Surprise District 1 City Councilman Nick Haney

City of Surprise

As the longer days and warmer weather start to settle in, I hope you're finding a little extra time to enjoy the season, whether that means being outside with your family, working in the yard or just taking a well-earned moment to catch your breath. Spring tends to bring a renewed energy, and I hope you're able to take advantage of it.

We have had a busy month filled with a lot of exciting things moving forward in our District. We have taken several actions to increase the amount of public safety assets and infrastructure in the rapidly growing parts of our city. We have made progress on roadway expansion on 163^rdAvenue and I cannot thank you enough for your patience as the work progressed to get this done. We have made great strides in terms of improving the overall cell service for the areas that desperately need enhanced coverage. And we continue to push forward on additional access points and the long-term solutions our area ultimately needs that was part of the approved Prop 479. I want to thank those of you who have taken the time to email me, attend one of my community meetings or meet with me at City Hall. Our conversations continue to keep me fired up to push our District and city forward. Although we have seen so much progress, I do want to stress that progress is not cause for pause. We continue to focus on the items of importance and together I know we will get there. Continue to stay engaged, continue to stay informed, continue to stay motivated and most importantly continue to stay safe.

Water Safety CPR, First Aid and Water Lessons

I will continue to provide you with information pertaining to swim lessons and CPR classes. As the temperatures rise and more of us find ourselves spending time with family and friends around water, it’s even more important to make sure we are staying vigilant. Being trained in CPR and signing your kids up for swim lessons can play a huge role in preventing a tragedy around the water this summer. For City aquatics offerings, head to surpriseaz.gov/Aquatics.  

First Fridays with Fire

The Surprise Fire-Medical Department works to put life-saving power into the hands of the community through safety classes on the First Friday of every month. Classes are at 9 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. in the Public Safety Building Auditorium, 14250 W. Statler Plz. Suite 101. Pre-registration is required. Please note the registration forms below are only open two weeks before the class date.

To register and get more information, please visit surpriseaz.gov/FireFirstFridays.

Swim Lessons

During spring, summer and fall, the City of Surprise offers group and private swimming lessons for children and adults. Swimming is an important life skill that everyone should learn early-on. Make sure you and your children gain the important benefits from learning to swim, including water safety, coordination, social skills and fitness. To select the best class for you or your child, please visit surpriseaz.gov/SwimLessons.

• Ages: 6 months to adult. Age determined by first day of lesson
• Group Lesson Registration Fees: $25 resident, $45 non-resident
• Private Lesson Registration Fees: $40 resident, $60 non-resident
• Locations:
  • Surprise Aquatic Center
    15831 N. Bullard Ave.
  • Hollyhock Pool
    15808 N. Hollyhock St.
  • Oasis Swim Center
    12361 N. Perryville Rd.

Tools for Teachers Winner

Congratulations to 2nd grade teacher Abbiegail Schallmo for being named the first Tools for Teachers winner! Ms. Schallmo's passion, dedication and unwavering commitment to her students make her truly deserving of this recognition.

For Ms. Schallmo, teaching is more than a job, it’s a calling. She became a teacher to make a meaningful impact in the world and discovered that the most powerful way to do so is by investing in the lives of children. She has a genuine love for working with kids; their joy, resilience and potential inspire her every day. Being part of their growth and helping them believe in themselves is the greatest reward she could ask for.

If you know a teacher like Ms. Schallmo, please use the form on this page to nominate them: surpriseaz.gov/Tools4Teachers

Let’s show our teachers we appreciate them!

Community Meeting

I want to thank everyone who took the time to join my recent community meeting at Chef Peter’s at The Chuckwagon. As many of you know, I try to make these meetings as informative as possible. I typically will rotate between the southern and northern part of the district to make sure each meeting is tailored to the topics of importance for both areas. I want to thank Water Resource Management Director Mike Boule and Environmental & Resources Manager Amy Peterson who were in attendance to discuss the City’s water portfolio and ensure we have a strong foundation when it comes to water-related issues. These meetings, and the conversations we have, are some of the best parts of being your councilman!

I look forward to seeing you at my next Community Meeting to get your questions answered, share ideas and learn more about your city!

Thursday, May 22, at 10 a.m.
Chef Peter’s at The Chuckwagon
17200 N. Happy Trails Rd.

