The strategy and timeline for updating the City of Surprise General Plan has been provided 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.
Arizona State Law requires every city and county in Arizona to prepare a General Plan to address growth and to update and/or readopt it every 10 years by a public vote. 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
Because the update process will include extensive public outreach and engagement, the next step is for City Council to adopt a Communication Plan. This is currently scheduled for the June 7 City Council Meeting. A General Plan 2040 website will be launched shortly after that meeting, which will include additional details on the process.
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.
Summer is served at Surprise Tennis & Racquet Complex
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.
STRC is open seven days a week. Summer hours are as follows:
Daily: 6:30 a.m.-11 a.m.
Monday - Friday only: 4:30 p.m.-9 p.m.
Surprise Tennis University
If you're new to the game, this 11-week program for adults 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. Class is held on Tuesdays from 7:30–9 p.m. from June 7 to August 16.
To register, head to surpriserec.surpriseaz.gov and click on Tennis or contact the Surprise Tennis & Racquet Complex at 623.222.2400.
2022 Surprise Retail Survey results are in!
The City of Surprise launched its annual Surprise Retail Survey 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.
Other retailers on the wish list included Whole Foods Market, JOANN Fabric & Crafts, and Old Navy.
Your top 5 most-wanted restaurants were Cheesecake Factory, El Pollo Loco, Cracker Barrel, Portillo’s, and P.F. Chang’s.
Wondering what our youth want to see in Surprise? While their most-desired restaurants were a little different than the adults, their #1 most-requested was also Cheesecake Factory! Retail requests included Tilly's, GameStop, Forever 21, Hot Topic, Old Navy, and more. Five Below and TJ Maxx were in the Top 10, both of which are slated for Village at Prasada!
The City would like to thank everyone who participated in the surveys! The Surprise Economic Development team will now use the results to guide their retail recruitment efforts.
Welcome new Surprise Youth Council members
At the City Council Meeting on Tuesday, May 17, we welcomed 14 new Surprise Youth Council Members. These youth will work alongside local leaders, including Council and myself, to build community, raise awareness, solve problems and help plan youth events. Members serve at the City's discretion, until he or she resigns, or graduates from high school. Learn more about Surprise Youth Council at surpriseaz.gov/SYC
Benevilla C.A.R.E.S
Benevilla C.A.R.E.S. has a new direct line to contact for resources, programs, support groups, home service and more at 623.526.4404. Their 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.
Surprise Day of Service
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.
Individuals and groups can register with Larry Garcia at Larry.Garcia@surpriseaz.gov or 623.222.1522. Groups, please submit a group name and estimated number of volunteers - limited to no more than 10 people.
St. Mary's Food Bank is located at 13050 W. Elm St. in Surprise. 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:
Friday, May 6, I had the privilege of hanging out with some of the most amazing people at the Senior Center to celebrate the annual spring BBQ. Thank you to the Human Service and Community Vitality team who hosted such a wonderful event each year.
HonorHealth Ribbon Cutting
On Friday, May 13, HonorHealth Complete Care hosted a ribbon cutting event. Dr. John Neil, Physician/EVP at HonorHealth, hosted the private celebration in honor of the Grand Opening of the new facility on June 6. It’s located at 16577 W. Waddell Rd. Thank you for choosing Surprise!
Citizens Patrol Proclamation
On Saturday, May 14, I issued a proclamation recognizing 25 years of Citizens Patrol; a group comprised of highly-trained volunteers who assist the Surprise Police Department. You may have seen a Citizens Patrol vehicle or uniformed members helping with traffic control, parking, and city code enforcement. We'd like to thank them for their hard work and dedication! Go to surpriseaz.gov/citizenspatrol for more info.
Countryside Park Groundbreaking
On May 25, the City of Surprise broke ground on Countryside Park, located north of Countryside Recreation Center and Elementary School at the southwest corner of Greenway Rd. and Parkview Pl.
The park’s primary use will be to facilitate youth sports. Residents can expect eight youth multipurpose fields, lighting, restrooms, and parking. It is scheduled to be complete in early 2023!
Ribbon Cutting for Two City of Surprise Facilities
On Thursday, May 26, City Council and Water Resource Management cut the ribbon on a new facility near Cactus and Litchfield roads. Up until now, the water team was split into separate areas. This brings them all together in one amazing space.
The City also hosted a grand opening for the Public Works Ops Facility. Mayor and Council were joined by City Management, Department Directors including Kristin Tytler and Lee Lambert and other City staff.
Coming Up
Northwest Regional Library celebrates 20 years in Surprise
The community is invited to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Northwest Regional Library at at 16089 N. Bullard Ave. on Saturday, June 4, from 9 - 11 a.m. with crafts, games, prizes and more! Nearly 20 years ago, the City of Surprise and Maricopa County Library District cut the ribbon and opened the doors to one of the most state-of-the-art libraries in the country at the time. Like 20 years ago, Northwest Regional Library is hosting a party to celebrate the space and people that make this library amazing. Come help us celebrate and kick-off of the 2022 Summer Reading program!
Fireside Chat with the Mayors of the NW Valley
June 24, from 8:20 a.m. to 9:45 a.m., the Chamber of Commerce will host its annual "Fireside Chat with NW Valley Mayors” with networking before and after the program. It is a terrific opportunity for businesses to meet local officials and department heads to stay informed. This event will be held at West-MEC NW Campus 13201 W. Grand Ave., Surprise. Click the link for more information surprise.chamberofcommerce.me/Calendar/moreinfo.php?eventid=410196
City Council Meetings
As a friendly reminder, upcoming City Council Meetings will be held on Tuesday, June 7 and 21. City Council Work sessions begin at 4 p.m., while City Council Meetings follow at 6 p.m. You can also watch live on surpriseaz.gov/surprisetv, the Surprise City Gov Facebook page at facebook.com/cityofsurprise, or on Cox channel 11. We hope to see you there.
