Wagner Pool Fundraising has had a very busy summer. They hosted the First Annual Cardboard Boat Regatta on Wagner Lake during Unity Jam, hosted a double-feature drive-in movie experience at Wagner Speedway and have been busy planning a number of other fun events to engage the community in the opportunity to build a beautiful space where people can have fun and be healthy.

First, the committee has been exploring placemaking grants. Placemaking refers to creating great public spaces where people gather because they are accessible, comfortable, sociable and are host spaces for activities. Catch the Wave promotes the idea that working toward a new pool is just as much about the process of collaboration and cooperation as it is the final product, the pool itself. Therefore, there is always an open invitation for others to join the committee in developing ideas and working together either as a committee member or volunteer on various projects.

On August 25 Catch the Wave will have a Ball Drop fundraiser. Numbered balls, like the ones often found in ball pits, will be sold: one ball for $10, three balls for $20 and ten balls for $50. All balls sold will be lifted into the air via tractor and dropped onto a large target. The ball landing nearest the bullseye wins $500. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Catch the Wave members for balls. Come out to Wagner Lake to listen to live music, grab some food from a local food truck and maybe take home $500.

Also, along with providing concessions at the alumni basketball game Labor Day weekend, Catch the Wave will host an Extreme Striptease. Two mystery “strippers” will compete to keep their clothes on.

Catch the Wave had so much fun with the drive-in movie in July and heard so many comments that people had wished they were able to attend, they will be hosting Halloween Haunting Drive-in. Be watching for more information about this eerie event.

Finally, Catch the Wave will be commencing a formal capital campaign in September. The committee has been busy preparing to make official “asks” in hopes of catapulting toward their campaign goal.

Catch the Wave appreciates the community support gathered so far. Keep abreast of other happenings on our Facebook page (@wagnerpoolfundraising). Donations can also be accepted anytime on Venmo (@