Surprise City Councilmember Johnny V. Melton
Courtesy city of Surprise
By Johnny V. Melton
Being a part of the Surprise Youth Scholarship awardee process was an amazing opportunity. Hearing so many young men and women who have achieved great things at such a young age was truly inspiring. You can read more about this scholarship and the recipients in this newsletter. Please also take a moment to read about upcoming events occurring within our city. Thank you.
CURRENT EVENTS
Community Meeting
There will be no District 4 Community Meetings over the summer, they will resume in the fall. You can find the Community Meeting schedule online at surpriseaz.gov/District4 when they return.
City Council Meetings
The next City Council Meeting is on June 17 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.
Fire First Fridays
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. Please note the registration forms below are only open two weeks before the class date.
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 July 11 (due to the Fourth of July holiday).
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 August 1.
To register and get more information, please visit 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.
Paper Shredding Event
Take advantage of this free paper shredding event at the Public Works North Yard, 17274 N. Litchfield Rd., on June 25, 26 and 28 from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. to help you safely dispose of sensitive documents.
Surprise residents can bring up to three banker's boxes (15 in x 12 in x 10 in) of paper to be shredded. City staff will be there to oversee lockable bins for residents to place their paper into, and then the bins will be taken by our vendor to be shredded off-site.
Friends and Family Puzzle Challenge
Join the City of Surprise Parks & Recreation Department for a Family & Friends Puzzle Challenge. A 500-piece puzzle competition that tests teamwork and speed on Friday, June 13, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Sierra Montana Recreation Center, located at 14861 N. Spring Ln. in the Multipurpose Room.
Each team may consist of up to four players. Teams will have three hours to complete the 500-piece puzzle. Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams. Light refreshments will be provided.
Pre-registration is required. The registration fee is $40 for residents and $45 for non-residents. To register, visit surpriseaz.gov/SurpriseRec, or contact Ashley.Stevens@surpriseaz.gov or 623.222.2249.
Celebrate Flag Day by Volunteering
Join us for a meaningful and fun-filled Day of Service as we come together to celebrate Flag Day by supporting our U.S. Troops. Volunteers of all ages can help decorate care packages, write heartfelt cards and create patriotic crafts that will be sent to active-duty military members.
This event is possible through a partnership with Youth for Troops and the WHAM Art Center. Space is limited! Capacity is 70 participants. Registration is required at: surpriseaz.gov/DOSVolunteer
Event Details: June 14, 8 - 10 a.m. Surprise City Hall, Community Room, 16000 N. Civic Center Plz.
To learn more about this and future Day of Service events, visit surpriseaz.gov/DayofService.
Blood Drives
The City of Surprise is partnering with Vitalant Blood Donation to host several blood drives through July. Blood donations decline dramatically during the summer, but the need for blood remains constant.
Community members wanting to participate are encouraged to make an appointment through the Vitalant website using Blood Drive Code p1T62. Although walk-ins are welcome, those with an appointment will be given priority.
Blood Drive Events:
June 27 | 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Surprise Regional Library (Program Room)
July 27 | 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Surprise Regional Library (Program Room)
For questions or information, please contact 623.222.5127.
Family Beach Bash at Oasis Swim Center
Bring your little ones for a splashing good time at the pool on Saturday, June 21, from 9 - 11 a.m. Families will enjoy cool water, games, prizes and crafts!
The event will be at the new Oasis Swim Center, located at 12361 N. Perryville Rd. All children must be accompanied by a guardian.
Registration is required for each entry (including parents) and spots are limited. $5 for Surprise residents and $8 for non-residents. To purchase tickets, visit surpriseaz.gov/SurpriseRec or contact 623.222.2000.
NEWS & UPDATES
Heat Relief Stations
As we move towards the high temperatures of summer, the City of Surprise wants our residents and visitors to know we are a Heat Relief Network partner. Through September 30, Surprise has several locations providing free hydration and indoor refuge stations for those needing a place to cool off during the year's hottest months.
Locations:
- Surprise Resource Center - 12425 W. Bell Rd., Building A, Suite 124
- Hollyhock Library - 15844 N. Hollyhock St.
- Surprise Regional Library - 16089 N. Bullard Ave.
- Asante Library - 16755 W. Vereda Solana Dr.
The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) coordinates an interactive map with more than 200 locations countywide where people can find indoor cooling and respite centers, hydration stations or donation sites. The network is available at azmag.gov/heatrelief.
Anyone can experience heat illness or death, regardless of age, health, fitness level or how long they’ve lived in Arizona. The three stages of heat illness are heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Learn the signs and symptoms of heat related illness and when it’s time to seek medical attention on the Maricopa County Department of Public Health website.
Here are some tips to stay heat safe:
- Stay hydrated; drink water before you feel thirsty.
- If you’re sweating heavily or active for long periods, consider drinks with electrolytes to help replace salts and minerals.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and a wide-brimmed hat.
