News: Donation Makes A Big Splash

Putnam Pipe Donation for Splash Pad

By Evan Lips/Daily News staff The MetroWest Daily News Posted Jun 24, 2010 @ 12:00 AM NORTHBOROUGH — Once again, a local business has rescued a favorite town recreation spot. This time, a generous donation from resident and Putnam Pipe owner Dave Putnam ensures that the Assabet Park splash pad is open on weekends. "Due to budget constraints it wasn't open last summer on the weekends," said Recreation Department Director Allie Lane yesterday. "This would have been the second year, but at literally the last minute Dave Putnam found out and donated $1,500 to keep it open." Lane said the money will pay for water use over the weekends. "The water costs $6,000 to run the splash pad all summer," she said. "We found out that by cutting out weekends that cost is reduced to $4,000." But thanks to Putnam, there will be a place for residents to cool off on steamy Saturdays and Sundays for the rest of the season. "It...said that it was open during the week but not during the weekends," Putnam said yesterday. "As a result, many of Northborough's working moms and dads couldn't bring their kids to use it." Earlier this month word spread through town that Peak Financial Services and Boost Fitness agreed to put up a combined $5,000 toward improvements at Assabet and Ellsworth McAfee parks. Putnam Pipe is the third business to step up for town recreation pursuits. Putnam said the town has given his company a lot of business over the years and this presented an opportunity to give back. He also said that news of his donation has helped his business. "We've spent thousands on advertising over the years, but this little gesture has probably gotten me more phone calls this week than any other ad campaign we've ever done," he said. Lane said Putnam's children can't even use the splash pad. "They're in college now, so they're a little old for that," she said. "This was truly a selfless act on his behalf." Putnam praised Lane's work to deliver Northborough residents quality recreational programs despite a rough budget year. "I really have to hand it to her," he said. "I thought it was a great loss when our previous director left, but now I'm not sure what we'd do without Allie." The splash pad, which is open weekdays from noon until 6 p.m., is now open on weekends from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Opening day was Monday and the last day will be Aug. 29. (Evan Lips can be reached at 508-490-7461 or elips@cnc.com.) Copyright 2010 The MetroWest Daily News. Some rights reserved