A new eight-acre park at Greenway Road and Parkview Place will begin design in June of 2021. This new park will provide more programmable and rental field space.
In addition to the new park, council voted to provide additional funding to the Gaines Youth Baseball Field to allow for completion ahead of the current timeline, and established a $3 million budget for enhancements to the Surprise Community Park. Enhancements will be determined following the design and submittal of actual costs, but could include adding a restroom, improving dog park drainage and exploring new lighting. The city of Surprise has continued to see growth in housing permits and retail sales collections, and as a result, Council voted to fund these parks projects.
We are still in the beginning phases of planning for a larger city park (75 to 100 acres). If you have any ideas on what you would like to see included, please reach out to me at chris.judd@surpriseaz.gov.
Rocket League/Among Us Tournaments
Surprise Parks and Recreation and Bravous Esports are teaming up to offer online video game tournaments. Gamers participate from the comfort of their own homes in a competitive, elimination-style tournament. The registration fee for Surprise residents is $10. Register online at bit.ly/3gClzDN.
Rocket League “Back to School” Tournament
(7-17yr) – January 9, 4-9 p.m.
Among Us Unmasking
(7-17yr) – February 20, 4-9 p.m.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Celebration & Service
In honor of the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. the city will host a virtual program celebrating his life, leading into a day of community service. Please join us on Jan. 16, beginning at 9 a.m. on the City of Surprise social media channels and Surprise TV to see a variety of local musicians, performers, and speakers. Community service projects are also being coordinated. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Larry Garcia at larry.garcia@surpriseaz.gov. In order to adhere to COVID-19 gathering limitations, advanced registration is required.
What’s Happening on that Lot
Fire Station 308, located at the southeast corner of Litchfield Road and Cactus Road, broke ground on Dec. 7. This nearly 16,000-square-foot facility will house an Engine Company, Hazardous Materials Response Team and future ambulance. The fire station was funded by the voter-approved 2017 Decide Surprise General Obligation Bond.
Other projects currently in development review:
EOS Fitness Marley Park, 13644 N. Litchfield Park
Kiff Enterprises-JBUGS, southwest corner of Sweetwater and Dysart Road
Level Crossing Phase 2 PAD Amendment, an extension of the property for industrial and commercial mixed use, located at 13700 N. Dysart Road.
New Commercial Permits were recently completed for:
Skyway Business Park Bldg. H1, 11304 N. Dysart Road
Skyway Business Park Bldg. H2, 11180 N. Dysart Road
Economic Development
The Surprise Small Business Relief Grant program provided grants to local businesses impacted by COVID-19. The council, using CARES Act funds, funded two phases of this program. Through this funding, the city was able to help 79 local businesses and retain 483 jobs. Our Economic Development Department continues to work hard to help our local businesses find resources to be successful. Please visit the COVID-19 Business Resource page for a list of other resources available for local businesses.
Possible APS 230kv Power Lines Down Cactus or Peoria roads
APS accepted public comments on the siting process for new 230kv power lines from Oct. 20 to Nov. 20. In a summary of public comments provided by APS, public comment included opposition to the new transmission lines routes along Cactus Road and Peoria Avenue near residential areas. Currently, there is no information on where the lines will ultimately be sited. More information regarding this project should be available in early 2021. To learn more about the project, visit apswestvalleycentral.com.
Council Meetings and Agenda
The next regularly scheduled City Council Meeting will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 19 at 6 p.m. Council meetings are currently closed to in-person attendance. To watch live, please visit surpriseaz.gov/surprisetv, or the Surprise City Gov Facebook page at facebook.com/cityofsurprise. Cox channel 11 and Century Link channel 8513 will also carry the meetings live. Public comment will be accepted by phone and email. Instructions for public comment will be included on each meeting agenda. Agendas are always posted online at a minimum of two days prior. If you see something on the agenda that concerns you, please reach out before the meeting, so I have time to address your concern. I may even ask your questions during the City Council presentation. The best way to reach me is chris.judd@surpriseaz.gov.
Meet and Greet
Please join me for my Monthly Meet and Greet on Jan. 27 at 6 p.m. at Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, 14029 W. Waddell Road. I look forward to discussing the latest City issues, and answering any questions you might have. Please note that my Meet and Greet, scheduled for Jan. 9 at Spencer’s Place, has been cancelled.
Due to COVID-19, there may be changes to my Meet and Greet schedule. Please check my webpage at d6.surpriseaz.gov/ for updates to my meeting schedule.
