Surprise District 6 City Councilmember Chris Judd.
City of Surprise
By Chris Judd
Another Spring Training season has ended and what a success it was! Surprise Stadium was recently voted the #1 Spring Training Facility in the 2025 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards program. Congratulations to the Sports & Tourism Department for their dedication to Spring Training, and thank YOU for your votes and enthusiasm!
Now is a great time to enjoy the outdoors with hikes and bike rides, and early morning walks at the White Tank Mountains. I am excited to share all that our community has to offer, as well as City updates. Thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter and for your continued support.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATE
Now Open!
- Actors PLAYground Theater Company – 12801 W. Bell Rd., 111
- Amazing Lash – 16825 N. 145th Ave., #119
- Blue Sushi Sake Grill – 13442 N. Prasada Pkwy.
- Etico Office and Warehouse at Skycom Business Park – 11095 N. Solar Canyon Way
- Medix Infusion – 14800 W. Mountain View Blvd., Ste. 260-290
- Pacific Denta l– 16853 N. 145th Ave.
- Sunrise Preschools – 17189 W. Greenway Rd.
- Torchy’s Tacos – 16430 W. Waddell Rd., Suite 120
NEWS & UPDATES
McMicken Dam Progress
We are one step closer to finalizing the agreement to officially establish a park within the 3,500 acres adjacent to McMicken Dam. The Maricopa County Flood Control Advisory Board (FCAB) met on March 27 to review the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) for the Recreational Use of the McMicken Dam Project Area. After a presentation, the FCAB invited me to speak about our plans for the area. They unanimously endorsed and recommended approval of the agreement.
The next steps are to present the IGA to City Council, followed by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors. If approved, this IGA will support open space preservation adjacent to McMicken Dam with a few opportunities for parks and recreation amenities to be developed in the future. This will provide a centrally located amenity for residents to enjoy nature.
Out of the Park Music Fest
A huge thank you to our Sports & Tourism Department for organizing an amazing Out of the Park Music Fest last month! It was a blast hearing live performances from such talented artists and seeing the community come together to enjoy the music and good vibes. Events like this truly showcase the heart of our town.
Read Across America
I had the opportunity to be a part of Read Across America, which is a weeklong celebration that encourages reading and promotes literacy. Read Across America is celebrated yearly from the beginning of March starting with Dr. Seuss’ birthday. I hope to inspire more of you to participate next year at your local school to be a part of something so inspirational.
Cactus Road Update
Here’s an update on improvements along Cactus Road from Reems Road to Loop 303:
Crews are wrapping up the initial paving of the new westbound lanes of Cactus Road. Details are being finalized to place lane markings and open additional lanes on this section of roadway. Some restrictions will remain in place as crews complete work within the center median and sidewalks. This same effort is underway to open additional lanes on Sarival Avenue. The final paving for this section of Cactus is scheduled for mid-summer.
At the intersection of Greer Ranch Parkway and Cactus Road, crews are working to complete the initial paving to allow for full access for drivers wishing to use Greer Ranch Parkway. This phase of work is expected to be completed within the next couple of weeks with the activation of the traffic signal to follow shortly after.
Following the reopening of the Greer Ranch and Cactus intersection, additional closures of 156th and 161st avenues will be required to complete improvements to those intersections. It is important to note that only one of these intersections will close at a time in order to maintain two access points to Cactus Road. The closure duration for each of these intersections is anticipated to be approximately two weeks.
The new traffic signal at Cactus and Prasada Parkway was activated on March 31, ahead of the grand opening of the Home Depot on the southwest corner of this intersection. Improvements to the Cactus and Sarival traffic signal continue and are expected to be completed in the upcoming weeks.
Work is also taking place along Cactus Road from Loop 303 to Cotton Lane:
Crews have completed much of the initial paving for Cactus Road and Cotton Lane. Grading and paving for the northwest corner of Cactus and Cotton can resume now that conflicts with unknown utilities have been resolved. Additionally, the installation of new curb and gutter along with sidewalks have continued along Cactus. Traffic signal improvements continue at this intersection as well.
At the completion of the school year, crews will begin the ultimate improvements to the Cactus and Cotton intersection. This was scheduled to occur over the summer not to disrupt the operation of schools in the area. Final paving is slated for late-summer/early-fall.
The overall project is currently scheduled to be completed by the end of 2025. It was originally scheduled to be completed in spring of 2026, but due to the City’s and our contractor’s efforts we have been able to accelerate the schedule by at least three months and we are constantly looking for opportunities to complete the project even earlier. We appreciate your patience as we work through this vital roadway improvement project and look forward to providing an improved and safe Cactus Road corridor.
