Patrick Duffy: Surprise City Council District 3 — January Newsletter
Patrick Duffy
City of Surprise
Happy New Year! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season with your families. There are many exciting events scheduled this year. Please take a moment to read about the events in my newsletter, thank you.
CURRENT EVENTS
10th Annual MLK Day of Celebration and Service
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Patrick Duffy: Surprise City Council District 3 — January Newsletter
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Patrick Duffy
City of Surprise
By Patrick Duffy
Happy New Year! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season with your families. There are many exciting events scheduled this year. Please take a moment to read about the events in my newsletter, thank you.
CURRENT EVENTS
10th Annual MLK Day of Celebration and Service
We invite you to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the 10th Annual MLK Day of Celebration and Service on Saturday, January 17 at Willow Canyon High School. This milestone year marks a decade of community service and reflection, honoring MLK’s enduring vision of equality and service.
Event Schedule
8 a.m. - Volunteer check-in & breakfast for the first 500 volunteers
9 a.m. - 10th Annual MLK Celebration Program
10 a.m. - Service projects, preregistration required
Find details on this year's keynote speaker, performances, service projects and more at surpriseaz.gov/MLK.
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.
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 on January 9 due to the holiday week.
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 session will be on February 6.
To register and get more information, visit surpriseaz.gov/FireFirstFridays. Please note, registration forms open two weeks before the class date. 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.
Register for Mayor’s Literacy Challenge
Book lovers of all ages are invited to track reading minutes to earn fun prizes. The City of Surprise 2026 Mayor’s Literacy Challenge runs January 1 - February 14. Participants of all ages can get ready to read by registering now as an individual or family.
Want more fun? Kick off the challenge at the Opening Party on January 3, from 10 a.m. - noon, at Asante Library.
Here’s a fun way to earn reading minutes. We have a collection of audio stories! Visit surprisepubliclibrary.gov/Stories and don’t forget to log these minutes after listening.
Landscape & Water Efficiency Workshops
Water Conservation classes are being offered to help residents understand desert adaptive plants and how to properly take care of them. Classes are held on Saturdays from January through May at Surprise Water Education Center, 16126 N. Civic Center Plz. unless otherwise noted.
March 28 | Palm Trees: Selection & Care | 9 - 10:30 a.m.
April 4 | Xeriscape Garden Tour | 9 - 10 a.m.
May 2 | Xeriscape Garden Tour | 9 - 10 a.m.
Christmas Tree Drop-off
Live Christmas trees can quickly turn into an eyesore and potentially a household hazard. The City has drop-off lots to help you dispose of your tree safely. Lots are open until January 11, 2026, at the following locations:
Bi-Centennial Park, 16705 N. Nash St. (south end of the parking lot)
Surprise Recreation Campus / Youth Baseball Complex, 15795 N. Parkview Pl.(across from Valley Vista High School)
Dick McComb Softball Park, 17894 W. Westpark Blvd. (parking lot on the corner of 180th Avenue & Westpark Boulevard)
Asante Community Park, 16763 W. Vereda Solana Dr. (parking lot at the north end of the park)
Please remove all decorations before arriving. Only two trees are accepted per household, and they must be placed in designated areas only.
My next community meeting will be on Saturday, February 7, from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. at the Public Works Operation Facility, 13775 W. Cactus Rd. See you there!
City Council Meetings
The next City Council Meetings are on January 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.
NEWS & UPDATES
Surprise Libraries to Celebrate Semiquincentennial with New Reading Program
The Surprise Public Library System is excited to announce a new reading program in celebration of America’s 250th – Stars & Stories. The program will run until July 4, 2026.
Readers will be awarded fun badges and prizes, based on minutes read. The goal is to read 1,776 minutes over the next nine months in honor of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Prizes will include books, American flags, challenge coins and patriotic swag!
Visit the Stars & Stories reading program webpage to register and learn more about the program: 1776.surprisepubliclibrary.gov.
The City of Surprise has numerous opportunities to participate in events and activities until the big anniversary on July 4, 2026. Learn about all the great events at surpriseaz.gov/America250.
