Council puts pause on City Manager recruitment

In coordination with their selected third-party recruiter, Surprise City Council is postponing the recruitment for the next city manager.

“Our current City Manager Mike Frazier is not retiring until after the new year, so our council has some tim...

Arizona Fall League set to return to Surprise Stadium

The month of October truly is for baseball, and with the start of the Arizona Fall League, the City of Surprise sets the stage for baseball’s future breakout stars.

The Surprise Saguaros, one of six teams who compete in the Arizona Fall League, will begin ...

Surprise Police host Child Passenger Safety Event and Bicycle Rodeo Sept. 25

Your Surprise Police Department, in partnership with the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, is hosting an event focused on child passenger safety and bicycle safety on Saturday, September 25 from 9 a.m.-noon in the Target parking lot, 13731 W. Bell Road...

City hosts Movie Night in the Park featuring Disney Pixar’s “Coco”

Surprise Parks & Recreation invites you and your family to watch Disney Pixar’s “Coco” at the Movie Night in the Park on Saturday, September 25!

This free family event will take place at Mark Coronado Park, 15960 N. Bullard Avenue. Gates open at 7:00 p...

Construction complete on Fire Station 308 at Litchfield & Cactus roads

Construction is complete on Fire Station 308, located on the south side of Cactus Road, east of Litchfield Road, and the station is operational as of today. 

This public safety project was completed as part of the voter-approved 2017 General Oblig...

New “Surprise Lately” Episode

Check out this week's Surprise Lately episode! We talk about how you can participate in event season, share details on city programs that can fund home repairs, and give a look at how Surprise is helping to honor the heroes, victims and survivors...

Redrawing of Arizona’s Congressional and Legislative Lines; Public Hearings Scheduled

The initial maps for Arizona’s redistricting process were approved on September 14, 2021 by the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC), and the public is being asked to weigh in on them. 

The approved grid maps are of equal populations...

City offers basketball programs taught by former collegiate coach, professional player

Surprise Parks & Recreation now offers weekly skill appropriate basketball programs taught by former collegiate/professional players.

Sunday basketball clinics taught by Coach Anthony Enriquez will focus on different aspects of basketball. Clinics are ...

Surprise to host USTA League Nationals

Tennis season has officially arrived in Surprise and the Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex is in full swing as it prepares to welcome approximately 2,400 players, competing in several United States Tennis Association (USTA) League National Championships...

Appointment scheduling for the fall Household Hazardous Waste Event begins Sept 22

Surprise residents can begin scheduling appointments next week to have hazardous waste picked up directly from their homes during the city’s fall Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event, September 22 – October 1.

Scheduled pickups will occur Monday, Oct...

Pickleball tournaments set to return to Surprise

Surprise will host a series of tournaments for the fast-growing sport of pickleball, welcoming over 1,900 participants to the city. 

The following tournaments will take place at the Surprise Pickleball Courts, located at 14534 W. Tierra ...

Palm tree maintenance scheduled around Surprise Civic Center, Original Town Site

Work to maintain palm trees in areas around the Surprise Civic Center and city facilities in the Original Town Site is scheduled to begin on Friday, September 10. Motorists can expect temporary single lane restrictions in the areas listed below, unless ot...

Bell Rd pavement preservation project, Cotton Ln to west of Reems Rd, begins 9/20

Drivers can anticipate lane restrictions while the city performs pavement preservation activities on Bell Road, weather permitting: 

• Bell Road, Cotton Lane to the Loop 303 – September 20-24 
• Bell Road, Loop 303 to just west of Reems Road –...

City continues work to secure water future with an update to Drought Preparedness Plan

Surprise, along with the other water providers operating within the city, recognize the necessity for protecting our water supply and are committed to providing quality water services to residents and businesses. At the September 7 City Council Meeting, c...

Registration open for Sept 25 Esports Open featuring Super Smash Bros

Surprise Parks & Recreation is excited to host their second Esports Open! Players ages 7-17 are invited to register for the Saturday, September 25 event for friendly video-game competition featuring Super Smash Bros.

The city’s Esports Open is a casual...

