New "Surprise Lately" episode

This week on Surprise Lately... food, fun and entertainment to fill your weekends and city center welcomes some new residents!

USA Professional Baseball Team set to train for 2020 Olympics in Surprise

The U.S.A. Professional Baseball team will train at the Surprise Stadium Complex in preparation for the World Baseball Softball Confederation PREMIER 12 International Baseball Championships beginning Monday, October 21.  

U.S.A. Baseball is led by...

Spring Training season tickets and specialty packages on sale Oct.19!

Another exciting year of Spring Training in Surprise is just around the corner and season tickets and group specialty packages will be on sale starting Saturday, October 19 at 8 a.m. (MST).   

Ticket Packages Don’t miss your chan...

Surprise participates in Arizona’s 18th annual Cities & Towns Week

Surprise is joining municipalities across the state of Arizona and participating in the League of Arizona Cities & Towns’ 18th annual Cities and Towns Week from October 20-26, 2019.

Arizona Cities and Towns Week is set aside each year to provide citize...

Surprise Fire-Medical Awarded 8 New Firefighters Through Federal Grant

The Surprise Fire-Medical Department was awarded eight new firefighters through a federal grant. This newly-awarded grant pays for the majority of the training costs and salaries for a period of two years and a little less than half of the costs for a thi...

Surprise expands library services with increased hours & new location

The City of Surprise and Maricopa County Library District are excited to announce that in early 2020 a new library will open and another will offer expanded hours. 

Starting in early January 2020, expanded hours are coming to Hollyhock Library, lo...

Veterans Reflection Circle opens with dedication ceremony on Veterans Day

The City of Surprise will hold a dedication ceremony on Veterans Day to mark the opening of the Veterans Refection Circle – an outdoor garden and reflection space in honor of late Surprise resident and combat wounded veteran Brian Mancini.

Mancin...

Get trained as a tax preparation volunteer & provide free tax help

Volunteers are needed to provide free tax return preparation for low-to-moderate income individuals and families through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. No prior tax preparation is needed; training will be provided. 

There are ...

Sunday in the Park Food Truck Festival, Oct 20

The city of Surprise continues the Sunday in the Park Food Truck Festival series! 

Live music and delicious food awaits you at the Sunday in the Park Food Truck Festival.  Come enjoy the 2nd event of this 8-part series with music by Steve...

City Manager Statement on Public Safety

Dear Residents of Surprise,

As your City Manager and a retired law enforcement officer with 40 years of experience, I can assure you that public safety is and always has been the top priority for the City of Surprise, not only for me personally, but for th...

Lunchtime and Sunset Theater performances set for 2019-2020

Jazz, Opera, Broadway and the Classics are included in the line-up for the Lunchtime Theater Series during the fall - spring seasons!

The City of Surprise Arts and Cultural Advisory Commission and the West Valley Arts Council, in partnership with the West ...

Citizen Review Meeting & Public Hearings set for Major Amendments to General Plan 2035

The city of Surprise is considering Major Amendments to its General Plan 2035 related to transportation and growth, and the public is invited to several upcoming meetings to provide comment.

While the 60-day review period for public comment closed on Octob...

Waddell Road work delayed; weekend closure beginning Oct 18

Road work on Waddell Road between 157th Ave and Reems Road has been delayed due to unforeseen issues. 

Waddell Road is now fully open, but will be under a 24-hour closure from Reems Road to 157th Avenue from Friday, October 18 at 9 p.m. until Mond...

Family fun and public safety join forces at G.A.I.N. Night

Surprise Public Safety officials invite you to attend the upcoming G.A.I.N. Night (Getting Arizona Involved in Neighborhoods). This free, interactive community event is Saturday, October 26 from 5-9 p.m. at Mark Coronado Park - 15960 North Bullard Avenue....

Surprise Stadium announces 2020 Spring Training schedule with game times

The Texas Rangers and Kansas City Royals have released their finalized 2020 Spring Training schedule, revealing their game times and a new opening day game on Friday, February 21! The season opener, featuring the Texas Rangers vs. the Kansas City Royals, ...

Surprise Police donate retired cruiser to West-MEC campus

Officials from YOUR Surprise Police Department and Western Maricopa Education Center (West-MEC) Northwest Campus met on October 3 for an official exchanging of keys, as a retired police cruiser was donated to the school.

The 2012 Dodge Charger was donated ...

Surprise announces Shared Active Transportation Vehicle Pilot Program

On November 1, 2019, a temporary pilot program will go into effect for Shared Active Transportation Vehicles (SATV), commonly referred to as electric scooters (e-scooters) or electric-bicycles (e-bicycles).  

