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Honored
Nov. 1 Putnam's newest recreation field was named for Owen Tarr, center. On the left is Mayor Barney Seney and on the right is Parks and Recreation Director Willie Bousquet. More photos Wed. night at: putnamtowncrier.com. Linda Lemmon photo.
By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
PUTNAM — What he wanted for the town was simple: “The best.”
And Owen Tarr was the driving force for setting the high standard for his town — and far beyond his “specialty,” recreation.
At the Nov. 1 dedication of the new soccer, baseball and softball state-of-the art facility, named in Tarr’s honor, Willie Bousquet recounted a long history with Tarr. He said: “He’s been a part of my life for the better part of my career” as the director of the town’s Parks and Recreation Department.
“All he wanted for the town was the best,” Bousquet said. The facility, which “replaces” the former Owen Tarr field on School Street, Bousquet said Tarr’s “best” standards are numerous. He didn’t want a chain link fence at the new facility, he wanted black and so the fences are black, Bousquet said. The lighting is state of the art. “I can even turn the lights on remotely from my phone,” he said. Softball players have remarked that it’s lit up “like Broadway.” “It is such a plus to our whole recreational area” on Wicker Street, he said
When the St. Marie-Greenhalgh stadium was being built, Tarr insisted that Bousquet accompany him to see some “perfect” bleachers in Barrington, R.I. Tarr picked the “perfect” spot for the bandstand at Rotary Park years ago.
Bousquet said he was new to his job, years ago, when Tarr had him go with him to a Christmas party so he could get Charlotte Greenhalgh’s on the letter of intent for the original School Street recreation area. “He turned to me and said ‘Just let me handle it’.” And he got the signature.
Elaine Sistare called Tarr a “great part of the community.” When the Municipal Complex was approved, the original Owen Tarr field at the complex site would have to be removed. The state required that recreation fields be built on another town-owned piece of land. Bousquet said Tarr was very humble about the field being “moved”.
Sistare added Tarr has reached into his pocket to fund projects that needed help, and not just recreation projects.
Mayor Barney Seney called Tarr a leader. “He’s served more than 35 years in recreation. I’d say that’s a record in the state of Connecticut.” Seney called Tarr a “driving force.”
Bousquet summed it up: He’s not afraid to do the work. He’s a great friend of our town.”