As 2020 draws to a close, I wanted to take this last opportunity of the year to publicly thank you — the residents of Surprise — for your patience and support this trying year.
We have had some challenges that none of us could have ever predicted, but we’ve been able to accomplish so many great things despite those obstacles.
Surprise Party 2020 Coming to You
While the 19th Annual Surprise Party may be going virtual or remote this year, our holiday spirit remains alive and well with a festive lineup of holiday themed programming that can be enjoyed from the comfort of your home or car! From cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus, to a video tree-lighting event and a Santa drive-thru, Surprise Party - At Home has something for everyone December 4 - 13.
Mark your calendars and tune in for the virtual tree lighting that will kick off these events on Friday, December 4 at 7 pm. The video events will be aired on Surprise TV online and the City of Surprise Parks and Recreation Facebook Page. On-demand video playback will be available for recorded events. Just visit surpriseaz.gov/surpriseparty and view the video recording at your convenience.
City of Surprise Annual Deck the Hock Event
The city’s annual Deck the Hock on Hollyhock Street will be a drop-off/pick-up style celebration this year! You are invited to drop off ornaments for three holiday trees on display in front of the Surprise Senior Center and leave gifts under them for three local families in need. We will also have a drop-box for our Surprise Police Department’s annual toy drive available. While you are there, you can pick up a hot cocoa and cookie to-go!
Deck the Hock will be held Friday, December 11 from 12-5 p.m. at the Surprise Senior Center, 15832 N. Hollyhock St. This is not a stay and gather event. Please stop by during that timeframe to drop-off gifts and ornaments and pick-up treats only. Masks are required, and social distancing measures will be in place.
Greenway Road Expansion Project Update
Construction of the voter-approved Greenway Road improvement project will begin December 3. The project will finish the south half of Greenway Road from 800 feet west of Loop 303 to 1600 feet east of Loop 303 (approximately Cotton Lane to Sarival Avenue), adding two travel lanes and eliminating areas of the roadway that have multiple lanes merging into one lane. In addition to more travel lanes, the project includes turn lanes, drainage infrastructure, sidewalks, bicycle lanes, street lighting and landscaping.
There will be lane restrictions on Greenway Road east and westbound approaching the Loop 303. One lane in each direction will be maintained and turning movements will not be affected. From Monday, December 7 until Friday, April 2, 2021, left turns will be restricted from Greenway Road onto Northwest Ranch Parkway and from Northwest Ranch Parkway onto Greenway Road. During this time, the access point at Northwest Ranch Parkway and Greenway Road will be right-in/right-out only.
Drivers can expect roadway restrictions, traffic control changes and reduced speed limits throughout the duration of the project, which is scheduled to be complete in November 2021, weather permitting. Learn more about the Greenway Road project and view a complete list of voter-approved Decide Surprise General Obligation Bond Projects online at surpriseaz.gov/decidesurprise.
Surprise Police Department Awarded Reaccreditation
Congratulations to the Surprise Police Department for achieving accredited status with the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA®) for the fifth consecutive time since 2007!
The purpose of the accreditation program is to improve the delivery of public safety services, primarily by maintaining a body of standards developed by public safety practitioners. To receive accreditation, agencies participate in a four-year process during which there is a comprehensive examination of all aspects of the agency’s policies, procedures, management, operations, and support services.
City of Surprise Public Meetings have Reclosed to In-Person Attendance
In an effort to protect public health amidst rising COVID-19 case numbers, City of Surprise public meetings have reclosed to in-person public attendance until further notice. This includes meetings of City Council and all city boards and commissions. Virtual viewing and public comment options are available, and instructions can be found on the meetings agendas at www.surpriseaz.gov/agendas.
City Bond Projects Breaking Ground
Work to complete the 10 voter-approved Decide Surprise General Obligation Bond projects continues. Construction has recently begun on the Public Safety Evidence and Readiness Center at 134th and Foxfire drives, and the Police Training Facility is in for permit for the same site. Both are expected to be complete next fall. This week, the widening of Greenway Road near the Loop 303 begins, and next week Fire Station 308 at Litchfield and Cactus roads breaks ground. The fire station is estimated to be complete in late 2021, and the road project should be complete by November 2021. With the start of these projects, all building and road construction projects planned as part of the bond have been completed or are underway.
Spring Training 2021
Spring Training season is just a few months away and the Texas Rangers and Kansas City Royals have released their 2021 Spring Training schedule, revealing their game times and season opener featuring the Texas Rangers vs. the Kansas City Royals on Saturday, Feb. 27.
At Surprise Stadium, we’re working hard to develop protocols to protect the health and safety of our fans — all while maintaining the fun and unforgettable experience of Spring Training. Your safety is important to us! We have been working to develop health and safety measures specific to the Spring Training experience after considering guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, local and international health authorities, Major League Baseball, and destination partners.
The next time you visit Surprise Stadium, you will notice that we have taken additional steps to protect your safety, including reduced touch points, contactless ticketing, new intensified cleaning protocols and reduced seating capacity for social distancing. We look forward to sharing additional details as they become available.
For questions or more information about Spring Training, please visit SurpriseStadium.com or call 623-222-2222.
May you enjoy all the simple gifts the holiday season brings to us — the gift of happiness, the gift of joy, the gift of gratitude and the gift of love. Wishing you the very best gifts this Christmas and many better tomorrows with the New Year.