The experimental program will evaluate...

Greenway Rd restrictions begin Oct 12 for pavement improvements

Pavement preservation work on Greenway Road, Litchfield Road to Dysart Road will begin Saturday, October 12 and continue through Sunday, October 20.

Drivers can expect reduced traffic lanes and turn restrictions during work hours, 5 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Access wi...

New "Surprise Lately" episode!

Episode two of “Surprise Lately” is here! We’re keeping you up to speed on events you won’t want to miss, why you may see more scooters zipping around the city, the reason city hall is bathed in purple light and mor...

Oregon State returns to Surprise for Sanderson Ford College Baseball Classic

Join the Oregon State Beavers at Surprise Stadium as they host their 2020 season debut right here in Surprise.

The Sanderson Ford College Baseball Classic will take place February 14-17 at Surprise Stadium, featuring the Oregon State Beavers, New Mexico Lo...

Surprise serving up a series of USTA competitive events

Tennis season has officially arrived, and the Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex is welcoming several United States Tennis Association (USTA) National Championships this fall. 

• October 4-6: USTA 18 and over 3.5 Men and Women
• October 11-13: USTA 40...

SciTech Festival returns to Surprise Nov. 2

Interact with hands-on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) exhibits at this year’s Surprise SciTech Festival!

STEM enthusiasts of all ages are invited to come and check out interactive SciTech booths, an incredible line-up of speakers, music a...

Surprise goes purple for Domestic Violence Awareness Month; collects donations for New Life Center

Mayor Hall officially proclaimed October as “Domestic Violence Awareness Month” at tonight’s Regular City Council Meeting.

Conceived by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, “Domestic Violence Awareness M...

Fall 2019 Progress Magazine released

Does this cooler weather have you wanting to cuddle up with some hot chocolate and a good read? Progress Magazine is out now! This issue has all you need to know about upcoming festivals & entertainment, road improvement projects, Census 2020, and mor...

City wins national video award for “The Moving Wall Vietnam Memorial” visit

The City of Surprise Marketing & Communications Department earned a first place win in the National Association of Telecommunications Officers & Advisors’ (NATOA) 34th Annual Government Programming Awards.

Surprise took first place for ou...

Surprise draws national attention showcasing growing sport of pickleball

The City of Surprise is gaining national attention for the fast-growing game of pickleball - a paddle sport combining elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. This season, the city is hosting more players and spectators from across the country than e...

City of Surprise recruiting new tourism events; grant funding available

The city of Surprise, Arizona is a hotbed for tourism events like MLB Spring Training, NCAA college baseball, USTA tennis, arts festivals, and amateur sports tournaments. In an effort to continue growing successful tourism opportunities, the city&rsqu...

Surprise Fire-Medical donates fire engine to Valley Vista High School Fire Science program

 The Surprise Fire-Medical Department (SFMD) donated a fire engine to the Valley Vista High School Fire Science Program on September 24.

The fire engine is a 2006 EONE Cyclone Pumper with a 1500 gallon per minute pump and seating for up to six cre...

Volunteers, projects needed for Oct 19 Surprise Day of Service

Surprise is seeking volunteers to help beautify the city during the Surprise Day of Service on Saturday, October 19.

Surprise Day of Service projects will include painting, landscaping, removal of refuse, and other activities as needed, throughout the city...

Mayor proclaims Surprise a Dementia Friendly City

Mayor Skip Hall proclaimed the city of Surprise as a Dementia Friendly City at last night’s City Council meeting. This action created the second Dementia Friendly city in Arizona, joining Tempe as part of the Dementia Friends initiative, in partnership wi...

Citywide transportation projects update; Litchfield Road widening begins 9/30

To meet the needs of a growing Surprise, the city is working on several significant transportation improvement projects. The projects range from constructing additional travel lanes to improving pavement conditions.

The city has created a Transportation Pr...

City offers free financial planning workshops in October

The city is hosting free classes to help you plan your financial future.

October 1 – Wills vs. Trusts

Most American adults do not have a living trust, a will or any estate plan in place. For many who do, they can fall out of date for various reaso...

Surprise breaks ground on new Fire Station 304

The city of Surprise broke ground today on a new Fire Station 304 at 163rd Avenue and San Ysidro Road, located in the city’s growing northern area. This voter-approved project is being funded by the 2017 Decide Surprise General Obligation Bond a...

Surprise hosts over 100 teams for national baseball tournaments

The City of Surprise welcomes players of all ages this fall, as multigenerational competition lands in Surprise. The city is proud to be evolving into a sports hotbed in the southwest and is ready to welcome over 100 teams competing over two months of the...

