I hope you are all enjoying the month of May and getting ready for a great summer! In my newsletter this month, you will find some great activities for you and your families to enjoy and helpful information to safely get you through our hot summer. I want to express my thanks and appreciation to all of our hard-working employees who make the wheels turn in our wonderful city daily! It’s been an honor working alongside City Manager Wingenroth and the staff – I can’t believe it’s been 20 years!
CURRENT EVENTS
Surprise Safety Splash
Bring the family to Surprise Safety Splash on Saturday, May 18, for a free event focused on water and summer safety. Enjoy rescue demos, fire trucks, police and SWAT vehicles, games, raffles, prizes, swim evaluations and more! The pool and water slides will be open for families to enjoy and swim during the event. There will also be burgers and dogs sponsored by the Surprise Firefighter Charities. This event will be at the Surprise Aquatic Center, 15831 N. Bullard Ave., from 5 - 8 p.m. and is brought to you by the City of Surprise Aquatics Division in partnership with the Surprise Fire-Medical and Police departments, and Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center. For more information regarding Surprise Safety Splash, swim lesson assessments or swim team tryouts, head to surpriseaz.gov/Aquatics or call 623.222.2000.
The City has many ways you can enjoy the arts and culture scene in our community. From theater performances, gallery tours, poetry readings and more, there is something for you to explore!
*Gallery Tour
May 9 • 9 a.m. - noon
*AZ Speaks - “Dr. Pearl Tang: Path Breaker in Public Health” by Dr. Mary Melcher
May 22 • 11 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Surprise City Hall Art Gallery • 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Friday
Charter Schools Exhibit | Runs through May 17
Chuck Kyle Photography Exhibit | May 24 - July 26
Join us to assist with sorting bulk food items, creating food baskets and loading food into vehicles; helping in the process of providing food for families in need. Registration is required by emailing Larry Garcia or calling 623.222.1522.
Wednesday, May 15, at 7:15 a.m.
St. Mary’s Food Bank
13050 W. Elm St.
APRIL HIGHLIGHTS
Mountain Mike’s Pizza
The City is thrilled to announce the grand opening and ribbon cutting of Mountain Mike’s Pizza, located at 13736 W. Bell Rd. On Wednesday, April 3, Councilmember Chris Judd and I celebrated this special occasion with the Mountain Mike's Pizza team. To further celebrate its grand opening, Mountain Mike’s Pizza generously donated 100% of sales from 3 - 7 p.m. that day to the WINDY25 Memorial Fund. This organization, affiliated with the US Army F/159th Aviation Regiment, pays tribute to the sacrifices of heroes, allowing their families to come together and commemorate the enduring legacy of their loved ones' lives. Way to open with a bang!
Walmart Neighborhood Market Re-Grand Opening
Councilmember Judd and I had the honor of celebrating the Walmart Neighborhood Market re-grand opening on Friday, April 5, with the amazing Walmart Surprise Market team! The beautifully remodeled store complete with a new name, "Walmart Surprise Market," and custom mural was the backdrop to the festivities and ceremonial ribbon cutting! This amazing team generously presented community donations to Billy’s Place for $1,000 and Western Peaks PTSA for $500. Huge shout out and thanks to the talented Dysart Unified School District Valley Vista High School Monsoon cheer team, spirit line pom and marching band, who brought fantastic entertainment to this very special occasion!
Well Groomed Pets Ribbon Cutting
It was a 'furry' exciting day on Wednesday, April 10, as Vice Mayor Haney, Councilmember Cline and I joined the Surprise Economic Development team to celebrate the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony of Well Groomed Pets, located at 13833 W. Bell Rd. Thank you to owners Mr. and Mrs. Baker who generously donated to Chance Shelter in honor of the special occasion. A special thank you to Rio Mirage Café and Boyer Bakery for providing refreshments for people and pups alike!
Real Thai and Sushi Ribbon Cutting
It was a delicious start to the day on Thursday, April 11, as I joined the Surprise Economic Development team to celebrate the grand opening and ribbon cutting for new restaurant, Real Thai & Sushi, located at 13749 N. Litchfield Rd., Suite G109. After the ribbon cutting, I was treated to a tasting of a few of their authentic Thai and Japanese offerings from the inspiring menu. When you visit, don't miss the "Surprise Roll," plus the full bar with Asian-inspired cocktails!
Savior Hospice Ribbon Cutting
It’s official! A ribbon cutting was held in celebration of Savior Hospice. Their mission is to provide compassionate, dignified comfort care services for patients and their families. The new location is at 14780 W. Mountain View Blvd., Suite 206.
