Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Surprise public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
39 issues in parks rec
Library Collection Development and Vendor Strategy
The library is adjusting how it buys books and materials following the bankruptcy of major vendor Baker & Taylor in late 2025. Staff will discuss how new vendors, interns, and shelving strategies are keeping the shelves stocked.
Hollyhock Library Operations and Community Integration
Commissioners will review the ongoing operations and initial success of the newly opened Hollyhock Library, which has seen strong community turnout since its recent launch.
Traffic Cabinet Artwork Wraps
The commission will review artwork designs meant to wrap traffic utility cabinets along 163rd Avenue, turning everyday street infrastructure into public art displays.
163rd Avenue Traffic Cabinet Art Designs
The commission will review artwork designs meant to wrap traffic utility cabinets along 163rd Avenue, turning everyday street infrastructure into public art displays.
FY27 Neighborhood Grant Program Funding and Applications
The city is moving forward with its annual Neighborhood Grant Program, setting aside $10,000 to help residents and HOAs host community events and build local connections.
FY28 Percent for Art Plan and Public Art Projects
Artist Adrian Ramirez presented a concept for a two-part mural exploring writing and reading at the regional library, featuring interactive community paint workshops.
Library Strategic Plan and Future Expansion
The library is developing a comprehensive strategic plan with community input, including upcoming public open houses and staff workshops.
Program Waitlists and Facility Capacity Constraints
Surprise is facing a shortage of sports fields compared to national standards, leaving little room for outside club rentals after youth leagues and maintenance take their share.
Commission Leadership Elections
The board plans to add vice chair positions across the joint, fire, and police boards so meetings can proceed smoothly if the chair is absent.
Summer Reading Program and Community Outreach
Library staff announced that summer reading registration is underway, with the kickoff event scheduled for May 31 at Surprise Regional Library. Commissioners discussed ways to volunteer and support library outreach events across the city.
Parks & Recreation Master Plan & Park Deficits
The council called for a future workshop to examine recreation facility needs and expand fields and facilities to keep up with city growth.
2026 Surprise Community Legend Awards
The commission reviewed the application process and timeline for honoring outstanding local individuals, youth, volunteers, and organizations who improve community life in Surprise.
Veramonte Park Expansion and Splash Pad Power Fix
The city is buying land next to Veramonte Park to move forward with lighting and parking improvements. Meanwhile, staff confirmed that a permanent transformer is being installed this week to replace the generator powering the splash pad.
Vet Fest 2026 Final Planning
Planning for Vet Fest 2026 at Surprise Stadium is underway, with remaining commission funds dedicated to supporting the event and free meals for veterans.
The Wall That Heels Arrival in Surprise
Surprise is hosting the traveling Vietnam veterans memorial 'The Wall That Heals' in April, requiring Vet Fest to move to the Surprise Stadium concourse to manage large crowds and coordinate community-wide honors.
FY2027 Commission Calendar and Retreat Scheduling
Commissioners adjusted their meeting times and planned a dedicated retreat to better align with city budget cycles and long-term planning.
SACAC Mission Advancement & Community Outreach
The commission explored new strategies to broaden community engagement, specifically targeting local homeschool co-ops and residents in the original town site to increase participation in arts and culture events.
2026 Mayor's Literacy Challenge Participation and Community Partnerships
The community blew past last year's reading numbers, logging over 4 million minutes read by more than 2,400 participants in the winter reading challenge.
Arts Programming and Support for Military Veterans
Local arts leaders and veteran advocates presented programs that use painting, wood burning, and theater to combat veteran isolation, PTSD, and high suicide rates. The commission discussed ways the city can better collaborate, market these programs, and support veterans and military families through the arts.
Library System Staffing and Facility Updates
City Librarian Ashley Ware shared updates on recent staff hires and promotions across Surprise libraries, plus facility upgrades at Hollyhock Library and high attendance for the Mayor's Literacy Challenge kick-off event.
