New “Surprise Lately” Episode

A lot of fun is happening in "Surprise Lately!" Spring Training, new places to eat & play, and a fun way to help #KeepItBeautifulSurprise!

Surprise creates application process for public events with 50+ people pursuant to Governor’s E.O.

Due to the COVID-19 health pandemic, and pursuant to Executive Order 2020-59 issued by Governor Doug Ducey, all organized public events over 50 people in the City of Surprise must:

• Be approved by the City of Surprise.
• Implement adequate safety precautions t...

Cleanup Event March 13; free waste drop-off for Surprise residents

Surprise residents- it’s the perfect time to prune your landscape, clean out your garage and take advantage of the Spring Cleanup Event on Saturday, March 13. 

Surprise residents are permitted to drop off up to 2,000 pounds of non-hazardous reside...

City of Surprise Opens Recruitment for New Police Chief

The City of Surprise is seeking an experienced public safety professional with outstanding leadership skills to serve as its next Police Chief. 

Strong candidates will be forward thinking and will continue to lead the Department consistent with ou...

Healthy Park Project Begins at Surprise Community Park March 1

The City of Surprise Parks and Recreation Department is working with a contracted landscape company to increase the health of the trees and turf within the Surprise Community Park by ensuring the most sustainable inventory.

To increase the overall health o...

Make a difference for youth in your city; join the Surprise Youth Council

The city of Surprise is recruiting new members for the Surprise Youth Council (SYC) – a group of impactful teens who are making a difference in their community! 

SYC members serve the community by collaborating with local leaders, including the Ma...

Babe Ruth League, Spring Break Soccer Camp registration opens Feb 22

Registration for the Babe Ruth Baseball League and Spring Break Soccer Camp and skills classes opens on Monday, February 22.

Babe Ruth Baseball offers the following divisions for individual and team registrations; 13-15 Division (individual registration), ...

City of Surprise Judge Gaudreau selected as Judicial Engagement Network Fellow

Surprise City Court Associate Judge Catherine A. Gaudreau has been selected as a Fellow in the Judicial Engagement Network’s 2021 Fellowship Program. 

The Judicial Engagement Network is a national community of engaged judges and judicial officers ...

2021 Surprise Spring Training Tickets On Sale February 20

The City of Surprise  will welcome fans to Surprise Stadium for the 2021 Spring Training season February 28 through March 29 with additional COVID-19 mitigation protocols in place. The game schedule has been modified from what was previously rele...

Upcoming pavement preservation projects in Surprise; full closure scheduled for portion of Cactus

The city of Surprise will be performing pavement preservation activities on the following roadways, weather permitting:

• Cactus Road will be closed between Litchfield Road and Solar Canyon Way on February 22 
  • North and southbound traffic on Litchfie...

Surprise hiring for summer camp positions

The City of Surprise Parks & Recreation Department is now accepting applications for Summer Break Camp positions.

Applicants who enjoy working with children are invited to apply for Recreation I and Recreation III openings. 

Summer Break Camp i...

Greenway Rd to be closed, Northwest Ranch Pkwy to Legacy Park Blvd, Feb 27-March 14

Utility work on the Greenway Road improvement project will require a hard closure on the roadway between Legacy Park Boulevard and Northwest Ranch Parkway beginning 5 a.m. Saturday, February 27 to 5 a.m. Sunday, March 14.

• Motorists heading eastbound along ...

Surprise Community & Dick McComb Dog Parks to be temporarily closed for maintenance

The Surprise Parks and Recreation Department will be temporarily closing the dog parks at both Surprise Community Park and Dick McComb Park to apply a bi-annual weed control herbicide that prevents weeds from germinating.

 The first application of...

Free tax preparation assistance available for qualified households

The Human Service and Community Vitality Department is partnering with A New Leaf to offer free tax preparation services to benefit individuals and families with low to moderate income. 

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) offers IR...

Surprise Stadium to host Sanderson Ford College Baseball Classic with COVID-19 mitigation procedures

The City of Surprise will welcome fans to Surprise Stadium for the annual Sanderson Ford College Baseball Classic this month in a limited capacity and with additional COVID-19 mitigation protocols in place. 

The tournament is set to take place Feb...

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 begins FY22 budget discussions Feb. 2

The City of Surprise FY2022 budget building process kicks off at the City Council Regular Session on Tuesday, February 2.

This will be the first in a series of presentations to Council by the City’s Finance Department regarding the overall develo...

Spring Break Camp registration opens Feb 3

Spring Break is approaching fast! The City of Surprise Parks and Recreation Department will be offering Spring Break Camp March 15-19, 2021 from 6:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. at Sierra Montana Recreation Center, 14861 N Spring Lane. 

Spring Break Camp pro...

