I hope you had a wonderful time with your family this holiday season. As we start the new year, I am excited to share new changes and updates with you. Thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter and for your continued support.
Surprise has launched a new mobile application, Surprise Area Focused on Encampments (SAFE) Reporting, that allows community members to submit non-emergency reports to the City about homeless families, individuals or encampments that may benefit from outreach services.
The SAFE Reporting application is available through the ESRI QuickCapture app that is available for download in both the Apple and Android app stores. For instructions on how to load the SAFE Reporting module to the Quick Capture app, visit safe.surpriseaz.gov.
For any additional support with the SAFE Reporting application, email SAFEReporting@surpriseaz.gov.
The Fields at Countryside has been named Soccer Field of the Year in the Schools & Parks category by the Sports Field Managers Association (SFMA). This prestigious recognition highlights the City’s ongoing commitment to excellence in sports field maintenance and youth sports programs.
SFMA is a nationally recognized organization that includes leaders from MLB, NFL, NCAA and Parks and Recreation departments across the country. The Field of the Year program is highly competitive, recognizing outstanding turf management and facility quality, and this honor is a testament to the hard work and expertise of Surprise’s parks and maintenance teams. For more information on City parks in Surprise, visit surpriseaz.gov/Parks.
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) offers IRS trained and certified volunteers to assist households making $67,000 or less in preparing their tax returns.
Tax preparation assistance will be available through April 15 at the Surprise Resource Center, 12425 W. Bell Rd., Suite 124. No appointment is necessary, and walk-ins are welcome on Mondays and Tuesdays from 4 - 8 p.m. and Thursdays from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Please note the Resource Center will be closed on Monday, February 17, for Presidents’ Day.
VITA assistance will also be available at Riverboat Bingo, 18300 W. Bell Rd., on Wednesdays through April 9, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For information on what to bring with you and to download and fill out the intake packet, visit TurnANewLeaf.org/VITA. For more information, call 623.222.1600.
The City of Surprise was recently honored to receive full accreditation by the American Public Works Association (APWA) for the second time. This four-year accreditation formally verifies and recognizes that the City’s Public Works, Transportation, Water Resource Management and Community Development departments are in full compliance with the recommended management practices of the APWA’s Public Works Management Practices Manual.
The City pursued this second accreditation to promote excellence in the operation and management of a public works agency, its programs and employees. Accreditation is designed to assist the City in the continuous improvement of operations and management and in providing a valid and objective evaluation of City programs.
APWA’s accreditation process has several significant steps, including an internal review of the City’s practices combined with a comparison of the recommended practices contained in the manual; identifying areas needing improvement and bringing all practices into compliance with the recommended practices; a site visit for review and evaluation; and a final review by the Accreditation Council.
The City earned APWA Accreditation for the first time in 2021, becoming one of only six agencies in the State of Arizona to receive this prestigious accreditation.
The Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers begin their 2025 Spring Training seasons at Surprise Stadium this month, on February 21, with the Royals hosting the Rangers, starting at 1:05 p.m.! View the complete schedule here.
To close out the 2025 Spring Training season in Surprise, the Out of the Park Music Fest will take place Saturday, March 22, from 2 - 10 p.m. at Mark Coronado Park, located within the Surprise Stadium Complex. For more information, please visit OutOfTheParkMusicFest.com.
For ticket information and exciting events and promotions, please visit SurpriseStadium.com.
Join us on Sunday, February 16, when Tyller Music will take the stage at Mark Coronado Park (15850 N. Bullard Ave.) from 3 - 7 p.m. Admission is free, and food and drinks will be available for purchase. Bring your blanket or lawn chair, and don’t forget – all dogs must be leashed!
Sunday in the park is presented by the City of Surprise, in partnership with Lou Malnati's and WM, and sponsored by Banner Health and Sanderson Ford and Sanderson Lincoln. For a full list of upcoming events, visit surpriseaz.gov/SpecialEvents.
The City of Surprise, in partnership with ARIZONA@WORK, is hosting a free hiring event on Thursday, February 20, to connect job seekers with employers who are currently hiring. This event will be held from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Surprise Regional Library, 16089 N. Bullard Ave.
Prospective candidates should come 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, call 623.222.1630 or email Melinda.Greenhouse@maricopa.gov.