New Explore Surprise Episode - Youth Programs!

Youth are an important part of our community! That’s why the City of Surprise makes it a priority to keep them involved – through recreation, social events, career readiness programs and more. Check out this new episode of Explore Surprise to learn about ...

Work to improve Waddell Rd, SR303 to Reems Rd, begins in Surprise

Construction of the voter-approved Waddell Road Improvement Project is underway.

The Waddell Road project will complete the north and south half of Waddell Rd from the east limit of the SR 303 to Reems Road by increasing the number of travel lanes and addi...

Surprise Youth Earn Arizona Career Readiness Credentials

This summer, 20 Surprise teens in the city’s Summer Youth Employment Program gained invaluable work experience alongside city staff, and also earned the Arizona Career Readiness Credential (ACRC).

Maricopa County’s Human Services Depart...

Recycling Drop-off Location Opens

Waste Management is accepting resident drop-off of specific recycling materials at their Surprise facility for Surprise residents through the end of the year. If you are able to participate, please do as the city works to find a fiscally-responsible solut...

Major League Baseball announces 2020 Spring Training schedule, games start 2/22 at Surprise Stadium

Major League Baseball has released the 2020 Cactus League Spring Training schedule. Opening Day in Surprise, Arizona is set for Saturday, February 22 with the Texas Rangers taking on the Milwaukee Brewers at Surprise Stadium.

Surprise’s home team...

Rising costs amid a volatile recycling market result in changes to city’s collection

Like many communities across the country, the city of Surprise recycling program is struggling to maintain existing service levels amid soaring operational costs.

The city began curbside recycling in 2004 and the revenue generated by the recyclables helped...

Register for Tot Time before it fills up!

The City of Surprise Parks & Recreation Department is excited for another session of Tot Time!

Program registration begins this week. Scorecard members can register starting August 6, Surprise residents on August 8 and non-residents beginning August 15...

Surprise Saguaros move home games to Peoria for 2019 fall season

For the 2019 Arizona Fall League baseball season, the Surprise Saguaros will be playing all scheduled home games at Peoria Sports Complex due to ongoing field renovations at Surprise Stadium.  

Surprise Stadium has a distinguished history, gaining...

Surprise wins marketing award at the Arizona Governor's Conference on Tourism

The city won the Outstanding Marketing Campaign – Rural for its Find Your Surprise marketing campaign, including the website ExploreSurprise.com! 

This award, given at Tuesday night’s Arizona Governor's Conference on Tourism (G...

Judge Gaudreau Appointed to AZ Supreme Court Committee

Surprise City Court Associate Judge Catherine A. Gaudreau was recently appointed by the Chief Justice of the Arizona Supreme Court to serve a three-year term as a Limited Jurisdiction Judge member of the Committee on the Impact of Domestic Violence and th...

Registration open for fall youth sports leagues and classes

Fall youth sports registration is now open! The city is offering soccer and flag football leagues, as well as skills classes in basketball, baseball and softball.

Fall Youth Soccer and Flag Football League: These are recreational leagues for boys ...

Neighborhood Grant Program application now available

The 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 com...

City breaks ground on Veterans Reflection Circle in honor of Brian Mancini

The city of Surprise broke ground this morning on an outdoor memorial in honor of late Surprise resident and combat wounded veteran Brian Mancini, who spent his life serving his country and helping other wounded veterans find healing.

More than 100 people ...

Council adopts FY2020 Budget to address city growth; maintain existing assets

City Council approved a $412.7 million Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Budget, during their Regular Meeting Tuesday.

The budget continues to focus on Council’s commitment to maintain quality public services and infrastructure, while also addressing the needs of a gr...

National Indoor RV Centers expands to Surprise, brings head-of-household jobs

Texas-based National Indoor RV Centers (NIRVC) has selected the City of Surprise, Arizona for its new expansion location. The new Surprise business center will grow 65 full-time jobs and will be dedicated to the sales, servicing, storage and maintenance o...

Hollyhock Library adjusts Saturday hours starting May 11

The Hollyhock Library will soon change its Saturday hours to better serve the community! 

Starting May 11, Hollyhock Library, located at 15844 N. Hollyhock Street, will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Tuesday and Thursday hours w...

2019 Surprise Retail Survey results are in!

The City of Surprise launched its annual Surprise Retail Survey in March… and more than 3,000 responses later, we have the results! Plus, for the first time ever, we polled city youth in a separate survey. More than 1,000 of our 6th – 12th graders offered...