Surprise seeking sponsors, exhibitors for Nov 13 Care & Share Expo

The City of Surprise is excited to announce the 2^nd Annual Care & Share Expo will be held on Saturday, November 13, 2021. This year’s all ages event will be from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Surprise City Hall 1^st Floor Parking Garage, 16000 N. Civic Cente...

Surprise to host Perfect Game WWBA Qualifier and Fall National Championship series

Teams from across the nation will compete in Perfect Game’s WWBA West Qualifier and Fall National Championship Series protected by G-Form this September at the Surprise Stadium Complex.

Over the four weekends in September, these two eve...

Register now for virtual Surprise HOA Academy

Registration is open for the popular Surprise HOA Academy! Fall 2021 classes will be held virtually via WebEx. Please join us for a four-week series of informative, interactive presentations.

The goal of the Academy is to provide expert information for HOA...

Surprise Tennis & Racquet Complex offers new monthly tennis doubles program

Are you wanting to play tennis but don’t have anyone to play with? The Surprise Tennis & Racquet Complex (STRC) now offers a new monthly Doubles League Program for adults ages 18 and up.

The new pre-registration format guarantees that program...

Fall Break Camp registration begins Sept. 14

Surprise Parks and Recreation will be offering a one-week Fall Break Camp, October 18-22, 2021. Fall Break Camp registration will begin Tuesday, September 14, for Surprise residents and Tuesday, September 21 for non-residents. 

Fall Break Camp pro...

Surprise offers free landscaping workshops to help residents conserve

Surprise residents can learn how to reduce water usage and help the city conserve water by signing up for free landscaping workshops.

Outdoor water use accounts for approximately 50 percent of the city’s residential water usage. This water seeps into the g...

Teen programs ramp up for fall 2021

Open Rec, Teen Adventures, Rec Nights and Teen Tournaments return this fall bringing many opportunities for Surprise youth to get involved!

Open Rec at Countryside Recreation Center: Teens and pre-teens, ages 11-17, are invited for a Friday night ...

Upcoming pavement preservation projects in Surprise

Drivers can anticipate lane restrictions while the city performs pavement preservation activities on the following roadways, weather permitting:

• Waddell Road, Loop 303 to Cotton Lane – September 11-October 2
• Parkview Place, Bell Road to Greenway Road – Octo...

Surprise accepting Veterans Day Parade entries

Surprise Parks and Recreation is now accepting entries from clubs, organizations, groups and residents who want to participate in the city’s 5th Annual Veterans Day Parade and honor those who have bravely served our country. 

The parade will be he...

Bell Rd palm tree maintenance begins Aug 31

Work to trim palm trees in the medians on Bell Road, Litchfield Road to 183rd Avenue, will require single lane restrictions beginning Tuesday, August 31 thru Monday, September 13. 

Work hours are 8 p.m. – 6 a.m., Monday through Friday. 

Dr...

City accepting vendor, car show entries for Surprise Fiesta Grande

Surprise is excited for the return of the annual Surprise Fiesta Grande - in-person!

The Surprise Fiesta Grande street festival celebrates the city’s cultural heritage and features mariachi music, a piñata plaza, games, food, music, da...

City of Surprise Seeking Applications for Voluntary Commission Vacancies

The City of Surprise is currently accepting applications for the following Board/Commissions.  All Board/Commission positions are voluntary and you must reside in the City of Surprise.   

• Board of Trustees (1 vacancy)  &...

Poetry, art & more! Upcoming fall events in Surprise

Looking to “fall” into the arts in the next couple of months? You can find amazing arts and cultural events – from theater performances to poetry readings here in Surprise. Check out what’s coming up, and mark your ...

Critical home rehabilitation funds available for eligible Surprise residents

The City of Surprise is currently accepting applications from income-eligible, owner-occupied property owners in Surprise in need of assistance for critical home repairs to ensure the home is healthy and safe to occupy. These programs may also be availabl...

Surprise voters to see EPCOR Water franchise extension on Nov. ballot; register to vote by Oct. 4

Surprise voters will be asked to approve a franchise extension with EPCOR Water in the November 2021 election, and voters must register by October 4 to cast a ballot. 

EPCOR is one of six water providers in the city of Surprise, and this election ...