Surprise now enrolling for Lifeguard Training classes

Looking for a great summer job? The City of Surprise Parks & Recreation Department is looking for responsible individuals with a positive attitude to join our aquatics team.  

Lifeguard Training classes will be offered throughout February and ...

One month closure of Sarival Ave, Custer Ln to Greenway Rd, begins Feb 1

Utility work for the Greenway Road improvement project will require Sarival Avenue to be closed from Custer Lane to Greenway Road beginning Monday, February 1 until Monday, March 1, 2021.

Sarival Avenue will remain accessible from Waddell Road for local tr...

City of Surprise Seeking Applications for Voluntary Commission Vacancy

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

• Parks and Recreation Commission - 1 Vacancy with...

City Council names Duffy as Vice Mayor

The Surprise City Council selected District 3 Councilmember Patrick Duffy to serve as Vice Mayor at their regular meeting Tuesday night.

Per city code, City Council must select a new Vice Mayor to serve on an annual basis no later than January 30. The Vice...

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...

Winter 2021 Progress Magazine Now Available

A new issue of Progress Magazine is here! The Winter 2021 issue is now in resident mailboxes, and the digital is edition available online. Check it out to reminisce some of our top Spring Training memories, learn about a new park and other exciting develo...

Mayor and Councilmembers in Districts 2, 3 & 4 sworn in

The first Regular City Council Meeting of the New Year included the swearing-in ceremonies for mayor and three councilmembers. 

Skip Hall was sworn in as Mayor after winning the seat in the August Primary Election. He previously served as Mayor by...

New Year Ushers in City Leadership Changes

City Manager Michael Frazier has announced leadership changes amid the retirement of Assistant City Manager Mark Schott. 

“First and foremost, I want to thank Mark for his tremendous service to our city,” said City Manager Frazier. “He leaves a po...

City of Surprise Seeking Applications for Voluntary Commission Vacancy

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

• Veterans, Disability & Human Services Commission  - 1 Va...

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...

Surprise City Council approves funding for new park, park enhancements

The Surprise City Council voted December 15 to fund more than $8 million in park-related projects that advance the goals of the city’s Parks and Recreation Master Plan. 

The following projects were approved by Council:

• Gaines Youth Baseball Field C...

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 Esports returns with “Winter Break” Fortnite Tournament

Surprise Parks & Recreation and Bravous Esports are teaming up again to offer three online video game tournaments! 

Esports is a sport event where multiplayer video games are played competitively in elimination-style tournaments. Gamers partic...

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...

Surprise Stadium announces 2021 Spring Training schedule with game times

The Texas Rangers and Kansas City Royals have released their 2021 Spring Training schedule, revealing their game times and season opener featuring the Texas Rangers vs. the Kansas City Royals on Saturday, February 27.

The schedule has been updated. For the...

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 ...

City of Surprise public meetings will reclose to in-person attendance effective 12/1

In an effort to protect public health amidst rising COVID-19 case numbers, City of Surprise public meetings will reclose to in-person public attendance beginning December 1 and until further notice. This includes meetings of City Council and all city boar...

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...

Surprise TV to air select DUSD high school sports games

The Surprise TV cable channel and website will begin airing select Dysart Unified School District high school sporting events twice weekly on Thursday and Saturday evenings.

The games will be replays of the district’s new Dysart Student Broadcasting Live (...

DevelopNEXT nears finish line: public hearings set for development & design standards updates

The city’s DevelopNEXT effort to simplify and modernize its development and design standards is nearing the finish line, with public hearings set and final drafts of the Land Development Ordinances (LDO) and Planning and Engineering Design Standards (PEDS...

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...

Major League Baseball announces 2021 Spring Training Schedule

Major League Baseball has released the 2021 Cactus League Spring Training schedule. Opening Day in Surprise, Arizona is set for Saturday, February 27 with the Kansas City Royals taking on the Texas Rangers at Surprise Stadium.

The health and safety of our ...

Governor Ducey and Health Leaders Urge Arizonans to Get Flu Shot

As Arizona continues efforts to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19, state health agencies and the Governor’s Office are partnering with health care providers and businesses to prepare for the upcoming flu season.

Governor Doug Ducey today was joine...

Arizona Department of Health Services Phased Reopening Plan for Paused Industries

The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) today announced public health recommendations for the eventual safe reopening of paused businesses in the state of Arizona.

On June 27, Governor Ducey issued Executive Order 2020-43 “Pausing of Ari...

Gov. Extends Pause of Some Business Operations; Announces Plan for Schools

Governor Doug Ducey today extended an executive order pausing operations on gyms, bars, nightclubs, movie theaters, water parks, and tubing. The order also prohibits large events and enables local law authorities to take immediate enforcement action to en...

