SURPRISEAZ.GOV/PROGRESSMAG • SPRING 2024 Sneak peek at new pool & park designs Transportation improvements citywide Your summer recreation guide is inside! P. 9P. 6 - 8 + plusCITY COUNCIL MEETINGS Held at: Surprise City Council Chambers, Surprise City Hall, 16000 N. Civic Center Plaza When: First and third Tuesday of the month•6 p.m. Work Sessions•4 p.m. Call: 623.222.1200•surpriseaz.gov/CityCalendar PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION Held at: Surprise City Council Chambers When: First and third Thursday of the month•6 p.m. Call: 623.222.3154•surpriseaz.gov/PZ-Commission P&Z COMMISSION MEMBERS VETERANS, DISABILITY AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION Held at: Surprise City Council Chambers When: Second Wednesday of the month•6 p.m. Meeting playbacks are available with Closed Captioning surpriseaz.gov/SurpriseTV Call: 623.222.3243 •TTY: 623.222.1002 PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION 623.222.2240 ARTS & CULTURAL ADVISORY COMMISSION 623.222.3243 LIBRARY ADVISORY COMMISSION 623.222.1036 Surprise Progress is published by the City of Surprise Marketing & Communications Department. Read it online at surpriseaz.gov/ProgressMag. Comments? Call 623.222.1431 or email us at communications@surpriseaz.gov. Amanda Steele Nichole Wiley WRITER | EDITOR Ambria Brown Lorena Cano Muriel M. Sawicki GRAPHIC DESIGN | PHOTOGRAPHY Virginia Mungovan CHIEF EDITOR SPRING 2024 | Volume 24 | No. 2 VICE MAYOR, DISTRICT 1 Nick Haney DISTRICT 2 Aly Cline DISTRICT 3 Patrick Duffy DISTRICT 4 Ken Remley DISTRICT 5 Jack Hastings DISTRICT 6 Chris Judd MAYOR Skip Hall CITY MANAGER Bob Wingenroth - 623.222.1100 Matthew Keating Ken Chapman Mitchell Rosenbaum Dennis Bash CITY COUNCIL - 623.222.1300 Dennis W. Smith Jared Holland Jay Leonard LIVE TELEVISED MEETINGS YOU CAN WATCH ON surpriseaz.gov/SurpriseTV/CityOfSurprise Printed on paper with a portion of post-consumer waste. Printed with soy inks At the City of Surprise, you’ll find a career and workplace culture filled with S.E.R.V.I.C.E! Servant leadership, Engagement, Rewards, Value, Inclusion, Community & Excellence. The City of Surprise offers more than a job; our employees enjoy a broad range of benefits, from competitive compensation to an environment that supports a healthy work/life balance! Visit our website to: Make a difference by serving as a volunteer! Opportunities include: Sports Coach, Library Team, Crisis Response, Community Clean Up, Citizen Patrol, Victim Services, City Boards & Commissions and more! Visit surpriseaz.gov/Volunteer Volunteer with the City EXPLORE WITH THE CITY CAREERS APPLY FOR CURRENT JOB OPENINGS SIGN UP FOR JOB ALERTS FOR POSITIONS OF INTEREST WATCH A VIDEO ABOUT OUR WORKPLACE CULTURE surpriseaz.gov/Careers 2 surpriseaz.gov | Spring 2024 As we say so long to another successful Spring Training season, we’d like to say thank you to the community and fans for the unforgettable memories. Your passion makes Surprise Stadium, the Spring Training home of the World Series Champion Texas Rangers and the Kansas City Royals, a truly special experience. Thanks to your unwavering enthusiasm and support, Surprise Stadium is thrilled to be named a 2023 West Valley Favorite, recognized as the #1 Sporting Event! Over 51,000 passionate fans voted, making this recognition by the Daily Independent possible. But that's not all! Surprise Stadium remains a vibrant community hub year-round. We host a variety of exciting events and energetic high school and college sports tournaments, ensuring there's always something fun to experience. Visit SurpriseStadium.com to explore our upcoming events. THANK YOU SURPRISE STADIUM FANS! Explore Our City’s Legacy STREAM NOW Embark on a journey through Surprise's history as Mayor Skip Hall tells tales from his 20 years of service to the City. Discover the stories that shaped us and the legacy we carry forward. Watch now at surpriseaz.gov/SOTC Spring 2024 | surpriseaz.gov 3As temperatures rise, swimming is a go-to way to cool off. As we head to the water for fun, it’s important to remember water safety is crucial, and proper precautions are essential to prevent a tragedy on or in the water from changing your family forever. Getting little ones in swim lessons and familiarizing yourself with CPR can equip the whole family for an emergency. For added protection, install a pool alarm, and make sure you have a fence. Drownings are 100% preventable. Let’s commit to being safe and vigilant so we can have fun all season long! Nick Haney Ken Remley Patrick Duffy Chris Judd Vice Mayor Aly Cline Jack Hastings District 3 residents have likely seen some construction along Cactus Road from Cotton Lane to Reems Road. This is part of an improvement project to widen Cactus to three lanes in each direction! The project will