Building Homes for Heroes
I had the privilege to join Representative Paul Gosar, Supervisor Clint Hickman, numerous veterans and members of our surrounding communities at an incredible Building Homes For Heroes event. This wonderful organization gave a mortgage-free home to one of our brave veterans, PFC Sampson and his family. To say this veteran was deserving of this gift is an understatement. His love of country is tangible. He is the recipient of the Purple Heart, Combat Action Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M Device and the Iraq Campaign Medal. Thank you for your service and sacrifices, PFC Sampson!
Founders Day
It was an incredible day on Saturday, April 13, at Founders Day. A special thank you to the dedicated members of the Surprise Original Townsite Stakeholders Committee for a successful event. Thank you for your hard work and commitment to making this ongoing tradition possible!
NEWS & UPDATES
Heat Relief Network
Arizona recognizes Heat Awareness Week May 6 - 10, to raise awareness about heat risk, promote indoor and outdoor heat safety and encourage those at greater risk of serious illness or death to connect to cooling centers and other resources.
The Heat Relief Network is a regional partnership of the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG), municipalities, nonprofit organizations, the faith-based community and businesses. Each year, MAG coordinates the mapping of the Heat Relief Network, a network of partners providing hydration stations, refuge locations and water donation sites throughout the valley with the goal of preventing heat-related illnesses and deaths among vulnerable populations. For more information visit Heat Relief Network - Maricopa Association of Governments (azmag.gov)
Memorial Day Closures
City of Surprise administrative offices will be closed on Monday, May 27, in observance of Memorial Day. City of Surprise trash and recycling customers ONLY are reminded there will be a modified trash collection schedule that week, postponing collection by one day.
Call for Artists – Basketball Mural
The City of Surprise invites Arizona-based artists or artist teams to submit qualifications to create a basketball court mural at the community pool and park currently under construction at Perryville and Cactus roads. West Valley artists are strongly encouraged to apply for this $25,000 award by June 3. To apply visit the City of Surprise Artist Calls page.
Surprise Public Library Survey
Help us shape the future of the Surprise Public Library System. Take our survey through June 3, and share your thoughts on collections, programs and more. Your feedback matters!
High School Diploma Program
The Surprise Public Library System is offering Arizona residents aged 21 years or older a second chance at earning a high school diploma through Gale Presents: Excel Adult High School, an approved facilitator of the Arizona Adult Workforce Diploma Program. It’s designed to help adults obtain their high school diploma entirely online, as well as prepare them for college or the workplace. Learn more and enroll.
Safe Speeds Saves Lives
Creating safer streets starts with addressing speed, which is the largest cause of injury and death in traffic collisions. The “Safe Speeds Save Lives” campaign is delivering high-visibility traffic enforcement with a zero-tolerance approach towards speeding and aggressive driving on West Valley roadways. The enforcement mobilization is in effect through July 31, 2024.
Voting Information
Find important voting information, like where to vote and important dates to remember for the upcoming election! Ballots for the Primary Election will be mailed beginning Wednesday, July 3. In-person early voting will begin July 3 at City Hall in the Community Room and will continue through Election Day, July 30.
2024 Retail Survey
The City of Surprise is excited to announce the results of the 2024 Retail Survey! The survey, which received overwhelming participation of more than 5,000 responses, provides valuable insight into residents’ local favorite retailers and restaurants, as well as the most desired businesses that residents are eager to see in the community.
For years the results of the Surprise Retail Survey have helped guide the City’s business attraction strategy and have been instrumental in bringing most wanted businesses such as Hobby Lobby, Portillo’s and American Furniture Warehouse, all of which are currently under development in Surprise.
It is the kickoff to summer reading! Join us on Sunday, June 1, at 10 a.m. at Surprise Regional Library. We will have axe throwing, performers, games, prizes, food trucks and karaoke! Your adventure begins this summer at the Surprise Public Library. Don’t forget to pre-register for the Summer Reading Program for your chance to earn prizes and enter raffles!
Thank you to all residents who have signed up to receive my monthly newsletter. Your engagement is essential, and I'm happy to keep you informed about community updates, events and items that may be of interest to you. Please do not hesitate to contact me at skip.hall@surpriseaz.gov, 623.222.1313. Also, feel free to visit my webpage at surpriseaz.gov/Mayor. Follow me on Facebook facebook.com/SurpriseMayor and X @SkipHall2.