MARCH HIGHLIGHTS

Out of the Park Music Fest

A huge thank you to our Sports & Tourism Department for organizing an amazing Out of the Park Music Fest! It was a blast seeing live performances from such talented artists and an amazing experience for all who attended. Events like this truly showcase the heart of our town.

Read Across America

I had the wonderful opportunity to read to a fantastic group of kindergarteners at Countryside Elementary School during Read Across America week! Read Across America is celebrated yearly from the beginning of March starting with Dr. Seuss’ birthday. This experience made me even more excited for the day when my little girl will be old enough to enjoy some classic Dr. Seuss books with me. Thank you again for the invite!

NEWS & UPDATES

Upcoming & Current Traffic Restrictions

163rd Avenue
With the work continuing to move forward, the corridor will continue to have some traffic restrictions. As of right now, there are no major closures, only small restrictions to finish the widening from US60 to Happy Valley Road completely. We will be sure to share any new closures as we become aware of them. 

For more information related to transportation in north Surprise, view this document. 

Cell Tower Update

We were able to coordinate with Verizon to allow them to install a rapid-deployment cell tower at Fire Station 304 (1/2 mile north of Fry’s) while the permanent tower is constructed. This has already improved service for Verizon customers in the north Surprise area. I realize that although service has improved for some Verizon customers, others have not seen an improvement. We will continue to work with Verizon as they work to construct a more permanent tower which should improve service for even more of their customers in the area. I would like to thank Verizon for working with the City to provide an immediate opportunity to improve service. I am optimistic that we are on the right track to getting much-improved cellular services over the next year. The following are a few updates on each ground lease that the City has executed or is currently working to finalize:

Desert Oasis Water Facility – The agreement for a cell tower at Desert Oasis was signed in May of 2024. Civil plans and building permits are under review. Upon approval, the site preparation work will begin, and the tower will be erected. T-Mobile has plans to be the first provider on this tower. There is an opportunity for other providers to sublease space on the tower with room for two to three providers total.

Rancho Mercado Water Facility – The final version of the agreement is under review by the AT&T legal team. Once AT&T has approved the agreement, City staff will present the agreement to City Council. If approved, the developer will have 12 months to begin construction.

Fire Station 304 and Pocket Park – The City has provided comments on what is anticipated to be the final drafts of the two agreements. As mentioned earlier, Verizon has erected a rapid-deployment tower that will serve as an interim solution while the permanent tower at Fire Station 304 is built.

Asante Community Park – City staff is engaging with a cell tower developer to evaluate the southeastern portion of the park area. As their engineers evaluate this potential site, I will provide updates of any progress.

Each of these new towers will have the opportunity to have multiple providers on each tower. I appreciate your patience as these projects take time via contract negotiation, legal review, planning, engineering and construction. City staff is working diligently to review these projects as quickly as possible while also protecting the health and safety of our residents. We will continue to provide progress updates into the future.

Police Department Substation Update

Design work for the new Police Department Substation began in Fiscal Year 2024, with construction expected to commence in the fall of 2025. Once construction begins, the project is anticipated to take approximately 12 to 14 months to complete. On April 15, 2025, I was proud to make the motion and the rest of my colleagues voted in favor of approving a land exchange involving three acres of City-owned property and three acres of adjacent land owned by Asante Development Partners, LLC. As part of this agreement, Asante Development Partners also agreed to sell an additional two acres to the City. This action allows for the necessary expansion of the substation site. 

The completed substation will house a range of public safety resources, including Patrol, Detectives, Community Relations Officers, Motorcycles, Animal Control and a Real-Time Crime Center. The facility is expected to support approximately 60 personnel, significantly enhancing our ability to serve the community and respond effectively to public safety needs.

Fire Station 310 Update

The Fire-Medical team is currently focused on the timeline, scope and design of Fire Station 310 (FS310). They aim to hire an architect by mid-June to complete 60% of the design by October. Contractor selection will begin at that milestone and take about 45 days, with a contractor selected by mid-December. Afterward, the contractor and construction team will finalize plans and begin permitting. A construction trailer should be on-site by May 2026, with project completion anticipated by September 2027.

SFMD plans to operate an engine out of FS310. As with all our facilities, they are designing this station to accommodate an ambulance and are also considering adding some wildland firefighting resources there as well.