Strategic Plan Implementation & Facility Growth
Library leadership reviewed progress on its strategic plan, highlighting staff training, community partnerships, and preparations for future facility growth like the upcoming multi-generational center.
iHOLA! West Valley Temporary Art Project Participation
Surprise is planning its continued involvement in the regional iHOLA! temporary art program for the FY27 budget. Commissioners agreed it's a great way to feature rotating artwork and collaborate with neighboring cities without breaking the bank.
Vista Center for the Arts Operating Partnership
Staff briefed commissioners on the newly approved facility use agreement with the school district for the VISTA Center for the Arts. The city is establishing a new presenting division to bring in high-quality touring shows while balancing operational costs.
FY27 Public Art Plan and Project Priorities
The commission is planning where to invest public art funds for fiscal year 2027, looking at projects like traffic box wraps, rec center art, and neighborhood upgrades. Commissioners want to make sure art reaches fast-growing areas like Asante while also supporting historic neighborhoods in the Original Town Site.
HeART and Culture of Surprise Award
Commissioners reviewed a prototype for the HeART and Culture of Surprise Award, providing feedback on earthy materials, natural motifs, and plaque placement.
U.S. 250th Anniversary Celebration Funding
The library is launching an extensive 'Stars and Stories' reading program and speaker series running from October 2025 through July 2026 to celebrate America's 250th anniversary, featuring community challenges, virtual reality grants, and historical collections.
SCRC Gym Wall Public Art Installation
Muta Vision presented their community-selected vinyl wrap design for the new Surprise Community and Resource Center gym windows. Commissioners discussed how the desert-inspired artwork balances visual calmness for visitors with safety transparency needs.
Surprise Public Library System Performance Dashboard
The library system launched a live, public-facing dashboard featuring 33 performance metrics to ensure transparency and data-driven decision making. The data shows strong growth across gate counts, program attendance, active library cards, and an estimated $11.3 million in direct patron savings for FY25.
FY25 Arts and Culture Division Annual Review
Staff shared impressive numbers from the past year, showing a 50% boost in event attendance, 20 new public art pieces installed, and free business training provided to 14 local cultural non-profits. The division's expanding reach reflects the city's rapid growth and strong community demand for arts programming.
Asante Library Public Art Project
Artist Tiesha Harrison shared her interactive 'Expressions in Full Bloom' artwork design for Asante Library, which incorporates community paintings, macrame, and neon acrylic elements.
FY26 Arts and Culture Grant Recommendations
The commission reviewed funding recommendations for 13 local arts and cultural organizations applying for FY26 operating support and project grants. Panelists discussed how these grants help sustain community programs and expand arts access in Surprise.
Recognition of Former Mayor Skip Hall
Commissioners discussed ways to honor former Mayor Skip Hall for his years of service, considering options like a physical plaque, bench, or memorial dedication.
WHAM Art Association Partnership and Community Impact
WHAM highlighted its extensive programs for veterans, youth, and seniors, demonstrating the value of ongoing municipal grant funding and partnership.
McMicken Dam Open Space and Recreation Easement
The city has partnered with the Maricopa County Flood Control District to manage a massive 3,500-acre open space easement for conservation, trails, and future passive recreation. Four new park ranger positions and a $278,000 budget amendment were approved to handle maintenance and illegal dumping.
Vet Fest 2025 Community Event Planning
Planning is underway for Vet Fest 2025 on April 12 at Mark Coronado Park, featuring free meals for veterans funded by sponsorships, military vehicle displays, and family-friendly activities.
Community and Municipal Partnerships
The library highlighted local businesses and city departments that donate goods, services, and support for reading programs and events.
Senior Center Programs and Nutrition Services
The Surprise Senior Center provides critical socialization, wellness classes, and congregate meals for older adults, serving hundreds of seniors and veterans in the community.
Adaptive Recreation Program Growth
Staff highlighted the growth of adaptive sports and leisure programs, which served over 3,500 participants in 2024 through community volunteers and specialized athletic leagues.
West Valley Arts Council Partnership & Regional Arts
The West Valley Arts Council presented its annual report, highlighting gallery exhibits, live performances, and economic development collaborations across 13 West Valley cities. Commissioners discussed ways to leverage this partnership to bring more arts programming to Surprise.