Governor Extends COVID-19 Eviction Protections; Expands Rental Assistance Access

Governor Doug Ducey today signed an Executive Order extending a moratorium on residential evictions until October 31, 2020, providing continued protections for renters who are facing economic hardship as a result of COVID-19. The order ensures renters imp...

Governor Ducey Announces New Actions To Contain COVID-19

Governor Doug Ducey yesterday announced additional actions to contain the spread of COVID-19, including the signing of an Executive Order that requires restaurants with indoor seating to operate at less than 50 percent capacity. The announcement to limit ...

Governor Ducey Takes Further Action to Reverse COVID-19 Spread in Arizona

As part of continued efforts to reverse the trend of COVID-19 spread in Arizona, Governor Doug Ducey today signed an Executive Order to prohibit large gatherings, cease the issuance of new special event licenses and pause the operations of bars, gyms, mov...

Surprise requires face coverings in public effective June 20; City Hall will reclose to public

In an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19, Surprise Mayor Skip Hall, with support of the Surprise City Council, has issued a Declaration of Emergency Proclamation requiring face coverings within the City of Surprise with limited exceptions.

Effective Sat...

Letter from Surprise City Council

Dear Residents of Surprise,

This is an important time to reflect on our history, one in which, we must have honest dialogue about race and inclusivity; and listen intently to these conversations.  

We must be mindful that our children, our future, ...

Governor Ducey Announces Enhanced COVID-19 Action Plan

Following COVID-19 case increases and hospitalizations, Governor Doug Ducey today announced enhanced actions to contain the spread of the virus and protect Arizona’s most vulnerable residents. The announced actions build on Arizona’s s...

Letter from Surprise Police Chief Terry Young

Dear Residents, Business Owners and Visitors of Surprise,

In July of 2016, I felt compelled to share a message with each of you expressing YOUR Police Department’s commitment to professionalism and our appreciation for your partnership and extrao...

City splash pads, basketball & racquetball courts reopen June 8; ramada, sports field rentals resume

The city of Surprise is preparing to reopen several additional city-owned parks and recreation amenities on June 8, including splash pads, basketball courts and racquetball courts. Rentals of park ramadas and sports fields will also resume on that date.&a...

City Hall reopens June 1; select recreation amenities phase in

On June 1, Surprise City Hall and select park amenities will reopen to the public. Additionally, some pool programming will begin June 8.  

The following City Hall service modifications will be implemented on June 1 and until further notice:

• Cashie...

Surprise Introduces Phased COVID-19 Reopening Plan

With Governor Ducey’s stay home order lifted, and in the spirit of his recent “Stay Healthy, Return Smarter, Return Stronger” Executive Order, the City of Surprise has prepared a phased reopening plan. 

Each phase wil...

Changes to public participation during Arts & Cultural Advisory Commission meeting May 18

In an effort to protect public health during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Council Chambers will be closed to the public during the City of Surprise Arts & Cultural Advisory Commission Special Meeting on May 18 at 4:30 p.m. Public comment will be taken b...

City of Surprise pools, gyms, recreation centers remain closed until further notice

While Governor Ducey’s newest Executive Order allows public pools and gyms to open May 13 under Arizona Department of Health Services guidelines, the city of Surprise is maintaining closures of Surprise Aquatic Center, Hollyhock Pool, the gym at...

Governor Ducey Announces Next Phase Of Arizona Recovery

Governor Doug Ducey today announced that the Stay At Home order in Arizona will be ending on May 15 and replaced by new guidance for the next stage of economic recovery. The new guidance aligns with gating criteria issued by the White House and Centers Fo...

Surprise to open some recreation amenities May 15

In anticipation of Governor Doug Ducey’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected” Executive Order expiring May 15, the city of Surprise is preparing to reopen select recreational amenities that allow for appropriate physical...

Gov. Ducey Issues Updated Guidance For Restaurants, Coffee Shops, Barbers & Cosmetologists

Governor Doug Ducey today issued an Executive Order allowing cosmetologists and barber shops to resume appointment-based services this Friday, May 8 and restaurants and coffee shops to resume dine-in services with physical distancing measures on Monday, M...

Governor Ducey, ADHS Release Guidelines For Retail Business & Customers As Openings Resume Next Week

Governor Doug Ducey and the Arizona Department of Health Services today released additional guidelines as retail businesses resume partial operations starting next week. The recommendations include enhanced sanitation and physical distancing steps custome...

Governor Issues Updated Guidance For Arizonans, Businesses

Governor Doug Ducey yesterday issued an Executive Order extending Arizona’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected Order until May 15, 2020. 

The order also continues Arizona’s gradual economic reopening, allowing retail busin...

