Benevilla C.A.R.E.S. now has a direct line! It allows callers to speak directly to a person and get helped and served without having to leave a message. The highly trained Resource Specialists have access to a database of over 1,000 senior services providers and agencies, including Benevilla member and volunteer services, community businesses, government agencies and other resources to help you stay independent at home. Call 623.526.4404.
Volunteers Needed for Day of Service Event
Looking for a way to serve your community? Surprise is seeking volunteers for a Day of Service event on Wednesday, June 15, at St. Mary’s Food Bank. Volunteers will 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. St. Mary’s Food Bank is located at 13050 W. Elm St. in Surprise.
How to get involved: Individuals and groups can register with Larry Garcia at Larry.Garcia@surpriseaz.gov or 623.222.1522. There are two shifts to choose from, 7:30-10:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Can’t make it this time? Here’s a look at upcoming opportunities:
The community is invited to celebrate the 20 year anniversary of Northwest Regional Library in Surprise, 16089 N. Bullard Ave., on Saturday, June 4 from 9 - 11 a.m. with crafts, games, prizes and more! When the branch opened in December 2002, it was the first public library in the nation to use an automated book return system and one of only 70 libraries in the world to use a digital collection management system. It sees some of the highest number of customer visits and circulation within the entire Maricopa County Library District system. The celebration of this anniversary will also kick off the 2022 Summer Reading program.
General Plan Update
At the Regular Meeting on Tuesday, May 3, a plan and timeline for updating the City of Surprise General Plan were presented to City Council. The General Plan provides the vision and policies that determine how Surprise will grow and develop. It addresses City issues such as land use, open space, transportation, infrastructure and services. The previous Surprise General Plan was adopted by City Council and approved by Surprise voters in 2013. This General Plan update will be an 18-24 month process with three stages:
Information Gathering
Drafting of the General Plan
Recommendation and Approval
The proposed General Plan 2040 is projected to be complete and voted on by City Council in late 2023 and will be placed on the ballot for a citizen vote in August 2024.
For questions about the General Plan, please contact the City of Surprise Planning and Zoning Division at 623.222.3134. To view the City’s current General Plan 2035, visit surpriseaz.gov/GeneralPlan.
Annual Surprise Retail Survey
The annual Retail Survey launched on March 21 and more than 5,700 responses later, we have the results! The City uses the survey data to identify retail strengths, as well as opportunities to bring additional amenities closer to home. In the past, the survey has helped bring in establishments like Costco, Bath & Body Works, Oregano’s Pizza Bistro, Texas Roadhouse, and In-N-Out Burger!
Just as the recent survey showed Surprise residents’ top ask was a Hobby Lobby, the Village at Prasada announced the crafting giant is moving in! It’s also going to be home to several of the major retailers requested on the Retail Survey including Sprouts Farmers Market, T.J. Maxx & HomeGoods, and Total Wine & More.
Your top 5 most-wanted restaurants were Cheesecake Factory, El Pollo Loco, Cracker Barrel, Portillo’s and P.F. Chang’s.
Looking for a fun summer activity? The City of Surprise Tennis & Racquet Complex (STRC) has you and the whole family covered! Located at 14469 W. Paradise Ln., this award winning 25 court facility offers tennis lessons for all ages and levels.
Surprise Tennis University
If you’re new to the game, Surprise Tennis University is an 11-week program for adults. It includes six weeks of instruction, four weeks of pre-match drills and coaching followed by supervised match play and one week of non-elimination tournament. Classes are held on Tuesdays from 7:30-9 p.m. from June 7 - August 16. STRC is open seven days a week and summer hours are as follows:
To register, head to surpriserec.surpriseaz.gov and click on Tennis or contact the Surprise Tennis & Racquet Complex at 623.222.2400.
City Council Meetings
The next regularly scheduled City Council Meetings are June 7 and 21 at 6 p.m. in the City of Surprise Council Chambers. City Council meetings are now open to in-person attendance or you may tune in at surpriseaz.gov/surprisetv, the Surprise City Gov Facebook page facebook.com/cityofsurprise or on Cox channel 11 to watch the meeting live.