City of Surprise 2019 State of the City focuses on growth and sustainability

Mayor Skip Hall introduced the 2019 State of the City video premiere Thursday night at Surprise City Hall, highlighting the city’s most shining moments over the past year – and true to his words, 2018 was certainly a bright year for the city! 

The...

City invites companies to support construction of outdoor memorial in honor of veterans

The city of Surprise is seeking construction and landscaping companies to partner in the creation of an outdoor memorial and veteran reflecting space in honor of late Surprise resident and combat wounded veteran Brian Mancini.

Mancini was a medically retir...

New tourism website launches; showcases city as a place to “Find your Surprise”

The city has launched a new tourism website to help showcase the city of Surprise as a year-round travel destination.  

The website, ExploreSurprise.com, features the slogan “Find your Surprise,” and highlights the many ways to play, dine, shop an...

Rock your block! 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 its Block Party Trailer, and we’ll even deliver it to you! 

The block party trailer includes chairs, tables, coolers, canopy tents, sport...

Council selects Sanders to fill D5 vacancy

The Surprise City Council appointed David Sanders to serve as the new District 5 (D5) Councilmember. 

He was immediately sworn into office and joined the council at the Jan. 3 Regular Meeting.

Sanders has lived in Surprise for nine years. His profe...

Surprise Progress TV: 2018 Year in Review

From new business and university growth to award-winning city programs and spectacular community events, we had a memorable 2018 here in Surprise! Check out this ‘Year in Review’ episode of Surprise Progress TV for a look back at some ...

City of Surprise program offers free support services for crime victims

The city of Surprise offers a Victim Services Program that assists crime victims in the aftermath of their victimization – as they navigate the court system and seek resources to get back on their feet. 

Services provided to any victim of a crime ...

Councils oks new Veterans, Disability and Human Services Commission

The Surprise City Council moved to approve the formation of a volunteer Veterans, Disability and Human Services Commission at Tuesday’s regular council meeting. 

The 11-member advisory commission will assist in the development of city pr...

Skip Hall selected as City of Surprise Mayor

The Surprise City Council unanimously selected Skip Hall to serve as the city’s next mayor. 

Mayor Hall will serve in this capacity until December 31, 2020, fulfilling the remaining mayoral term vacated by Sharon Wolcott on November 16, 2018.

Hall ...

DevelopNEXT: Drafts of Land Development Ordinances Chapters 104 & 105 Now Online

The city’s DevelopNEXT effort to simplify and modernize its development and design standards is advancing, with drafts of chapters 104 and 105 of the Land Development Ordinances (LDO) online for public and stakeholder review and comment.&nbs...

AZ TechCelerator’s Global Concierge program wins at Best of the West

It was an award-winning Thursday night for the City of Surprise at Westmarc’s annual Best of the West Awards ceremony. 

The Global Concierge program, operated through the city’s business innovation center- the AZ TechCelerator,...

Mayor Wolcott announces plans to resign; succession process set per code

City of Surprise Mayor Sharon Wolcott announced her intention to resign at Tuesday's Regular Council Meeting.  Read her message.

Wolcott was first elected as mayor in November 2011 and re-elected in August of 2016. Prior to her service as mayor, s...

County releases D1 city election results

These are the following District 1 city election unofficial results as released by the Maricopa County Elections Department, Wednesday, November 14, 2018 at 5:00 p.m.: 

Jim Cunningham 2,586 votes (44%)Roland F. Winters Jr. 3,148 votes (54%)

For the...

Task Force Votes on ways to honor combat-wounded veteran Brian Mancini

The City's Honoring an Exceptional Leader Task Force will present two recommendations for ways in which to honor the late Brian Mancini, to the City Council at their December 4th Work Session.

At the task force’s October 30 meeting, members were presented ...

City of Surprise recognized for exemplary event production and promotion

The City of Surprise, in partnership with local community sponsors, was recognized October 25 at the 24th Annual APS Arizona Talent in Events Concepts Awards Competition.  

Each year, the APS AzTEC Award competition, endorsed by the International ...

SeaCa Packaging Breaks Ground on Manufacturing Facility in Surprise During AZ Manufacturers Month

SeaCa Packaging, owned by Seattle Tacoma Box Company, an over 125-year-old six generation family owned and operated company specializing in packaging, today announced its expansion to Greater Phoenix with the groundbreaking of a manufacturing plant in Sur...

City of Surprise Receives International Economic Development Award for Retail Survey

The City of Surprise has won an international award for its annual Surprise Retail Survey from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).

The project won a “Bronze Excellence in Economic Development Award” in the category of...