Mayor Hall Declares Local State of Emergency in Surprise

In consultation with members of the Surprise City Council, and in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mayor Skip Hall announced a State of Emergency for the city of Surprise today in an effort to preserve public health.  

Effective 5 p.m. this even...

Surprise continues suspension of recreation programming & events

With the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 and its impacts to public assembly and the city’s Fiscal Year 2020 budget and beyond, all recreation programming and events will continue to be suspended until further notice. 

This includes summ...

Changes to public participation during PSPRS Fire & Police Board meetings

In an effort to protect public health during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Council Chambers will be closed to the public during city PSPRS Fire and Police Board Meetings until further notice. Public comment will be taken by phone and email beginning with the...

COVID-19 financial relief information for individuals & families available on city’s website

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought economic uncertainty to many individuals and families. In response, financial assistance policies have been activated at the national, state and city levels, as well as by business industries. The city has developed a web...

Valley Metro adjusts Express, RAPID bus service schedules due to COVID-19

Valley Metro has released the following information:

Valley Metro is adjusting the Express and RAPID commuter bus service schedules to operate fewer trips each weekday morning and evening. This is a proactive step to maintain local bus route service for th...

City webpage provides community support resources, volunteer opportunities amid COVID-19

This is an overwhelming time for communities around the world, and it is important that our residents know how to access the resources they need.Here’s a look at what is available on the webpage:

• Community Resource Guide – provides cont...

City temporarily amends A-frame sign policy during COVID-19 Pandemic

Beginning, Monday, March 30, 2020, businesses in the city of Surprise will be allowed to display an A-frame sign along the adjacent roadway or roadway closest to their business subject to certain requirements set forth below.

The temporary use of A-frame s...

Change to City Council Meeting public comment; Cancelation of several public meetings

In an effort to protect public health during the COVID-19 pandemic, public comment options have changed for City Council and Planning and Zoning Commission Meetings and several other public meetings have been canceled until further notice.

City Council

Coun...

COVID-19 Special Report Video

With so much change and uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, Mayor Hall sat down with staff to talk about how the city is working hard to preserve public health, support our vulnerable populations, and maintain essential city services. 

Community inq...

Update: March 27 FY 2021 Budget Retreat Public Comment Details

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Surprise City Council’s Budget Retreat, scheduled for Friday, March 27, has been relocated to City Hall- Council Chambers.

In an effort to preserve public health, the retreat will be closed to public atte...

Surprise Partners with Meals of Joy to Offer Hot Lunches to Vulnerable Populations

The City of Surprise has partnered with Meals of Joy to deliver meals at no cost to seniors aged 62 and over, as well as individuals 55 and over with a disability. This temporary, federally funded program is designed to help vulnerable residents maintain ...

Surprise Resource Center Reducing Public Hours

Due to COVID 19 concerns, the Surprise Resource Center is reducing the number of public walk-in hours while maintaining call-in hours to ensure service to the community.

The Surprise Resource Center is a one-stop-shop for social services. Through strategic...

City Park Amenities & Facilities Closed to Public

To minimize the potential spread of illness by reducing opportunities to gather, Surprise is closing all city park amenities and facilities effective immediately.

The closure includes: playgrounds, water fountains, basketball courts, pickle ball courts, do...

Local nonprofit Benevilla seeking volunteers to assist seniors

Local nonprofit Benevilla is seeking volunteers to help our community’s seniors during this difficult time.

At this time, Benevilla needs immediate assistance with the following volunteer opportunities:

• Grocery shopping: Assist older adults who ca...

Governor Ducey Announces Latest COVID-19 Actions

Governor Doug Ducey today announced additional mitigation strategies to combat the spread of COVID-19 in Arizona. His executive actions include ensuring food access; increasing hospital capacity; Updated guidance and flexibility for restaurants, bars and ...

Changes to public participation during Planning & Zoning meetings effective March 18

Out of an abundance of caution, and in an effort to protect the health and safety of our employees, residents and visitors, the Council Chambers will be closed to the public during city Planning & Zoning Commission Meetings until further notice. Publi...

Changes to public participation during Council Meetings effective March 17

Out of an abundance of caution, and in an effort to protect the health and safety of our employees, residents and visitors, the Council Chambers will be closed to the public during City Council Work Sessions and Regular Meetings until further notice. Publ...

Surprise cancels/postpones events and programs due to COVID-19

After careful consideration, the city of Surprise is canceling or postponing all city-sponsored events, programs, and sports effective March 16 and continuing through May 10. 

The decision comes as COVID-19 (coronavirus) has reached pandemic level...

Surprise Fire-Medical is Awarded International Accredited Status

The Surprise Fire-Medical Department in Surprise, Arizona has received Accredited Agency status with the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) for meeting the criteria established through the CFAI’s voluntary self-assessment and ...