Surprise announces next steps in City Manager recruitment

The Surprise City Council has determined the next steps in the recruitment process for the next City Manager. 

The contracted recruitment firm, CPS HR Consulting, received 59 applications for the position, which will become vacant following the im...

Surprise seeking sponsors, exhibitors for Nov 6 SciTech event

Surprise is currently seeking event exhibitors and sponsors for the 2021 SciTech event that will take place from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 6, 2021, in the Surprise City Hall Courtyard, 16000 N. Civic Center Plaza.

More than 1,000 science enthus...

Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) Program Year 2020

Notice is hereby given by the City of Surprise that the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) Program Year 2020 has been drafted and will be available to the public for review for a period of 15 calendar days beginning August 23, 2...

Sunday in the Park returns with music & food trucks

The City of Surprise presents the return of Sunday in the Park events in September, October and November! 

The first event in the series is happening September 19 and will feature live music by Music II Muzic, various food trucks, an assortment of...

Major League Baseball announces 2022 Spring Training schedule

Major League Baseball, in conjunction with the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers, have released the 2022 Cactus League Spring Training schedule. Opening Day in Surprise, Arizona is set for Saturday, February 26 with the Texas Rangers taking on the Kans...

Surprise residents won’t see shortage at the tap as BOR declares “Tier 1” Colorado River shortage

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation today announced a Tier 1 shortage for Colorado River operations for 2022, meaning less water supplies available to Arizona. See the announcement, here. Due to Arizona’s priority system, our city supplies will not experience ...

Fall Adult Sports registration opens August 16

The Surprise Parks & Recreation department will soon begin accepting registrations for Fall Adult Co-Ed and Men’s Softball League Divisions, Co-Ed and Women’s Kickball, Men’s Basketball, Co-Ed Indoor Volleyball, and Adult...

Waddell Crossing PAD continued from 8/19 Planning & Zoning Meeting

The Waddell Crossing Planned Area Development (PAD) hearing that was scheduled for the August 19, 2021 City of Surprise Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting will not appear on that agenda. 

The applicant, Dominium, has asked for an indefinite co...

Donna Meuse to serve as Human Resources Director

City Manager Mike Frazier announced today that he has selected Donna Meuse to serve as the next Surprise Human Resources Director.

Meuse has 14 years of progressive experience in the field of Human Resources, 10 of those with the city of Surprise. She has ...

Surprise updates RideChoice transportation program to include veterans and raised income limit

Valley Metro’s RideChoice program, which offers discounted transportation options, has been expanded to allow more access for Surprise residents. All veterans with proof of eligibility will now qualify, and the FY2021 Income Limit Category has b...

Neighborhood Grant Program application now available

Surprise City Council approved funding to support the Neighborhood Grant Program, providing eligible neighborhoods with small grants to fund neighborhood events, functions or community improvements. 

Recognizing an opportunity to encourage communi...

Surprise Economic Development Director receives “Most Influential Women in AZ Business" honor

The city of Surprise applauds Economic Development Director Jeanine Jerkovic on being named one of Arizona Business Magazine’s 2021 “Most Influential Women in Arizona Business.”

Jerkovic’s work as the city’s Director of Economic Development attracts busine...

Holly Osborn to serve as Parks & Recreation Director

City Manager Mike Frazier announced today that he has selected Holly Osborn to serve as the next Surprise Parks & Recreation Director.  

Osborn has 18 years of progressive experience with the city of Surprise, most recently as an Assistant Fin...

Progress Magazine - Summer 2021

The Summer Surprise Progress Magazine is ready for your reading pleasure! Your mailbox will be extra hot with info about your most desired retail & restaurants, a look at what residents think about Surprise, how you can enjoy July 4th events and more.

Council proclaims Monsoon Awareness Week; Surprise offers safety tips for Monsoon 2021

Mayor Skip Hall, proclaimed June 13-19 as Monsoon Awareness Week in Surprise during tonight’s Regular City Council Meeting and encouraged residents to be prepared for severe weather during the unpredictable season.

Monsoon, June 15-September 30, is a seaso...

