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Patrick Duffy: District 3 Newsletter — June 2024

Posted 6/5/24

Summer is in full swing in the City of Surprise.

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Opinions

Patrick Duffy: District 3 Newsletter — June 2024

Posted

Summer is in full swing in the City of Surprise. I hope you will visit one of our programs and activities presented by our Surprise Public Library System and our Parks & Recreation team; fun and educational offerings to keep the kids active, engaged and occupied during summer break. 

CURRENT EVENTS

Summer Reading Program

The Summer Reading Program is just getting started, so make sure to get signed up! Surprise Public Library System is excited to join more than 60 libraries across the county for Summer Reading. The theme of this year’s program is “Adventure Begins at Your Library,” reminding us that an adventure is just a library card away. The journey to read and earn prizes runs through August 1.

Library cardholders of all ages can register now for Summer Reading!
Searching for more? See details and prize tiers.

Family Beach Bash

Bring your little ones for a splashing good time at the pool on June 14, from 9 - 11 a.m. Families will enjoy cool water, mermaids, raffles, games and more!

The event will be at the Surprise Aquatic Center, located at 15831 N. Bullard Ave. All children 10 and younger must be accompanied by their guardian(s).

Registration is required for each entry, including parents. $5 for Surprise residents and $8 for non-residents. To purchase tickets, head to surpriseaz.gov/SurpriseRec and click on ‘Special Events’ or contact 623.222.2500.

City Council Meetings

The next City Council Meeting is June 18 at 6 p.m. The public is welcome to attend in person, or you can tune in on surpriseaz.gov/SurpriseTV, the City of Surprise Facebook page or Cox channel 11.

Community Meeting

Surprise City Council is on recess in July. Community Meetings will resume in August, so enjoy your summer and I look forward to seeing you then!

Surprise Day of Service

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. For questions, please call 623.222.1647.

Wednesday, June 12, at 7:15 a.m.
St. Mary’s Food Bank
13050 W. Elm St.

City Hall Art Gallery

The City has many ways you can enjoy the arts and culture scene in our community. One of these is by visiting rotating art exhibits at City Hall.

Chuck Kyle Photography Exhibit | Runs through July 26
16000 N. Civic Center Plz. • 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Friday

More arts and culture events and programs in Surprise can be found at surpriseaz.gov/ArtsCulture.

MAY HIGHLIGHTS

Portillo’s Ribbon Cutting

The wait is over, one of our top 10 most wanted restaurants, Portillo’s is NOW OPEN! Portillo’s is located at 16320 W. Waddell Rd.

a group of people standing outside a building waiting for opening

National Military Appreciation Month

May was National Military Appreciation Month, and it was an honor to have A1C Gian Velez Nazario, SSGT Quayvon Doleman and CAPT Owen Sedej of Luke Air Force Base, along with Veterans, Disability and Human Services Commissioner Lair at our City Council meeting.

a group of men in military uniforms pose for a photo holding a Mayoral Proclamation

City Court Academy

This year’s City Court Academy concluded with special recognition at the City Council meeting on May 7. This group of high school students gained insights into the fields of law and government with structured real-world experiences. Details and information on joining can be found at surpriseaz.gov/CourtAcademy.

Participant in City Court Academy posing for a photo with council in front of the dias

NEWS & UPDATES

Arizona’s Healthiest and Safest Employers

Our City was honored for being one of Arizona’s healthiest and safest employers! The recognition highlights our commitment to providing a work environment that supports health, safety and well-being, helping to make the City of Surprise a safe place to live, learn and work. Are you looking for a career that values your well-being? We're always looking for talented individuals to join our team! Visit surpriseaz.gov/Careers to explore current job openings and see why the City of Surprise is a great place to work!

Employees for the City Human Resources Department holding a banner

Juneteenth

City of Surprise administrative offices will be closed on Wednesday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth. 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.

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 in the City Hall Community Room and will continue through Election Day, July 30. 

SAVE THE DATE

Independence Day Celebration

Get ready to celebrate! Join us on Thursday, July 4, at 5 p.m. at Mark Coronado Park and Surprise Stadium. We will have live entertainment, food will be available for purchase and there’s even a free baseball game before a fireworks show! Fireworks will begin at 8:45 p.m. Visit surpriseaz.gov/Independence for more information.