One of the privileges I love most about leading our Surprise community is the pleasure to represent the City at events. The annual Independence Day Celebration is a highlight of the summer, and as we celebrate this Fourth of July, let us pause and appreciate the freedoms and opportunities we have and honor this remarkable nation we call home. Please remember to stay safe as you enjoy summer break with family and friends!
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.
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.
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
The wait is over, one of our top 10 most wanted restaurants, Portillo’s is NOW OPEN! It was an honor to join the ribbon cutting celebration. Portillo’s is located at 16320 W. Waddell Rd.
National Military Appreciation Month
May was National Military Appreciation Month, and it was an honor to extend the Mayoral Proclamation to 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.
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.
Ace Hardware Ribbon Cutting
The City was thrilled to announce the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the second Surprise Ace Hardware store location, this one is at 13724 W. Waddell Rd. This new store provides the same friendly service Ace is known for!
Argentinian Delegation
The Surprise Economic Development team hosted esteemed elected officials and businesses representing the Province of Tierra del Fuego, Argentina; it was an honor to join them in this meeting to share innovation, real estate and workforce growth driving the economic future of the Greater Phoenix market!
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!
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.
Thank you to all residents who have signed up to receive my monthly newsletter. Your engagement is essential, and I'm happy to keep you informed about community updates, events and items that may be of interest to you. Please do not hesitate to contact me at skip.hall@surpriseaz.gov, 623.222.1313. Also, feel free to visit my webpage at surpriseaz.gov/Mayor. Follow me on Facebook facebook.com/SurpriseMayor and X @SkipHall2.