- Use air conditioning whenever possible. Fans alone are not effective when temperatures exceed 95°F.
- Check on older adults and people living alone often. If something increases their risk, like losing power or air conditioning, you can help them move to a safer, cooler place.
- Never leave children, pets or anyone else in a parked car.
Nominate a Community Legend
The City of Surprise Veterans, Disability & Human Services (VDHS) Commission invites our community to nominate individuals and groups making a difference in the city for the Surprise Community Legend Awards Program. The commission is now accepting nominations for individuals and groups who have contributed to improving the quality of life of others by:
- Measurably improving the lives of vulnerable Surprise residents through grassroots efforts.
- Promoting quality of life, accessibility and equity for all residents of Surprise.
- Linking residents to programs that offer the support needed for a fuller, safer lifestyle.
Nominees must fall into one or more of the following four categories:
- Individual Legend (Must be a Surprise resident for at least two years)
- Outstanding Youth (Must be age 18 or younger)
- Volunteer of the Year (Organizational affiliation must be in the application)
- Organization of the Year (Private, non-profit or faith-based)
More information on the Community Legend Awards program, including the online nomination form, can be found at surpriseaz.gov/CommunityLegend.
All applications must be received by June 27, 2025, at 5 p.m. If you have any questions about the application and process, please contact the Human Service & Community Vitality Department at surprisecares@surpriseaz.gov.
MAY HIGHLIGHTS
Rescue Oasis Ribbon Cutting
On Thursday, May 8, the City of Surprise, in partnership with Willmeng Construction, hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the completion of the Rescue Oasis public safety and recreation complex at Cactus and Perryville roads, with amenities all ages can enjoy such as Oasis Swim Center, Rescue Oasis Park and Soak Station 309 splash pad, along with a full size basketball court, sand volleyball court and more! We are excited to have something this amazing open in Surprise. For more information and to reserve a spot with a Daily Pool Pass, go to surpriseaz.gov/Aquatics.
Surprise Youth Scholarship Awardees
During the City Council meeting on Tuesday, May 20, nine local students were awarded Surprise Youth Scholarships in recognition of their outstanding academic and extracurricular achievements in our community. A total of $20,000 in scholarships was awarded to help these graduate high school seniors afford further educational opportunities. Congratulations!
American Furniture Warehouse
On Friday, May 9, the City of Surprise welcomed American Furniture Warehouse (AFW) to our community with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony at their brand-new location at 16600 W. Waddell Rd.!
AFW CEO Jake Jabs joined Mayor Kevin Sartor, Councilmembers Earle Greenberg, Patrick Duffy and I, alongside Economic Development leadership Jeanine Jerkovic and Mike Hoover.
This addition to Surprise provides residents with a vast new selection of furniture and home goods!
Southwest Gas Groundbreaking
On Friday, May 16, Vice Mayor Jack Hastings, Councilmember Earle Greenberg and I joined Brad Harris, Regional Vice President for Southwest Gas, at their new office space groundbreaking ceremony. This new operation center will be located at 16927 W. Grand Ave., the southeast corner of Deer Valley Road and Grand Avenue. Approximately 80 employees are expected to report to the new location that will service the northwest valley. From all of us here in the City of Surprise, welcome!
SAVE THE DATE
Independence Day Celebration
Celebrate Independence Day with an evening of great food, music and a spectacular firework display at Surprise Community Park. Fireworks start at 8:45 p.m.! Gather your friends and family, bring your lawn chairs and let’s enjoy a festive night together!
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Appointments
Surprise is officially moving the Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Program to a monthly appointment system. Through November, Surprise residents can request an appointment for HHW collection pickup right from their driveway during one week each month.
The collection of these materials is split into two types and scheduled separately. One pick-up is for electronic HHW, including flat-screen TVs, computers and cell phones. Another is for all other HHW.
NEW pickup periods for July 2025 - June 2026:
- July 14-17, 2025
- August 11-14, 2025
- September 8-11, 2025
- October 13-16, 2025
- November 3-6, 2025
- December 2025 – No Pickups
- January 2026 – No Pickups
- February 9-12, 2026
- March 9-12, 2026
- April 13-16, 2026
- May 11-14, 2026
- June 8-11, 2026
For more information on acceptable items, visit surpriseaz.gov/HHW.
To schedule a collection, residents can use the My Surprise app or call customer service at 623.222.1920. All scheduling is based on availability and is first-come, first-served.
Designing a Water Harvesting Landscape
On Wednesday, July 23 at 6 p.m., learn to assess your yard based on integrated design principles and find ways you can shape your landscape to passively harvest rainwater on site. We'll give ideas on how to size and plan where to place your water harvesting basins to help slow the flow of the water, spread it across the areas where it's needed and sink it into the ground.
Register at surpriseaz.gov/WaterWorkshops.
