ~ throughout downtown ~ Sunday, August 10, 2025

Sunday, August 10, 2025 ~Stay tuned for details!

Cars rolled into Putnam August 11, 2024 with show cars and to view the GAZILLIONS (no exaggeration!) of Custom & Classic Cars, Trucks and all around family fun at the FREE Main Street Car Cruise.

MAIN STREET CAR CRUISE TROPHY WINNERS: Thank you to everyone who attended the MAIN STREET CAR CRUISE in Putnam, CT, USA! It was an epic day with great weather, over 2,500 cars and over 15,000 people in attendance.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE MAIN STREET CAR CRUISE TROPHY WINNERS:
BEST TRUCK - BEN MAIO - NEW BRAINTREE, MA
BEST ENGINE - CHAD CHMURA - ASHLAND, MA
RAT ROD - DAVID WILLIAMS - CHEPACHET, RI
BEST MOPAR - PETER REYNOLDS - OXFORD, MA
BEST JEEP - BRENT St. LOUIS - ENFIELD, CT
PRO STREET - BRETT CHMURA - NORTH GROSVENORDALE
ALAN JOSLIN TROPHY - JOHN CICERCHIA - COVENTRY, CT
BEST OFF ROAD - RICHIE TAYLOR
BEST FORD MOTOR CO - BERT BERUBE - NORTH GROSVENORDALE
HOT R0D - SHAWN DENSMORE - POMFRET CENTER, CT
PRE WAR - STEVEN GILMAN - BROOKLYN, CT
NON-DOMESTIC - GEOFF DUPONT - DERRY, NH
BEST GM - RICHY BERARDINO - EAST GRANBY, CT
BEST PAINT - RAYMOND MESSOK - CHEPACHET, RI
UNDER CONSTRUCTION - ERIC LEBEAU - DANIELSON, CT
TOW MATER - NELSON STALKER - STERLING, CT
BEST SURVIVOR - CHAD LAMOTHE - PUTNAM, CT
BEST CORVETTE - BOB BEAUDRY - PUTNAM, CT
MAYOR’S AWARD - BOB FOURNIER - PUTNAM, CT
BEST TRUCK - COUNTRYSIDE CUSTOMS - NEW BRAINTREE, MA
BEST TRUCK OVER 10K LBS - HARSHAW PAVING & RECLAMATION - UXBRIDGE, MA

Auto the Goodwill Gorilla made his debut!

Pluck-a-Duck Extravaganza by Putnam Business Association in Rotary Park ~Sunday, August 10, 2025

Savor the Flavor Annual Tasting Event ~ Sunday, September 7, 2025

All proceeds from the event go to IHSP / Daily Bread.

Stay tuned for what will happen in 2025!

Online tickets sales WILL SELL OUT, so get yours as soon as they are available.

Check out the details & get tickets at Discover Putnam!

https://www.discoverputnam.com/events

In 2024 we Savored dishes, desserts & beverages featuring Honey!

In 2023 we Savored many delightful Flavors of Pepper dishes!

Annual Scarecrow Contest by Putnam Business Association ~ every October

Zombie Fashion Show by Discover Putnam ~ Friday, October 3, 2025

Great Pumpkin Fest ~ Saturday, October 18, 2025

Downtown Trick or Treating ~ Saturday, October 25, 2025

Santa Arrives and Lights Up Putnam ~ Friday, November 28, 2025 ~ 4pm

Santa Saturdays in Putnam! ~ Santa has headed back to the North Pole workshop, but will visit again in 2025!

Small Business Saturday in Putnam ~ always the Saturday after Thanksgiving, 10am-2pm ~ remember to make EVERY DAY a day to shop local!

Holiday Dazzle Light Parade ~ Always the Sunday after Thanksgiving ~ Sunday, November 30, 2025 (rain date Sun December 7)

Winter Youth Basketball ~ Stayed tuned for program in December 2025

All Ages 5-7 (Primary) @ 8:30am.
All Girls Ages 8-14 @ 9:30am.
Boys Junior Ages 8-9 @ 10:30am.
Boys Senior Ages 10-11 @ 11:30am.
Boys NBA Ages 12-14 @ 12:30pm.
Putnam Residents only

2024/2025 WINTER YOUTH HOOP season has concluded!

2023/2024 WINTER YOUTH HOOP season has concluded!

Here are a couple of shots of 23/24 season, and you can see all of the fun in town going on if you click here to check out the Putnam Recreation For Kids facebook page!

Group shot

Team URI, the 2024 Wentworth Tourney Senior Champions!

Team MAGIC, the 2024 Wentworth Tourney NBA Champions!

See you next December for another hooptastic season!

Fire & Ice Festival ~ Saturday, February 7, 2026 ~ 12 noon-8pm

O'Putnam 5K & Wee Mile ~ Returning in 2026

Gingerbread House Contest by Putnam Business Association ~ every December

Greet the Easter Bunny ~ He'll hop back in for 2026!

Fairy & Magic Festival ~ Happened Saturday, May 18, 2024 Watch for a future return

Click here for Forms to Rent Recreation Facilities

FACILITIES use and rental FORM

Application (word doc) for Recreation Properties
Application (pdf) for Recreation Properties
NOTE - Vendor Forms and Special Event Permits are handled through the Town Clerk's office.
NOTE - The Public School Facilities have their own separate application forms.
NOTE - The town complex has their own separate application form available in the Administration Office.

* Click here for Senior Activities, Menus & News *

Recreation Commission

Commission on aging Veterans Advisory committee ~ town Vet organizations working together on projects

Welcome to the Parks and Recreation Department!

The Department of Parks and Recreations runs a comprehensive schedule of activities and programs for the youths, adults, and seniors in our community. We maintain and supervise all of the Parks and Park Buildings within the town. Our office is the point of contact for program registration and information. We also offer online forms for your convenience. In addition, you can find out about the projects by the Veterans Advisory Committee from this page.

Learn about Putnam Little League, WPTP Football & Cheer, NECONN Youth Soccer & QV Special Olympics

A great part of Putnam Youth Activities, click the links below to go directly to the organizations that offer:

As always, keep up to date with the Putnam Recreation for Kids facebook page here.