Free Block Party Trailer Rentals Available
What better way to get to know your neighbors than by throwing a great party? Surprise offers free rentals of a Block Party Trailer, and we’ll even deliver it to you!
The block party trailer includes chairs, tables, coolers, canopy tents, sports equipment, games, music and public announcement system and a generator. City staff will deliver the trailer and be present during the event.
Applicants may also receive a reimbursement of up to $150 that can be used toward qualifying expenses to help pay for food or party amenities and entertainment. Approved applicants will receive a Block Party Kit, which includes flyers to help spread the word about your party.
Reservations are required at least two weeks in advance and are granted on a first come, first served basis. Once approved, you can start planning your party!
City Expands Partnership to Help More Families Secure Affordable Healthcare
The City of Surprise’s Human Service & Community Vitality Department continually seeks opportunities to better meet the needs of our community members. Recently, they partnered with Helping Families in Need (HFIN) to expand appointment opportunities for local families who need assistance in gaining and navigating healthcare coverage options.
The organization assists community members with applying for AHCCCS, SNAP, Marketplace (Affordable Care Act) and other health-related resources.
New Appointment Hours
Surprise Resource Center, 12425 W. Bell Rd., Ste 124
Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays | 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Fridays | 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Surprise Senior Center, 15832 N. Hollyhock St.
Saturdays | 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Appointments are required for services. To schedule, please contact Helping Families in Need at 1.800.298.4346.
Participants are asked to have the following documentation available for their appointment:
Proof of income for the last 30 days
Driver’s license
Social Security Cards for all family members
Proof of citizenship
All utility bills
Recent rental agreement or mortgage payment receipt
A letter from someone who knows you, confirming who lives with you (list your address, their address, their name and phone number)
For more information about the resources available through Helping Families in Need, visit hfinaz.com.
DECEMBER HIGHLIGHTS
Hanukkah Menorah Lighting
On Tuesday, December 16, Rabbi Shlomo Ceitlin of Jewish Surprise welcomed all to attend the Hanukkah Menorah lighting at Surprise City Hall. A great celebration with live music and residents, friends, and family were able to celebrate a wonderful event.
SAVE THE DATE
Spring Training Season at Surprise Stadium
Spring training games are back! With 31 games on the schedule and two World Baseball Classic exhibition matchups added to the lineup, fans can look forward to an exciting mix of MLB talent, rising stars and international competition. Opening day is February 20 and games run through March 21.
Also look forward to the MLB Spring Breakout event on March 20, featuring the Kansas City Royals vs. Texas Rangers. This special game will showcase the next generation of Major League talent, highlighting baseball’s brightest prospects.
Individual game tickets for Spring Training at Surprise Stadium on sale online at SurpriseStadium.com
Additional details regarding the upcoming season including promotional schedules, special events and ticket offers will be announced in the coming weeks. Fill out our ticket information form to be alerted when they go live. You can also stay up to date by visiting SurpriseStadium.com or signing up for Sports & Tourism notifications.
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Appointments
Surprise has officially moved the Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Program to a monthly appointment system. 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.
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.
Out of the Park Music Fest
Save the date for the 2026 Out of the Park Music Fest on the final day of Spring Training in Surprise, featuring Multi-Platinum country music star Russell Dickerson and chart-topping artist Niko Moon! Additional artists and local acts will be announced soon!
The annual event returns to Mark Coronado Park (15850 N. Bullard Ave.) on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 2 - 10 p.m.
Tickets available NOW at OutOfTheParkMusicFest.com/Tickets. If you’re looking for the VIP experience, get your tickets now, because they will sell out!
Backyard Bash
Get ready to rewind time at this FREE, all-ages throwback party! On Friday, February 6, at 5 p.m. at Mark Coronado Park. Join the City of Surprise for a totally rad night of skate shows, food trucks, retro games, live 90s jams and nostalgic fun for the whole fam, presented by Toyota of Surprise.
