This morning marked a significant milestone for Maricopa County and the City of Surprise as they unveiled the new Surprise Community & Resource Center. Spanning 35,000 square feet, this facility is poised to become a central hub for essential services and resources, catering to residents of all ages.
Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Debbie Lesko, who represents Surprise, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “It’s been exciting to see Surprise develop into one of the fastest-growing communities in Maricopa County. With this growth comes the responsibility to ensure public services are expanding at an equal pace. The Board’s investment in this new resource center is about giving families, seniors, veterans, and other residents of this vibrant community the support they need to thrive.”
In a significant move in 2022, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors allocated $18 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to construct the center. This project, a collaborative effort with the City of Surprise, underscores a commitment to enhancing residents’ quality of life. An Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) facilitated the allocation of a total of $27 million for the facility’s development.
Surprise Mayor Kevin Sartor emphasized the importance of partnerships in realizing this vision, saying, “The vision of creating a Surprise Community & Resource Center like this could only become a reality through strong partnerships and a shared commitment to serving our community. By bringing together businesses, nonprofits, and volunteers who share our passion for people, we are ensuring that everyone who walks through the doors of this new center will find the high-quality services, resources, and support they need. When we can all come together like this, it provides a stronger community for everyone.”
The center consolidates and expands existing programs from various older City facilities, such as the Surprise Resource Center and Hollyhock Library. It offers a comprehensive array of services, including library facilities, workforce development, health and wellness programs, housing and homelessness support, benefit assistance, and services for veterans and seniors. Additionally, the center features after-school and summer youth programs, along with three Head Start classrooms, marking a first for the City of Surprise and providing new early-learning opportunities for local children and families.
Reflecting a commitment to community empowerment, the Surprise Community & Resource Center is the latest project utilizing federal ARPA funds. For further information on ARPA expenditures in Maricopa County, visit Maricopa.gov/RescueFunds.
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