CURRENT EVENTS
Summer Camp Registration Open
Registration is open now for Summer Break Camp; an engaging program tailored for youth entering 1st through 7th grade. Packed with daily activities, arts and crafts, games, sports, special guests and exciting field trips, this camp promises endless fun and adventure
Summer Camp 2025 will be held May 27 through July 30; Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Camp will be at Countryside Recreation Center (15038 N. Parkview Pl.) for children entering grades 1st through 4thgrades, and Sierra Montana Recreation Center (14861 N. Spring Ln.) for participants entering grades 5th through 7th.
Fees for Summer Camp:
Registration fee: $30 per child - resident | $50 per child - non-resident
Daily fee: $30 - resident | $34 - non-resident
*Registration fee and payment for the first enrolled week are due at the time of registration.
To download a registration packet, head to surpriseaz.gov/BreakCamps. A completed packet must be turned in at the Parks and Recreation office (15960 N. Bullard Ave.) to finalize registration. Office hours are Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information about Summer Break Camp, please call 623.222.2210 or email susan.dangerfield@surpriseaz.gov.
Arts and Culture
From music performances, an art workshop, a lecture series and more, make sure to mark your calendar to attend these upcoming events!
AZ SPEAKS - Register at surpriseaz.gov/ArtsSignUp
“The Colorado River and It’s Wonders: A Study in Water Use and Conservation” by Jim Turner
April 9 | 11 a.m. | Surprise Council Chambers - 16000 N. Civic Center Plz.
“Arizona’s Cosmic Connections” by Marshall Shore
May 14 | | 6 p.m. | Asante Library – 16755 W. Vereda Solana Dr.
LUNCHTIME THEATER - Tickets are $15 and reservations are required by going to WestValleyArts.org
New Carpa Theater
April 10 | 12 p.m. | Arts HQ Gallery – 16126 N. Civic Center Dr.
ART WORKSHOP - Registration required at surpriseaz.gov/ArtsSignUp.
Expressions in Full Bloom with Tiesha Harrison
April 26 | 11 a.m. | Asante Library – 16755 W. Vereda Solana Dr.
ART EXHIBITION AT SURPRISE CITY HALL
Charter Schools Exhibit
Now - April 18
City of Surprise Staff Art Exhibit
May 2 - June 6
Want to see what else is on the 2025 arts and culture calendar? All events are listed online at surpriseaz.gov/ArtEvents. All dates and times are subject to change. All events are free unless otherwise stated.
Celebrate National Volunteer Week
In celebration of National Volunteer Week, join to help fill bags of pinto beans into individual packages for easy distribution through Valley View Food Bank locations; volunteers can also help assemble feminine hygiene kits for women in need.
The 8th Annual “Bean Bag Day” is on Saturday, April 26, from 8 - 11 a.m., at Freedom Traditional Academy 16066 N. Parkview Pl.
Volunteers must register at surpriseaz.gov/DOSVolunteer. For more event information, please contact Kara Poling at kara.poling@surpriseaz.gov or call 623.222.1647. This event is presented by the City of Surprise Human Services & Community Vitality Department in partnership with Dysart Unified School District, Valley View Food Bank, Seeds of Hope International Ministries and Women 4 Women.
Through an additional partnership with Habitat for Humanity, a donation drive will also take place during this event to celebrate Earth Day. Donations of furniture, appliances, tools, household goods, and home improvement items in resaleable condition will help support affordable housing and keep items out of the landfill for sustainability. Plus, donations are tax-deductible! Can’t donate at the event? Schedule a free personal pickup at your convenience by calling 623.551.6000 or online at habitatcaz.org/Restores.
Find more information on future Day of Service events at surpriseaz.gov/DayOfService.
Eggstravaganza
Egg hunters, grab your baskets and get ready for an unforgettable evening of fun and excitement! The City’s annual Eggstravaganza is hopping its way to the Surprise Recreation Campus (15960 N. Bullard Ave.) on Friday, April 18, from 5 to 9 p.m.
This free, family-friendly event offers activities for all ages, including a kids zone featuring inflatables, face painting and a petting zoo. Visitors can also enjoy a children’s entrepreneurship shopping market, a variety of food trucks and of course Mr. and Mrs. Bunny! Admission is free with a canned food donation to benefit the Valley View Community Food Bank.
Egg hunts will be held at Surprise Stadium, with gates opening at 5 p.m. The hunts are separated by age group and will start approximately every 20 minutes, ensuring everyone has a chance to participate.
