The city of Surprise has experienced better-than-expected one-time revenues in Fiscal Year 2020 thanks to strong growth in housing permits and retail sales collections.
As a result, council voted to fund more than $8 million in park-related projects that will advance the City’s Parks and Recreation Master Plan goals. Gaines Youth Baseball Field will now be fully funded ahead of the original timeline. The project, which includes a lighted youth ballfield, restrooms, lighted and paved parking lot, netting, and fencing, is anticipated to be completed this summer. Also funded is a new eight-acre park at Greenway Road and Parkview Place that will provide additional programmable and rental field space, and a $3 million dollar budget to provide enhancements to the Surprise Community Park. Enhancements could include adding a restroom, improving dog park drainage, and exploring new lighting; however, the final project list will be determined following the design and submittal of actual costs.
Senior Center Activities
Valentine’s Day Canvas Decorating is scheduled for February 12 at 9 a.m. During this virtual event, participants will create a love-inspired canvas using everyday household items. To reserve your canvas, please call 623-222-1500.
America’s Pastime Spring Training Party takes place on March 3! Members can pick up a bag of baseball surprises and then join the virtual party at 1 p.m. To participate, please call 623-222-1500.
Surprise Day of Service
If you are looking for a way to give back to your community, please consider volunteering for the Surprise Day of Service on February 20, from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Food Bank, located at 13050 W. Elm Street. To volunteer, please call 623-222-1522.
“Keep it Beautiful, Surprise!”
The City of Surprise has launched a campaign encouraging residents to “Keep it Beautiful, Surprise!” This anti-litter campaign reaffirms that the City of Surprise takes pride in being a safe, clean and attractive city, where residents and businesses can thrive and visitors are impressed. Please check out surpriseaz.gov/KeepItBeautiful for videos and information on how you can help!
Home Beautification Award
I am proud of our residents and their work to keep Surprise a clean and safe community. My Home Beautification Awards are a way for me to thank you and recognize the hard work and pride you have put into your home. This year, I will be continuing the program by awarding homeowners with a “Home Beautification Award” and an A-frame sign to display in front of their home. Be on the lookout for winners!
Holiday Trash Collection Schedule
Please note that Presidents’ Day is Monday, February 15, and city-serviced sanitation customers will have their trash pick-up postponed by one day.
Spring Training 2021
Spring Training returns to Surprise on February 27. The Texas Rangers will take on the Kansas City Royals at 1:05 p.m. to kick-off the season. A complete schedule of games can be found at SurpriseStadium.com.
Surprise Stadium is working hard to develop protocols to protect the health and safety of fans. Ticket details and safety precautions are developing and more information will be coming as we get closer to the start of the season. Due to the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, Spring Training schedules and start dates are subject to change. For questions and updated information, please visit SurpriseStadium.com, or call 623-222-2222.
Surprise City Academy
The Surprise City Academy is going virtual this year! Residents, students and business owners can learn about the City directly from the Mayor, Councilmembers, City Manager and upper-level city staff. The Academy begins on February 22 and is free to attend. Classes will meet via WebEx from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m on Mondays through April 26. Registration is required. To register, please visit surpriseaz.gov/cityacademy, or call Lord Garcillano at 623-222-1647.
Social Service Resources
Salvation Army – Free breakfast drive-thru Mondays and Thursdays. 8 to 9:30 a.m. Seniors or those who are food insecure. Food boxes are available. 17420 Ave of the Arts, Surprise. 623-977-1084.
Dysart Community Center– Free Food Drive-thru. Monday-Friday, 3 to 5 p.m. 14414 N. El Mirage Road, El Mirage. 623-249-3812.
Hope Women’s Center – Support for women and children, bill/utility assistance. 623-875-4549.
Radiant Distribution Center – Free food and clothing Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 to 11 a.m. at Radiant Church Sun City 10701 W. Boswell Blvd., Sun City. 623-975-2662.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul – Food, Rent, Utilities & More. St. Clare of Assisi Conference (Surprise residents). Call Help Line at 623-975-5617. Our Lady of Lourdes Conference (Surprise and El Mirage residents). Call 623-344-7267.
Housing for Heroes Program - Supportive Services for Veteran Families – The National Community Health Partners are offering temporary assistance to Veteran families to help with rent, utilities, security deposits, moving costs, and child care. Call the Maricopa County Veteran Service Office at 480-361-0177.
Phone Pals Program for Seniors with Benevilla – Phone Pal volunteers provide wellness checks and meaningful relationships to community members who may find themselves alone. For information on how to sign up to receive calls, or to volunteer, please call 623-584-4999 or visit Benevilla.org
AZ Humane Society Resources for Pet Owners – A program for struggling pet owners. A trained social worker can help pet parents navigate resources to help keep pets in their homes. Call 602-997-7585 ext. 3800 or email resourcenavigator@azhuman.org.
Council Meeting Schedule
The next regularly scheduled Council Meeting is February 16 at 6 p.m. In an effort to protect public health amidst rising COVID-19 case numbers, City of Surprise public meetings have reclosed to in-person public attendance until further notice. Council meetings are broadcast live on Surprise TV at surprisetv.surpriseaz.gov and carried on Cox channel 11. Check the agenda, when posted, for instructions on public comment.
District 4 Community Meeting
My monthly Community Meetings are typically held on the fourth Wednesday of the month from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Surprise Senior Center, 15832 N. Hollyhock St. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are currently unable to conduct these meetings, but I look forward to meeting again when we are able. Please check the city website at surpriseaz.gov for updated information on my meet and greet schedule. Please call or email me in the meantime with any questions or concerns you may have.
