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City of Surprise

16000 N. Civic Center Plaza
623-222-1000

For those living in Surprise today, it is hard to imagine that our city of 100,000 people was once a sleepy little farming town encompassing just one square mile.

But that's exactly what Surprise was back in 1938 when it was founded by Homer Ludden, a real estate developer and state legislator. So why did he chose the name Surprise? Ludden named the city after his hometown- Surprise, Nebraska.

When Surprise was incorporated in 1960, the city was home to about 1,000 people. Today, not only has the city grown to 76 square miles, but the population now tops 100,000.

Surprise residents embrace the "live, work and play" approach to life. New, clean safe neighborhoods draw thousands of new residents a year to Surprise. Money magazine rates Surprise tops in the nation in job growth since 2000, and a comprehensive economic development plan is attracting better jobs all the time. As for playing in Surprise, the choices seem as abundant as the Arizona sunshine! In 2002, the $48.2 million Surprise Stadium and practice fields opened, serving as the Cactus League Spring Training home for Major League Baseball's

Kansas City Royals and the Texas Rangers. New parks and playing fields are opening regularly in Surprise. At Surprise Center adjacent to the Stadium, residents splash in the pools, waterfalls and slides at the Aquatic Center, or explore Native American art at the Heard Museum West or visit the Regional Library. Also at Surprise Center, a new 25-court Racquet Center with center court seating for 5,000 will make Surprise a nationally acclaimed tennis facility when it open in early 2007. And right next to the tennis facility, Dreamcatcher Park will be an athletic field especially designed to be accessible to all.

Major transportation improvements are underway, the city is expanding crucial services such as water treatment plants and police and fire facilities, residents are actively engaged in helping amend the Surprise General Plan and develop the Surprise Strategic Vision. Growth that is sensitive the desert environment while integrating transportation, jobs and schools are among the hallmarks of Surprise's planning outlook.

Recent News

City of Surprise - Register For Fall Youth Sports

Register for Fall Youth Sports Fall youth sports registration open now! Wed, Jul 06, 2022 The City of Surprise Parks & Recreation Department is offering youth soccer, tee ball, baseball, softball and volleyball leagues along with sports…

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Human Service And Community Vitality - Monthly Minute Newsletter - June 14, 2022

National Healthy Homes Month Today in the U.S., people spend close to 90% of their time indoors. National Healthy Homes Month, created by HUD’s Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes, is an outreach campaign designed to help people…

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City of Surprise - D5 Meet aND Greet June 16, 2022

Join Councilmember Hastings on the 3rd Thursday of every month to get your questions answered, share ideas, and learn more about what's happening in your city! Thursday, June 16, 6 p.m. State 48 13823 W. Bell Rd. Jack Hastings is available for…

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City of Surprise - Vendor opportunities available for Independence Day Celebration onJuly 2

Surprise, AZ (June 9, 2022) The City of Surprise invites interested outreach organizations, promotional vendors and local businesses to participate in the Independence Day Celebration on July 2 at Mark Coronado Park! The event will take place…

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City of Surprise : Online Surplus Property Auction - bidding closes June 16 at 8:00p.m.

Surplus Property / Online Auctions Pursuant to Surprise City Code §2-361 notice is hereby given that the City of Surprise intends to sell surplus equipment owned by the City at: www.PublicSurplus.com Online Auction Bidding will…

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City Of Surprise District 1 Newsletter - June 8, 2022

Well, hello to all my friends in District 1, indeed to everyone in the great city we call Surprise. May started great at a City Council Meeting on May 3 where the City Council voted to recognize June 19th as an annual City holiday in observance of…

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City of Surprise News West Valley Veteran Success Center adds Veteran Benefits Counselor

Surprise, AZ (June 9, 2022) A dedicated Veteran Benefits Counselor (VBC) will be available two days a week, starting June 14, through the West Valley Veteran Success Center. Veterans, service members and their families can book an appointment with…

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City of Surprise Councilmember Chris Judd's Monthly Newsletter - June 7, 2022

Councilmember Chris Judd's Monthly Newsletter Thank you for signing up to receive my newsletter and updates. It is my goal to ensure you receive a monthly newsletter containing important City updates as well as upcoming events. You can also…

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City of Surprise : District 2 Update - June 2022

District 2 Update - June 2022 Greetings, District 2 residents! Please take a moment to read the information below, which contains important City updates and information on upcoming events. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out…

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Council Adopts Fy2023 Final Budget Focused On Addressing City Growth Through Enhanced Services, Increased Staffing

The Surprise City Council approved the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 City Final Budget in a Special Meeting Tuesday night. The budget is focused on two main initiatives – addressing personnel needs to maintain the current level of service and…

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City Of Surprise News : Mayor Proclaims Monsoon Awareness Week; Surprise Offers Safety Tips For Monsoon 2022

Mayor Skip Hall has proclaimed June 12-18 to be Monsoon Awareness Week in Surprise and encourages residents to be prepared for severe weather during the unpredictable season. Monsoon season is observed typically from June 15 through September 30…

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City of Surprise Councilmember Jack Hastings June Newsletter - June 6, 2022

Councilmember Jack Hastings Monthly Newsletter Thank you for signing up to receive my monthly newsletters! I am honored to serve you as your Surprise District 5 Councilman. One of my goals is to provide you with important City updates and…

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City of Surprise Councilmember Ken Remley June Newsletter - June 3, 2022

Councilman Ken Remley Monthly Newsletter Thank you for signing up to receive my notifications and monthly newsletters. I am always available for any questions or concerns via email at [email protected]. You can also follow me on Facebook…

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City of Surprise Mayor Skip Hall's Monthly Newsletter - June 2, 2022

Mayor Skip Hall's Monthly Newsletter June 2022 Thank you for signing up for Mayor updates. It is my goal to email you a monthly newsletter with information regarding current events and items that may be of interest to you. If there is anything I…

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City of Surprise News - Surprise To Welcome Usa Baseball National Team Championships

Surprise to welcome USA Baseball National Team Championships The USA Baseball 15U-17U National Team Championships are set for a three-week championship series at the Surprise Stadium Complex this summer. June 12 - June 18 15U National Team…

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City of Surprise District 3 Monthly Newsletter -June 1, 2022

District 3 Monthly Newsletter Councilmember Patrick Duffy's Monthly Newsletter Thank you for signing up to receive City updates and my council newsletters. I am honored to serve the residents of District 3 and am always available for questions,…

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City of Surprise New Community Jobs Facilities Assistant

Full-Time & Part-Time positions available. *Some extended shifts, weekends and holidays may be needed throughout the year, flexibility is a must Work duties may include but are not limited to include daily cleaning of the Recreation Center,…

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