For egg hunt times and more event details, please visit surpriseaz.gov/Eggstravaganza or call 623.222.2000.
Vet Fest
The City is excited to offer our community a chance to celebrate and connect at Vet Fest on Saturday, April 12, from 5 - 8 p.m. at Mark Coronado Park, 15960 N. Bullard Ave.
Surprise’s Vet Fest is an all-ages, fun-filled evening meant for our entire community! We encourage our veterans, military families and all supporters to come out and enjoy live music, food trucks, vendor booths, information from veteran service providers, a job fair through Arizona@Work, kids' zone, sensory tents, static displays of military vehicles and more!
Vet Fest is part of Surprise’s ongoing mission to be a Veteran-friendly city, offering support services and building community connections. The event is hosted by the City of Surprise Veterans, Disability & Human Services Commission, and is presented by America’s Mighty Warriors, the Title Sponsor, with support from sponsors APS and Maricopa County.
There is still time to join the event as a sponsor or an employer at the job fair! Our community is also encouraged to join a special service project to support the troops. Volunteers can assist with writing letters to service members, sorting donations, assembling care packages and decorating donation boxes. You can learn more and sign up to volunteer at surpriseaz.gov/VetFest. For questions, contact Danielle Osborne at 623.222.1034 or email danielle.osborne@surpriseaz.gov.
Cookies and Crafts with Mrs. Bunny
Come enjoy Cookies and Crafts with Mrs. Bunny on Saturday, April 12, at Sierra Montana Recreation Center. Children of all ages are welcome to visit with Mrs. Bunny while making crafts, having a snack and enjoying an egg hunt!
There are three time slots: 9 - 10 a.m., 10:15 - 11:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Space is limited, pre-registration is required for adults and children ages three and up. Children aged two and under are free. Admission is $5 per Surprise resident and $7 per non-resident. Portions of the event will be outside. We encourage attendees to dress appropriately for the weather.
To register, head to surpriseaz.gov/SurpriseRec and click “Special Programs.” Email susan.dangerfield@surpriseaz.gov or call 623.222.2210 for more information.
Hiring Event in Surprise
The City of Surprise, in partnership with ARIZONA@WORK, is hosting a free hiring event on Thursday, April 24, to connect job seekers with more than 20 different employers currently hiring in the West Valley. The hiring event will run from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Surprise Regional Library, 16089 N. Bullard Ave.
A variety of organizations and businesses will be in attendance, including:
- Always Caring HomeCare
- Arizona Mentor
- City of Surprise
- Department of Veterans’ Services
- Home Care Powered by AUAF
- Hospitality Services Group
- Maricopa County Head Start
- National Indian Council on Aging, Inc.
- ServiceWorld RV
- United States Navy
Prospective candidates should come to the event ready for potential onsite interviews and possible job offers. Attendees will also have a chance to learn about ARIZONA@WORK and the different services and resources they provide to help job seekers pursue employment opportunities.
For more information, contact Melinda Greenhouse by calling 623.222.1630 or email Melinda.Greenhouse@maricopa.gov.
City Council Meetings
The next City Council Meeting is on April 15 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 Government Facebook page at facebook.com/CityOfSurprise or on Cox channel 11.
Community Meeting
Join me for my next D6 Community Meeting on April 16 at 6 p.m. at Tap House Sports Grill, located at 13699 N. Litchfield Rd. Let's discuss the latest City issues and answer any questions you may have.
Please check my webpage at surpriseaz.gov/District6 for updates to my meeting schedule.
SAVE THE DATE
Fire First Friday Community Safety Classes
The Surprise Fire-Medical Department is offering free life-saving knowledge and training. These classes aim to provide attendees with basic emergency response training in a comfortable and stress-free environment so community members will know how to start helping while waiting for emergency crews.
Stop the Bleed & Narcan Classes – Participants will learn the basic skills needed to save someone in the event of a deep-penetrating injury and the proper technique needed to deliver Narcan. Classes are on the first Friday of each odd-numbered month. The next class is May 2.
CPR Classes – Take a free non-certifying CPR class. Participants will learn the basics of CPR, including chest compressions, AED use and rescue breathing. Classes are on the first Friday of each even-numbered month. The next class is June 6.
Classes are at 9 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. in the Public Safety Building Auditorium, 14250 W. Statler Plz. Suite 101. Pre-registration is required and can be accessed at surpriseaz.gov/FireFirstFridays.
The maximum class size is 40 people for each session. Participants must be 12 years old or older, and a registered adult must accompany attendees aged 12-17.