Although the final site plan is not complete yet, the Public Safety teams are developing plans to build additional capacity for essential City services. Here is a list of what the team is currently looking at: 

• Police & Fire Recruit Training
• Indoor Shooting Range and Tactical Training 
• Dispatch and Communication Center
• Public Safety Fleet Shop 
• Public Works/Transportation Operations Center 
• Addressing Citywide Needs

SFMD is also pleased to announce that the Community Paramedicine Program was awarded a $75,000 grant from Banner Health at the Council meeting on April 15. This program is designed to assist residents who could benefit from additional non-emergency care and connections to long-term resources. This initiative will not only provide essential services and support to our community but will also ensure that our all-hazards units remain available and ready to respond to critical emergencies!

Thank you for your continued support as we move forward with these important developments in our community! 

Economic Development Update

Now Open at Asante Marketplace:

• Barro’s Pizza
• Fry’s Marketplace
• McDonald’s
• Jersey Mike’s
• Noble Nails Spa
• Taco Bell

Asante Marketplace / Shops B Coming Soon: 
While an electrical issue temporarily slowed some progress, the problem has since been resolved, and tenant improvements can now resume.

• Academy Bank
• Black Rock Coffee
  • Has announced they will officially be opening this Friday, April 25!
• My DR Now  
• Thai Chili
• Tropical Smoothie Café 

Announced (Asante Trails / southwest corner Pat Tillman & 163rd):

• Baskin Robbins
• Circle K
• Clean Freak Car Wash
• Dip Nail Bar
• Farmer Boys
• First Watch
• Jimmy John’s
• Heartland Dental
• Mexican food, specialty grocer, coffee drive-thru

Now Open in Surprise!

• 3-Minute Express Car Wash, 14057 W. Waddell Rd.
• La Michoacana (all-natural fruit), 13706 W. Bell Rd., Suite C-20
• Starbucks at Prasada North, 16450 W. Waddell Rd.
• Target at Prasada North

Summer Camp Registration Open

Registration is open now for Summer Break Camp; an engaging program tailored for youth entering 1^st through 7^th grade. Packed with daily activities, arts and crafts, games, sports, special guests and exciting field trips, this camp promises endless fun and adventure

Summer Camp 2025 will be held May 27 through July 30; Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Camp will be at Countryside Recreation Center (15038 N. Parkview Pl.) for children entering grades 1^st through 4^thgrades, and Sierra Montana Recreation Center (14861 N. Spring Ln.) for participants entering grades 5^th through 7^th.  

Fees for Summer Camp:
Registration fee: $30 per child - resident | $50 per child - non-resident
Daily fee: $30 - resident | $34 - non-resident
*Registration fee and payment for the first enrolled week are due at the time of registration.

To download a registration packet, head to surpriseaz.gov/BreakCamps. A completed packet must be turned in at the Parks and Recreation office (15960 N. Bullard Ave.) to finalize registration. Office hours are Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information about Summer Break Camp, please call 623.222.2210 or email susan.dangerfield@surpriseaz.gov.

CURRENT EVENTS

City Council Meetings

The next City Council Meetings are on May 6 & 20 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

Celebrate National Volunteer Week

In celebration of National Volunteer Week, join to help fill bags of pinto beans into individual packages for easy distribution through Valley View Food Bank locations; volunteers can also help assemble feminine hygiene kits for women in need.

The 8^th Annual “Bean Bag Day” is on Saturday, April 26, from 8 - 11 a.m., at Freedom Traditional Academy 16066 N. Parkview Pl.

Volunteers must register at surpriseaz.gov/DOSVolunteer. For more event information, please contact Kara Poling at kara.poling@surpriseaz.gov or call 623.222.1647. This event is presented by the City of Surprise Human Services & Community Vitality Department in partnership with Dysart Unified School District, Valley View Food Bank, Seeds of Hope International Ministries and Women 4 Women.

Through an additional partnership with Habitat for Humanity, a donation drive will also take place during this event to celebrate Earth Day. Donations of furniture, appliances, tools, household goods, and home improvement items in resaleable condition will help support affordable housing and keep items out of the landfill for sustainability. Plus, donations are tax-deductible! Can’t donate at the event? Schedule a free personal pickup at your convenience by calling 623.551.6000 or online at habitatcaz.org/Restores.