Event highlights include:
Half pipe skate shows that’ll blow your scrunchies off
Mouthwatering eats from local food trucks
Gaming zone + live DJ spinning your favorite 90's jams
90's-themed photo booth & market vendors
Costume Contest:
Come dressed in your best 90s outfit! Visit the Parks & Recreation tent during the event to enter for a chance to win a super fun nostalgic prize.
Outdoor Art Sketching Tour
On Thursday, February 12, at 9 a.m. participants will explore public art outside at City Hall. Teaching artist, Rae Wilson will guide participants to create their own sketches, taking notice of the art and creativity all around us in a fun, low-stress, outdoor, judgement-free zone. This event is for all ages and skill levels. No prior experience is necessary to participate in this sketching tour, and sketchbooks and pencils will be provided. All youth must be accompanied by an adult at all times. To learn more about the Surprise Public Art Collection check out our Public Art Map.
This event takes place outdoors, bring good walking shoes, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and water. We will be sitting on benches and grass that is outdoors, so dress appropriately to enjoy the relaxing experience outdoors.
The starting location for this event will be in the Arts HQ Gallery located at Surprise City Hall (16126 N. Civic Center Plz.)
Registration Now Open for 8th Annual Spring Training 5k & 1K Fun Run
The City of Surprise and Surprise Stadium are excited to announce that registration is officially open for the 8th Annual Spring Training 5K & 1K Fun Run.
Thanks to our presenting sponsor, Palm Valley Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, runners will get to cruise through the Spring Training home of the Texas Rangers and Kansas City Royals, soaking in the energy and ballpark views you can’t get anywhere else.
Register now to take advantage of the discounted rates; 5K: $30 and 1K: $15. Early registration ends on March 5, and then prices increase to 5K: $40 and 1K: $20.
All registered participants will receive a commemorative finisher medal, race T-shirt and a buy-one-get-one-free Spring Training lawn ticket voucher.
Design Contest Now Open for 2026 Surprise Public Library System Card
Submit a design by April 3, in the America 250 category and/or one of three age categories: Youth (10 and under), Teen (11-17) and Adult (18 and over). One winner will be chosen from each category.
Winners will be selected in May 2026 and will be recognized at a City Council meeting.
CONTEST RULES:
Entrants (or guardian of entrant) must be a Surprise Public Library System cardholder.
All artwork must be original, previously unpublished and free of copyright restrictions.
Both horizontal and vertical designs will be considered.
Artwork can include computer generated or digital photographic submissions or paper submissions using colored pencil, pen, paint, markers, etc.
Upon submission, entrants grant the Surprise Public Library System all rights to the artwork and consents that all artwork may be displayed and/or reproduced without limitation and without compensation.
Limit one (1) entry per person. Do not include your name in the artwork.
By email to library@surpriseaz.gov (If selected, winner will be asked to provide original artwork.)
For questions about the library card design contest, please email library@surpriseaz.gov or call 623.222.2900.
Sign Up Now for “Alert Surprise,” the City’s New Emergency Notification System
The City of Surprise has launched Alert Surprise, a new text, email and/or voice call emergency notification system powered by Smart911. The system allows for one-way direct communication from the City to subscribers in potentially life-threatening situations. It’s a free service designed to keep those who live, work or visit Surprise informed and connected when it matters most.
Through Alert Surprise, subscribers can choose to add address information to receive targeted emergency alerts based on locations they choose, such as home, work or school.
Registration is simple and secure. Follow the instructions at surpriseaz.gov/AlertSurprise, or download the Smart911 app in the Google Play or Apple App Store to create a personalized safety profile. Once registered, users can customize how they receive alerts, manage multiple addresses and ensure their information is up to date.
To quickly sign up for text alerts ONLY, opt-in by texting the word SURPRISE to 67283. Please note that online signups at surpriseaz.gov/AlertSurprise allow for more notification options and account preferences.
This emergency alert service is provided by the City of Surprise at no cost to the public; however, message and data rates may apply depending on your provider and phone services. Please refer to your mobile phone's service plan for details.
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