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Fall in Surprise is truly something special! With the weather cooling down, it’s the perfect time to explore our parks and enjoy the desert landscape. This month is packed with exciting events, from local events to family-friendly activities that make the most of our amazing outdoor spaces. Get out there and enjoy time with your families, connect with each other and embrace all the fun this season has to offer!
NEWS & UPDATES
McMicken Dam – 2,000 Acre Park
I am very excited about the progress we have made on establishing a large open space corridor that extends from Peoria and roughly 195thAvenue all the way around to Grand Avenue near 163rd Avenue. This 10-mile-long corridor will consist of up to 2,000 acres of open space. It has been a long time in the making and many people came together to help get this done! We owe a huge thanks to County Supervisor Clint Hickman for his help in getting this across the finish line!
On October 23, the Maricopa County Supervisors approved an agreement that grants the City of Surprise access to develop and revitalize portions of the McMicken Dam Impoundment Area just northwest of Loop 303. The City envisions a natural open space area featuring hiking and biking trails, as well as recreational park facilities where appropriate.
The City will work with the Maricopa County Flood Control District to coordinate park improvements that protect the dam's primary flood water collection purpose and prioritize a seamless and safe visitor experience.
The first phases of the City of Surprise McMicken Dam park development project focus on the following:
Phase 1: Protect the natural area and provide access to hiking and biking trails including the Maricopa Trail, a 315-mile trail that goes around Maricopa County.
Phase 2: Try to establish more space east of Grand Avenue.
Phase 3: Build park facilities in wider sections of the park, while leaving plenty of space to preserve the natural wildlife corridor that already exists.
We captured a photo after the Board approved the agreement to begin the park. Pictured left to right with me in the center are Director of Strategic Initiatives Brad Mecham, City Manager Bob Wingenroth, Mayor Skip Hall and Government Relations Program Director Jodi Tas.
Best of the West Awards
Congratulations to our Economic Development Director Jeanine Jerkovic, on receiving the prestigious President's Choice Award at the WESTMARC Best of the West Awards Gala! This award is a testament to Jeanine's extraordinary leadership, innovative strategies and dedication to WESTMARC and the region.
Village at Prasada developer Josh Simon and the Simon CRE team were awarded the Economic Engine Award for their incredible work on the shopping center!
Congratulations also to the City of Surprise Human Service & Community Vitality Department, A New Leaf, Maricopa County, Arizona Department of Housing and Mustard Seed Ministries for being selected as a finalist for the Excellence in Innovation award for the West Valley Housing Assistance Center.
Surprise Police Department Citizens Patrol Program Earns International Award
The Surprise Police Department has been honored with the prestigious International Association of Chiefs of Police Leadership in Volunteer Police Service Programs Award (Auxiliary/Reserve Program) for its Citizens Patrol program.
This award is a testament to the outstanding dedication and hard work of our Citizens Patrol volunteers. Their commitment to making our community safer and stronger is truly inspiring!
City Earns National Accreditation in Parks and Recreation
The City continues to be recognized among the ranks of elite park and recreation agencies internationally by earning reaccreditation through the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). This distinguished accomplishment was awarded this October, during the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.
Accreditation shows that the Surprise Parks & Recreation Department demonstrates proper practices and procedures in the administration of our parks, facilities and programs, highlighting a high standard of service for the community.
Congratulations to our Parks & Recreation team on this amazing achievement!
CURRENT EVENTS
SciTech Festival
Join us for our annual SciTech Festival on Saturday, November 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Mark Coronado Park parking lot, 15960 N. Bullard Ave.
This free, fun-filled and educational event celebrates STEAM in a fun and interactive environment. Technology and our daily interactions with it continue to grow exponentially. This SciTech Festival aims to inspire our future and current and workforce to seek careers in STEAM fields and showcase the local businesses and organizations already making great strides in these fields.
Thanksgiving Break Camp
Looking for somewhere fun for your kids to spend their Thanksgiving break? The City of Surprise Parks & Recreation Department is excited to offer a three-day Thanksgiving Break Camp for youth currently enrolled in kindergarten - 8th grade. Campers will enjoy daily activities, arts and crafts, games and sports.
The camp will be held November 25 - 27 (Monday through Wednesday) from 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. at Sierra Montana Recreation Center - 14861 N. Spring Ln. Registration is now open.