Join the City of Surprise and our new Mayor, Kevin Sartor, in celebrating the return of Spring Training at the 23rd Annual Mayor’s Welcome Back Reception! This year’s event will take place on Wednesday, February 19, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Surprise Stadium.
Admission is $30 per person, and seating is limited. Tickets are on sale now on the Surprise Stadium website or by calling the box office at 623.222.2222.
The summer job search starts now, and the City of Surprise is looking for new members of our aquatics team! The Parks & Recreation Department is holding several low-cost training opportunities to get you certified and ready to apply to make a splash this summer!
Why be a lifeguard?
Lifeguard Certification Courses
Enrollment is $10 for Surprise residents and $20 for non-residents.
Swim Lesson Instructor Certification
This is a blended course where online instruction needs to be completed in advance.
Enrollment is $50 for Surprise residents and $70 for non-residents.
Get more details on courses here. Registration is required. To sign up, go to surpriseaz.gov/SurpriseRec and click on ‘Aquatics.’
Participants who successfully complete courses will be certified by the Starfish Aquatics Institute; however, course completion does not guarantee employment with the City of Surprise.
Join our nine-session Surprise City Academy, offering the opportunity to learn about the City directly from the mayor, councilmembers, city manager and upper-level City staff. Plus, you will hear from some of our City partners.
Surprise City Academy begins February 24 and meets weekly through April 21. Most classes will meet from 6 - 8:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the Surprise Public Safety Building, 14250 W. Statler Plz. It’s free to participate, but space is limited. Registration is required by 5 p.m. on February 14.
You can find more information, including the online application at surpriseaz.gov/CityAcademy. For questions, please contact danielle.osborne@surpriseaz.gov or 623.222.1034
The City of Surprise Parks & Recreation Department is excited to offer a Spring Break Camp for youth currently enrolled in kindergarten - 7th grade. Campers will enjoy daily activities, arts and crafts, games and sports. Spring Break Camp will be held March 17 - 21, from 7 a.m. - 6 p.m., at Countryside Recreation Center – 15038 N. Parkview Pl.
Surprise resident registration:
$30 per day | $10 per child registration fee
Non-resident registration:
$34 per day | $30 per child registration fee
To download a registration packet, visit surpriseaz.gov/BreakCamps. A completed packet must be turned in at the Parks & Recreation office (15960 N. Bullard Ave.) to finalize registration. Office hours are Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
We have a limited number of spots available, and they will fill quickly, so please register early. For more information, please call 623.222.2210 or email susan.dangerfield@surpriseaz.gov.
The next City Council Meetings are on February 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 Government Facebook page at facebook.com/CityOfSurprise or on Cox channel 11.
Join me for my next D6 Community Meeting on March 19 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.
I was delighted to attend the inaugural “Diamond in the Desert” on January 28 with our Surprise Economic Development Department who sponsored the event at the scenic venue, The Corral at White Tank Ranch! This event supports the amazing efforts of the White Tank Mountains Conservancy, which I led this year!
The City of Surprise and Maricopa County held a groundbreaking on January 15 for a future facility that will bring an array of community services under one roof.
When the Surprise Community and Resource Center opens in spring 2026, it will serve the entire Northwest Valley with services that include:
The center is made possible through an intergovernmental agreement between the City of Surprise and Maricopa County. Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate with us!
Learn more: bit.ly/3DTvPaz
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our 9th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Celebration & Service! From incredible performances and inspiring speakers to service projects helping thousands of local families... together, we were able to honor Dr. King’s legacy and make a huge impact for our community. A special thank you to our City of Surprise Human Service & Community Vitality Department for putting on a wonderful event.
View photos at bit.ly/3E0wF5o
Get ready for free, outdoor entertainment for all ages! LIVE at Asante is a casual performance series offering live music, engaging art activities and delicious food trucks. Join us on select Thursday nights from 6 - 8 p.m. at Asante Library, 16755 W. Vereda Solana Dr., to enjoy a variety of talented local artists. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and friends for a fun-filled evening under the stars.
Upcoming Performances
While an RSVP is not required, it is highly recommended to receive event updates and to allow our Arts, Culture & Library Department and partners to plan for activities. Head to surpriseaz.gov/ArtsSignUp to RSVP. For more information or more arts and cultural events in Surprise, please visit surpriseaz.gov/ArtEvents.
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