Council adopts FY2022 Budget focused on addressing city growth; adding personnel

The Surprise City Council approved the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 City Budget in a Special Meeting Tuesday night. The budget is focused on maintaining our current level of service as the city continues to see steady growth. The budget continues to focus on Cou...

Peoria Deputy Police Chief Benny Piña selected to serve as Surprise Police Chief

City Manager Mike Frazier announced today that he has selected Peoria Deputy Police Chief Benny Piña to serve as the next Chief of the Surprise Police Department. 

“The Surprise Police Department has a mission centered on serv...

Search for Surprise Police Chief narrows to six candidates

The search for a new City of Surprise Police Chief is moving forward, with finalist interviews set to take place on Wednesday, May 5, 2021. 

The application period for the position closed on March 23 after receiving 62 applications. 

The s...

City Hall reopens to public 4/12; City Council & public meetings open to in-person attendance

On Monday, April 12, Surprise City Hall and other city administrative buildings will open to the public, following a temporary closure due to COVID-19. Additionally, meetings of the City Council and all boards and commissions will open to in-person attend...

Governor Ducey Announces Next Phase of Business and Safety Protocols

Governor Doug Ducey today announced the next phase of COVID-19 mitigation.

The announcement follows 7 weeks of declining cases in Arizona, and the distribution of more than 2 million vaccines.

The following changes are reflected in a new Executive Order fro...

Say it, Surprise! National Community Survey coming soon

What do you love about living in Surprise? What services do you value most? What can the city do better to improve the quality of life in our hometown?

You can share your thoughts in the 2021 National Community Survey (NCS)!

What you tell us helps to identi...

City debuts anti-litter campaign, “Keep it Beautiful, Surprise!”

The city of Surprise takes pride in being a safe, clean and attractive city, where residents and businesses can thrive and visitors are impressed. In an effort to keep our city as clean as possible, we are releasing a campaign encouraging residents to &am...

DevelopNEXT: Council approves updates to city’s land development ordinances & design standards

The Surprise City Council approved the adoption of new Land Development Ordinances (LDO) and Planning and Engineering Design Standards (PEDS) at the December 15 City Council Meeting following a more than two-year process that engaged both residents and de...

Governor Ducey Shares Latest On COVID-19

Governor Doug Ducey today toured the vaccine distribution site at the Arizona State Fairgrounds and announced ten Arizona health care frontline workers who will be among the first Arizonans to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. 

After the tour, the Gov...

Surprise breaks ground on Fire Station 308 at Litchfield & Cactus roads

Construction began December 7 on City of Surprise Fire Station 308 at the southeast corner of Litchfield Road and Cactus Road. This voter-approved project is being funded by the 2017 Decide Surprise General Obligation Bond.

The southeast portion of Surpris...

Governor Ducey Announces Latest Actions to Fight COVID-19, Increase Hospital Staffing

Governor Doug Ducey today announced a series of actions to fight the spread of COVID-19 in Arizona.

Today’s actions include: 

• Update on vaccine distribution plan
• Executive Order ensuring all Arizonans receive the vaccine without financial barriers
• Ex...

Greenway Rd improvement project begins, Cotton Ln to Sarival Ave

Construction of the voter-approved Greenway Road improvement project will begin Thursday, December 3.

The project will finish the south half of Greenway Road from 800 feet west of Loop 303 to 1600 feet east of Loop 303 (approximately Cotton Lane to Sarival...

Governor Ducey Announces $25 Million for Medical Professionals, Additional Safety Measures

At a press conference at the state Public Health Lab, Governor Doug Ducey today announced a list of new actions to support hospitals and medical professionals and combat the spread of COVID-19. Arizona will invest $25 million to bolster hospital staffing ...

Hastings sworn in as new District 5 Councilmember

Jack Hastings was officially sworn in as the new District 5 (D5) Councilmember today at Surprise City Hall.

Hastings won the D5 seat during the August Primary Election over David Sanders, the council-appointed incumbent. 

Sanders was appointed on J...

Council approves Temporary Expansion of Premise permits for Surprise restaurants during COVID-19

City Council last night approved the use of Temporary Expansion of Premise (TEP) permits for local restaurants to help expand their ability to serve more customers while maintaining social distancing requirements during COVID-19. 

The TEP permit a...