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Patrick Duffy: District 3 Newsletter — May 2024
Posted
Patrick Duffy
City of Surprise
By Patrick Duffy
Happy May! As a father, I know that this time of year is filled with excitement for our children as they dive into that long-awaited summer vacation. In this spirit, I invite you and your family to join us as we kick-off summer at our Surprise Safety Splash on Saturday, May 18, at the Surprise Aquatic Center. More details are in this newsletter. See you there!
APRIL HIGHLIGHTS
Founders Day
It was an incredible day on Saturday, April 13, at Founders Day. A special thank you to the dedicated members of the Surprise Original Townsite Stakeholders Committee for a successful event. Thank you for your hard work and commitment to making this ongoing tradition possible!
CURRENT EVENTS
Surprise Safety Splash
Bring the family to Surprise Safety Splash on Saturday, May 18, for a free event focused on water and summer safety. Enjoy rescue demos, fire trucks, police and SWAT vehicles, games, raffles, prizes, swim evaluations and more! The pool and water slides will be open for families to enjoy and swim during the event. There will also be burgers and dogs sponsored by the Surprise Firefighter Charities. This event will be at the Surprise Aquatic Center, 15831 N. Bullard Ave., from 5 - 8 p.m. and is brought to you by the City of Surprise Aquatics Division in partnership with the Surprise Fire-Medical and Police departments, and Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center. For more information regarding Surprise Safety Splash, swim lesson assessments or swim team tryouts, head to surpriseaz.gov/Aquatics or call 623.222.2000.
The City has many ways you can enjoy the arts and culture scene in our community. From theater performances, gallery tours, poetry readings and more, there is something for you to explore!
*Gallery Tour
May 9 • 9 a.m. - noon
*AZ Speaks - “Dr. Pearl Tang: Path Breaker in Public Health” by Dr. Mary Melcher
May 22 • 11 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Surprise City Hall Art Gallery • 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Friday
Charter Schools Exhibit | Runs through May 17
Chuck Kyle Photography Exhibit | May 24 - July 26
Join us to assist with sorting bulk food items, creating food baskets and loading food into vehicles; helping in the process of providing food for families in need. Registration is required by emailing Larry Garcia or calling 623.222.1522.
Wednesday, May 15, at 7:15 a.m.
St. Mary’s Food Bank
13050 W. Elm St.
NEWS & UPDATES
Heat Relief Network
Arizona recognizes Heat Awareness Week May 6 - 10, to raise awareness about heat risk, promote indoor and outdoor heat safety and encourage those at greater risk of serious illness or death to connect to cooling centers and other resources.
The Heat Relief Network is a regional partnership of the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG), municipalities, nonprofit organizations, the faith-based community and businesses. Each year, MAG coordinates the mapping of the Heat Relief Network, a network of partners providing hydration stations, refuge locations and water donation sites throughout the valley with the goal of preventing heat-related illnesses and deaths among vulnerable populations. For more information visit Heat Relief Network - Maricopa Association of Governments (azmag.gov)
Memorial Day Closures
City of Surprise administrative offices will be closed on Monday, May 27, in observance of Memorial Day. City of Surprise trash and recycling customers ONLY are reminded there will be a modified trash collection schedule that week, postponing collection by one day.
Call for Artists – Basketball Mural
The City of Surprise invites Arizona-based artists or artist teams to submit qualifications to create a basketball court mural at the community pool and park currently under construction at Perryville and Cactus roads. West Valley artists are strongly encouraged to apply for this $25,000 award by June 3. To apply visit the City of Surprise Artist Calls page.
Surprise Public Library Survey
Help us shape the future of the Surprise Public Library System. Take our survey through June 3, and share your thoughts on collections, programs and more. Your feedback matters!
High School Diploma Program
The Surprise Public Library System is offering Arizona residents aged 21 years or older a second chance at earning a high school diploma through Gale Presents: Excel Adult High School, an approved facilitator of the Arizona Adult Workforce Diploma Program. It’s designed to help adults obtain their high school diploma entirely online, as well as prepare them for college or the workplace. Learn more and enroll.
Safe Speeds Saves Lives
Creating safer streets starts with addressing speed, which is the largest cause of injury and death in traffic collisions. The “Safe Speeds Save Lives” campaign is delivering high-visibility traffic enforcement with a zero-tolerance approach towards speeding and aggressive driving on West Valley roadways. The enforcement mobilization is in effect through July 31, 2024.
Voting Information
Find important voting information, like where to vote and important dates to remember for the upcoming election! Ballots for the Primary Election will be mailed beginning Wednesday, July 3. In-person early voting will begin July 3 at City Hall in the Community Room and will continue through Election Day, July 30.
2024 Retail Survey
The City of Surprise is excited to announce the results of the 2024 Retail Survey! The survey, which received overwhelming participation of more than 5,000 responses, provides valuable insight into residents’ local favorite retailers and restaurants, as well as the most desired businesses that residents are eager to see in the community.
For years the results of the Surprise Retail Survey have helped guide the City’s business attraction strategy and have been instrumental in bringing most wanted businesses such as Hobby Lobby, Portillo’s and American Furniture Warehouse, all of which are currently under development in Surprise.
It is the kickoff to summer reading! Join us on Sunday, June 1, at 10 a.m. at Surprise Regional Library. We will have axe throwing, performers, games, prizes, food trucks and karaoke! Your adventure begins this summer at the Surprise Public Library. Don’t forget to pre-register for the Summer Reading Program for your chance to earn prizes and enter raffles!
