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Surprise is a fast-growing city of about 150,000 people in the northwest Phoenix area, founded in 1938 by Flora Statler, who reportedly said she would be surprised if the town amounted to much. It did: today Surprise is one of the largest cities in Arizona, known for spring training baseball, active retirement communities and big desert parks.
Every spring the Texas Rangers and Kansas City Royals train at Surprise Stadium, part of a large recreation campus that also includes Surprise Lake, tennis courts and an aquatic center. The city center around City Hall and the Surprise Public Library has public art, events and a growing collection of restaurants.
White Tank Mountain Regional Park, on the city's western edge, is the largest park in Maricopa County, with hiking trails, a seasonal waterfall and ancient petroglyphs. Lake Pleasant is a short drive northeast, and the desert sunsets over the White Tanks are some of the best in the valley.
The spring training home of the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers, with grandstand seats and a grassy outfield berm, plus practice fields where fans can watch workouts. Cactus League games run in February and March. Tickets are affordable; bring sunscreen and arrive early for autographs.
A large public tennis center with about 25 lighted courts, including a stadium court, that hosts professional and college tournaments as well as open play and lessons. It sits in the Surprise Recreation Campus. Courts can be reserved; play early or in the evening to avoid the heat.
A small lake in the Surprise City Center area beside the recreation campus, with a paved walking path, shady spots, ducks and views of the stadium and city buildings. It is popular for morning walks and casual fishing. It is close to other city attractions, so combine it with a stadium visit.
A city aquatic center with pools, water slides and splash features, offering open swim, lessons and family fun in the hot months. It is a good way for families to cool off in summer. Check the city schedule for open swim hours and bring sunscreen and towels.
The modern city hall at the heart of the Surprise City Center, with a plaza, public art and gardens next to the recreation campus. Its design reflects desert colors and shapes. The plaza hosts community events and festivals, and it is pleasant to walk around in the evening.
A modern library building in the Surprise City Center area with a bright interior, reading spaces and community programs, run by the Maricopa County library district. It hosts events and story times. It is a cool, quiet indoor spot to rest on hot days.
A public art installation that is part of the City of Surprise collection, its title echoing the city's spirit of growth and new beginnings. It is a popular backdrop for photos. It is free to see and makes a quick stop while exploring the City Center area.
The largest park in Maricopa County's system, with nearly 30 miles of trails through rugged desert mountains southwest of Surprise, petroglyphs and a seasonal waterfall after rains. Camping and picnic areas are available. Carry plenty of water and start early, as summer heat is extreme.
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Photo: Venske, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Venske, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Venske, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Venske, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