add dedicated turn lanes, traffic signals at Prasada and Greer Ranch parkways, streetlights, sidewalks and more – ultimately enhancing safety and traffic flow for our community. This project is expected to be completed in spring 2026. More information can be found on page 8. The City’s committed to being responsible stewards of our water resources. I’m excited that Surprise will be receiving four grants to support our endeavors to protect this precious resource. Three grants are through the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority and focus on reducing high water use by incentivizing the removal of turf grass at homes, City parks and HOAs. Another grant will allow us to expand current water conservation rebates to include all City residents! Other funding will support our water distribution system's high-tech, around-the-clock leak monitoring. Check out pages 14-15 for more on rebate and conservation opportunities! surpriseaz.gov/District1 Residents can now enjoy the convenience of being able to recycle from home with curbside pickup! Through a partnership with Waste Management, we are working together to ensure our materials are being recycled properly. A key element of having a successful curbside recycling program is getting the right items into our bins, so I encourage you to review the information on what can and cannot be recycled and get helpful tips at surpriseaz.gov/Recycle. My top tip is a reminder not to bag your recyclables, which can keep your items from being recycled. Together, we will make our new program an incredible success! surpriseaz.gov/District5 surpriseaz.gov/District2 surpriseaz.gov/District4 surpriseaz.gov/District3 surpriseaz.gov/District6 As a member of the City of Surprise Education Subcommittee, I am excited to share scholarship opportunities the City is offering to local students as part of the Surprise Career Development Scholarship Fund. We recognize that training and education are critical in developing a skilled workforce in our community, so the City is investing in the future of our students by providing scholarship funding for certifications in high-demand applied technology, healthcare and water careers. Head to surpriseaz.gov/Scholarships for more details. D 1 D 4 D3 D 6 D 2 D 5 Springtime is filled with new growth and new opportunities! District 4 is the perfect example of both as we celebrate the finished construction of four new Habitat for Humanity homes in our neighborhoods. These are amazing opportunities for families to become first-time homeowners and provide their families with a safe and comfortable place of their own. At the same time, we continue to work together as a community to bring our new multigenerational community & resource center to fruition. Recent community meetings have provided valuable insight into the project's progress and allowed us to hear our community's desires for the new center. 4 surpriseaz.gov | Spring 2024 THE COUNCIL UPDATE he weather is warming up, and it is the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities. Our parks provide a place for gathering and playing all year long, and City pools open May 25, offering a fun way to cool off during the spring and sum- mer months. Making recreational spaces and programs accessible to our entire community is an important part of the City Council Strategic Plan. That’s why we have invested in building a new aquatic center and park at Cactus and Perryville roads. Construction is well under- way on that project and new renderings show a better picture of what you can expect when the campus opens. Check them out on page 9. When I gave my final State of the City address at the end of March, I spoke about many of the ways that City Council and staff work to build a positive and enduring legacy in Surprise – from providing recreational ameni- ties to investing in education to stewarding our resources. If you didn’t have a chance to attend, I hope you will watch the video at surpriseaz.gov/SOTC. It’s a great way to see what’s happening across all areas of the city right now and where we are headed. As you flip through this magazine, you will get glimpses of that as well, with articles on trans- portation projects, new retail and restaurants, arts experiences and more. Plus, don’t forget to check out our recreation catalogue, start- ing on page 20, for opportunities to get involved in sports and special interest classes. There are so many ways to connect, learn and stay active in our community. I hope you take advantage of the opportuni- ties and enjoy this beautiful spring season! Mayor Skip Hall T surpriseaz.gov/ Mayor Follow City of Surprise on your preferred social media platform: + Plus, your Mayor and Councilmembers, Police, Fire-Medical and several other City departments have social media