To download a registration packet, visit surpriseaz.gov/BreakCamps. To finalize registration, a completed registration packet and your child's immunization records must be turned into the Parks & Recreation office, located at 15960 N. Bullard Ave. Office hours are Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
There are a limited number of spots available, and they will fill quickly, so please register early. For more information about Thanksgiving Break Camp, please call 623.222.2210 or email susan.dangerfield@surpriseaz.gov
HOA Summit
If you are a Homeowners Association (HOA) community member, condominium board member or property manager in Surprise, you are encouraged to attend the HOA Summit on Wednesday, November 20, from 6 - 8 p.m. inside City Hall Chambers, 16000 N. Civic Center Plz.
Attendees will have a chance to learn about community resources, housing trends and hear expert presentations geared specifically for HOA board members, property management teams and homeowners.
Hear presentations from and interact with City staff from our recycling program, Surprise Police Department and code enforcement. Then, Beth Mulcahy, Esq. of the Mulcahy Law Firm, P.C., will join us for an informative class on Arizona’s HOA and condo laws, including many current topics such as new legislation and enforcement of governing documents. There will also be time for Q&A at the end of the class.
The next City Council Meetings is on November 19 at 6 p.m. The public is welcome to attend in person, or you can tune in on surpriseaz.gov/SurpriseTV, the Surprise City Gov Facebook page at facebook.com/CityOfSurprise or on Cox channel 11.
Community Meeting
Join me for my next D6 Community Meeting on November 20 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.
Thank you to everyone who came out to our 10th annual Veterans Day Parade! Each year, this event brings our community together to honor and recognize the individuals who have courageously served our country.
Tricolor Auto
Because I could not attend the ribbon cutting of the amazing Tricolor Auto facility, on October 16, I got to take a special one-on-one tour. A huge thank you to Josh Cook, Recon Director at Tricolor, for the exciting updates and insights on how they are fueling growth in Surprise. Thank you to the Economic Development team for making this tour happen.
Domestic Violence Awareness Proclamation
Mayor Skip Hall officially proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month at the City Council Meeting on October 1. As part of the proclamation, Mayor Hall urged the community to raise awareness about this issue and work together to eliminate domestic violence in our city.
The color purple symbolizes the national effort to support Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). During this year’s national “Wear Purple Day” on October 17, City staff wore purple, and our community was encouraged to take part in this visible way to show support for victims and the numerous organizations that provide advocacy and assistance to them. Our community saw both Surprise City Hall and the City’s Public Safety Building lit purple each evening during the entire month in support of DVAM.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, you are encouraged to call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) or visit TheHotline.org.
Disability Employment Awareness Proclamation
Mayor Skip Hall proclaimed October to be Disability Employment Awareness Month in Surprise at the City Council meeting on October 15, celebrating the value and talent workers with disabilities add to our workplaces and economy.
The proclamation was accepted by members of our City’s Veterans, Disability & Human Services Commission, as well as the owners and some staff of Spencer's Place – a local coffee shop that employs adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
SAVE THE DATE
Annual Surprise Party and Sparkling Surprise
The annual Surprise Party holiday event will be held Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, from 5 - 9 p.m. at the Surprise Recreation Campus, 15960 N. Bullard Ave.
Light up your weekend with family and friends at our two-night Surprise Party! Enjoy a variety of festive activities and entertainment, including a winter snow party, a captivating drone show, glowing hot air balloons, skydivers and a special performance. Savor delicious treats from food trucks, browse our vibrant vendor village and let the kids have fun in the kid zone. Be sure to visit Santa’s Workshop for photos with Santa and gather around for Storytime at the Surprise Library. With so much in store, it’s sure to be a weekend full of holiday magic and fun for all ages! For more information, visit surpriseaz.gov/SurpriseParty.
Sparkling Surprise
After the Surprise Party kickoff, join us for Sparkling Surprise at Surprise Community Park each night from 5:30 to 10 p.m., December 6 - 31. This year, we're lighting up the night with an incredible 200,000 holiday lights, featuring dazzling displays that stretch from Surprise Community Park to outside Surprise Stadium.
Don’t miss this unforgettable holiday adventure—bring your loved ones for a night filled with joy, wonder and festive cheer! For more information, check out surpriseaz.gov/SparklingSurprise.
LIVE at Asante
Get ready for a free, outdoor entertainment series 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
February 6, 2025 | Indie Blues | The Black Hole and Zach Johnson
April 3, 2025 | Country-Pop | High Horse and Eden Cislo
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.