Find more information on future Day of Service events at surpriseaz.gov/DayOfService.

Hiring Event in Surprise

The City of Surprise, in partnership with ARIZONA@WORK, is hosting a free hiring event on Thursday, April 24, to connect job seekers with more than 20 different employers currently hiring in the West Valley. The hiring event will run from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Surprise Regional Library, 16089 N. Bullard Ave.

A variety of organizations and businesses will be in attendance, including:

• Always Caring HomeCare
• Arizona Mentor
• City of Surprise
• Department of Veterans’ Services
• Home Care Powered by AUAF
• Hospitality Services Group
• Maricopa County Head Start
• National Indian Council on Aging, Inc.
• ServiceWorld RV
• United States Navy

Prospective candidates should come to the event 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.

Arts and Culture

From music performances, an art workshop, a lecture series and more, make sure to mark your calendar to attend these upcoming events!

ART WORKSHOP - Registration required at surpriseaz.gov/ArtsSignUp.
Expressions in Full Bloom with Tiesha Harrison
April 26 | 11 a.m. | Asante Library – 16755 W. Vereda Solana Dr.

SPEAKER SERIES - Register at surpriseaz.gov/ArtsSignUp
“Arizona’s Cosmic Connections” by Marshall Shore
May 14 | | 6 p.m. | Asante Library – 16755 W. Vereda Solana Dr.

ART EXHIBITION AT SURPRISE CITY HALL
City of Surprise Staff Art Exhibit
May 2 - June 6

Want to see what else is on the 2025 arts and culture calendar? All events are listed online at surpriseaz.gov/ArtEvents. All dates and times are subject to change. All events are free unless otherwise stated.

SAVE THE DATE

Surprise Talent Show

The City of Surprise is excited to announce its upcoming Talent Show, which will take place on Saturday, May 3, from 5 - 8 p.m. at The Vista, located at 15660 N. Parkview Pl. The show will highlight local talent, featuring performances across various genres, including singing, dancing, musical performances and more. 

Interested in watching the stars shine on stage? Tickets for the Surprise Talent Show can be purchased in-person or online through May 2, for $5 per Surprise resident or $7 per non-resident. Day-of tickets will be available for purchase online only for $7 per Surprise resident or $9 for non-residents. 

For tickets, visit surpriseaz.gov/SurpriseRec and click "Special Programs," or contact Ashley.Stevens@surpriseaz.gov or 623.222.2249.

Apprenticeship Fair

The City of Surprise and ARIZONA@WORK Maricopa County are celebrating National Apprenticeship Day on April 30, by holding the inaugural West Valley Registered Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship Fair from 1:30 - 4 p.m. at Surprise Regional Library, 16089 N. Bullard Ave.

This unique event brings together apprenticeship programs, employers, job seekers, community-based organizations and those interested in exploring career opportunities through a registered apprenticeship program. 

Attendees will gain insights into training programs, meet with employers and connect with community resources. Whether a job seeker or an employer, this fair offers valuable opportunities to advance your career or strengthen your team through an “earn while you learn” model.

Trades in attendance include: 

• Boilermakers 
• Construction Trades
• Electrical
• K-12 Educators
• Heavy Equipment Operating Engineer
• Heavy Duty Equipment Repairer/Mechanic
• Elevator Constructor Apprentice
• Electrician/Journeyman
• Inside Wiremen Commercial Electrical

The U.S. Department of Labor established National Apprenticeship Day to showcase and promote high-quality, inclusive, in-demand career pathway opportunities through Registered Apprenticeship programs. 

You can learn more about Maricopa County’s apprenticeship programs by visiting Maricopa.gov/Apprentice.

City of Surprise Hosts Free 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, May 21, from 6 - 8 p.m. inside the Community Room at City Hall,16000 N. Civic Center Plz.

Attendees have an opportunity to learn about community resources and hear expert presentations geared specifically for HOA board members, property management teams and homeowners. 

Representatives from several City departments will discuss programs for HOA Communities and any changes to local regulations that might affect them. Then, attorneys from the Mulcahy Law Firm will lead an informative presentation on new changes in HOA Rules and Regulations. There will also be time for Q&A at the end of the class. 

Registration is required. Please visit surpriseaz.gov/HOASummit to register for the event.