pages. See them all at surpriseaz.gov/Connect Text & Email Notifications Subscribe to e-mail and text message lists to keep up with Surprise news. You can subscribe to newsletters like: • Surprise City News • Newsletters from City Councilmembers • Commercial Project Reports • and more! Get started at surpriseaz.gov/Subscribe surpriseaz.gov/Connect @surpriseazgovcityofsurpriseSurpriseTV11@azsurprise@azsurprise Spring 2024 | surpriseaz.gov 5163rd Ave DEC. 2023 Summer 2024 SUMMER 2024 New Right Turn Signals •Restripe SB 163rd Ave for three le�-turn lanes •Restripe WB US 60 for third lane and two right-turn lanes •Restripe EB US 60 for three lanes MAP NOT TO SCALE Bringing to North Surprise TRANSPORTATION SOLUTIONS There has been a lot of focus on transportation within District 1 in north Surprise over the past year. The City has worked to find and implement solutions to relieve traffic congestion and expand routes in and out of the area after the population exploded over the past decade. Partnering for Solutions The intersection of US 60 and 163rd Avenue is currently the primary access point in and out of our northern area. The City has been urgently seeking transportation solutions through collaboration as Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has authority over the Loop 303 and US 60/Grand Avenue freeways, and the City controls 163rd Avenue. Completed Improvements Grand Avenue/US 60 (Loop 303 to 163rd Avenue) In December 2023 and January 2024, ADOT completed the following short-term striping and signal improvements to help with traffic flow. A common misconception is that the City recently approved a substantial amount of homes that are contributing to the growth. From 2000 - 2008, the City approved 27,794 dwelling units. From 2017 - 2022, the City approved 4,022 dwelling units. The City may not prohibit a landowner from developing their land consistent with its existing entitlements, which includes the existing zoning. » Third WB lane on US 60 from Loop 303 to 163rd Avenue, connecting to a new right turn lane to NB 163rd Avenue » Second right turn lane from WB US 60 to 163rd Avenue » New right turn green arrow signals to allow right turns onto NB 163rd Avenue while SB 163rd Avenue traffic is turning left onto EB US 60 » New protected left turn signal arrows for EB and WB US 60 traffic onto 163rd Avenue » New right turn signal arrows for EB US 60 traffic to SB Loop 303 Improvements Underway 163rd Avenue (north of Grand Avenue/US 60) Multiple road improvement projects along 163rd 6 surpriseaz.gov | Spring 2024 Avenue were identified in the City’s five-year Construction Improvement Plan (CIP) and 2023 G.O. Bond Election and are now funded. The projects are collectively called the "163rd Avenue Road Improvement Project” as the City will complete them in three contiguous phases. » Phase 1: Add second NB lane on 163rd Avenue from Grand Avenue to Pat Tillman Boulevard (Phase is currently in construction.) » Phase 2: Add third NB lane and sidewalk on 163rd Avenue from Grand Avenue to Pat Tillman Boulevard; new traffic signal at 162nd Drive/Country Club Drive (Phase will begin after Phase 1 and expected to take 6-8 months.) » Phase 3: Buildout 163rd Avenue from Pat Tillman Boulevard to Jomax Road to three lanes in each direction with a center turn lane, sidewalks, streetlights and improved intersections at Happy Valley Road and Jomax Road. This phase will also add traffic signals at Asante Boulevard, San Ysidro Road, Happy Valley Road and Desert Oasis Boulevard (Phase expected to begin within the next year.) Upcoming Improvements ADOT Freeways This summer, ADOT will begin construction on the following short-term improvements, which are expected to take 10 months to complete: US 60 & 163rd Avenue » Extend EB US 60 third lane to 163rd Avenue » Add third left turn lane from SB 163rd Avenue to US 60 US 60 & Loop 303 » Add second lane to NB Loop 303 off-ramp at US 60 » Widen Loop 303/US 60 intersection and Loop 303 NB off-ramp to provide three dedicated left turn lanes and one dedicated right turn lane from the NB Loop 303 off-ramp to US 60 City Roadways Thanks to voters approving the 2023 G.O. Bond, a widening of Happy Valley Road will be completed in the next five years. Happy Valley Road (163rd Avenue to eastern city limits near Rancho Mercado Parkway) » Additional EB and WB lanes » New traffic signals (Signal at 163rd Ave. will be completed earlier with 163rd Ave. Improvements) » Drainage improvements » Sidewalks, street lighting and median improvements Identified Improvements ADOT completed a feasibility study in 2022 to assess the US 60 and Loop 303 interchange and other intersections along US 60 from 163rd Avenue in Surprise to R H Johnson Boulevard in Sun City West. Feasibility studies are critical first steps as they