PHOENIX — A groundbreaking ceremony marked the start of construction on a new community center in Surprise, designed to support residents of the West Valley across all stages of life.

On Wednesday, officials from Surprise and the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors joined architects and construction workers to officially begin the project.

“Today marks a truly exciting moment for our community,” said Surprise Mayor Kevin Sartor. “This project represents not just a building, but a promise — a promise that we will continue to support, uplift and invest in the people of Surprise.”

When will the new community center open?

Construction of the center, located at 15808 N. Hollyhock St., is slated for completion by spring 2026.

What the center will offer

The 35,000-square-foot Surprise Community & Resource Center will include services for veterans, seniors, and students, as well as library facilities, workforce development programs, and health and wellness initiatives.

Housing and homelessness support will also be available, alongside three Head Start classrooms to serve young children and families in the West Valley.

“Head Start is meant for families who need help with childcare, but also getting them ready for school before kindergarten starts,” explained Surprise Human Service & Community Vitality Director Seth Dyson. “The Head Start program is designed to wrap around the families and the youngsters with services and support.”

Dyson emphasized the importance of the new classrooms in preparing children for kindergarten. “Childcare and early literacy is so critical. It’s a lot of pressure on our families, not only in Surprise, but across the state and the country. We wanted to do everything we can to create space for families,” he told KTAR News 92.3 FM.

Funding and collaboration

The $26 million project is supported by $18 million in funding from the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.

Board member Debbie Lesko, who was sworn in last week, highlighted the center’s broad reach.

“This project is really unique in that it helps everybody from different ages, so the very young with Head Start classes, and also senior citizens, veterans, homelessness,” Lesko said. “It’s a wide variety of people they’re helping.”

She also noted the center’s integration of existing services, including the Surprise Resource Center, Hollyhock Library, and Surprise Senior Center.

“By consolidating the Surprise Resource Center, Hollyhock Library, and Surprise Senior Center, we are creating a one-stop community center that can help residents of Surprise, the Sun Cities, El Mirage, Youngtown, and unincorporated Maricopa County navigate many of life’s biggest challenges,” Lesko said.