identify both problems and potential solutions. They can be used as a justification to start design of a project, which is then used to examine a project’s feasibility (budget, environmental concerns, impacts to other areas, etc.) before construction can even begin. The ADOT study identified possible long-term improvements, which are subject to change: » Construct a diamond interchange at Loop 303 and US 60 » Construct new SB Loop 303 off-ramp and NB Loop 303 on- ramp over the railroad tracks » Grade separate EB US 60 through lanes between 163rd Avenue and RH Johnson Boulevard to go over Loop 303 » Build a US 60 overpass at 163rd Avenue. Traffic on 163rd Avenue could be serviced by a ground-level Single Point Urban Interchange The City is also working with regional partners and stakeholders to advance alternative connection points to US 60 and Loop 303, including: » Litchfield Road and Loop 303 traffic interchange » Connection of Jomax Road to US 60 » Extension of Lone Mountain Road to Loop 303 163rd Ave BNSF 60 for third ht-turn lanes 60 for Abbreviations NB – Northbound SB – Southbound WB – Westbound EB – Eastbound November election puts power in your hands Proposition (Prop) 479, formerly known as Prop 400e, will go to Maricopa County voters in November of this year. This proposition extends the half-cent sales tax for transportation that has existed since 1985. Some of the projects Prop 479 could fund would bring long-term solutions to Surprise: Loop 303 and Litchfield Road new traffic interchange Extend El Mirage Road from US 60 to Jomax Road Loop 303 and US 60 ultimate buildout of interchange Loop 303 and Litchfield Road new traffic interchange To learn more about north Surprise transportation, visit: surpriseaz.gov/US60Loop303 Spring 2024 | surpriseaz.gov 7Cactus & Perryville Roads Intersection The intersection of Cactus and Perryville roads will be built out and a traffic signal will be added. This is where the City’s new pool, park and fire station will be located. Construction is anticipated to occur summer 2024 to minimize school traffic impacts. New Traffic Signals » Bell Road & Bell Pointe - Construction underway. Estimated completion end of May 2024. (City project) » Cactus Road & Magnolia Drive (west of Cotton Lane) - Construction will start and end in summer 2024. (City project) » Deer Valley Road & US 60/Deer Valley Road & Williams Road - Signal poles placed, developer is coordinating with ADOT on road striping and signal activation. Estimated completion spring 2024. (Courtland Homes is leading both projects) A n updated City of Surprise Parking Code went into effect in March. The existing prohibition of truck, recreational vehicle and trailer parking in residential areas has expanded to all City streets and City rights- of-way. As an alternative, the City has designated roadways in commercial industrial areas where trucks/ semi-trucks may park without violating the new code. Trucks are defined in A.R.S. TITLE 28 as weighing 18,000 or more pounds, including any or a combination of motor and other vehicles weighing in excess of 26,000 pounds, or a box truck, or semi-trailer cab which shall include a truck tractor and/or vehicle transporter. Cactus Road (Cotton Lane - Reems Road) A project to improve Cactus Road from Cotton Lane to Reems Road kicked off in March. The road will be widened to three lanes in each direction with dedicated turn lanes, raised medians, new traffic signals at the intersections of Prasada Parkway and Greer Ranch Parkway and upgraded traffic signals at Sarival Avenue and Cotton Lane. This project is expected to be complete in spring 2026. PARKING LAWS UPDATED Learn more at surpriseaz.gov/TruckParking. Have transportation questions? Email traffic.cs@surpriseaz.gov CITYWIDE TRANSPORTATION UPDATES 8 surpriseaz.gov | Spring 2024 Surprise Community Park Playground Upgrade Surprise Community Park in City Center will be getting a playground remodel this summer. All current play equipment will be replaced and will be designed with separate areas of play for older and younger children. New Pool, Park & Fire Station Progress The design is now fully complete on the new pool, park and fire station coming to Cactus and Perryville roads! New renderings show a clearer picture of what the complex will look like. Facility colors and features have been selected, plus more shade has been added throughout the swim complex, which will be named Oasis Swim Center. With Fire Station 309 coming to the campus, the adjacent splash pad area will be named Soak Station 309 and includes fire- themed water play features. Playground equipment has been selected for Rescue Springs Park and additional shade has been added. Get ready to play next summer when the entire complex is expected to open! Spring 2024 | surpriseaz.gov 9Next >