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Mission Statement: To facilitate the revitalization of our community – safer, smarter, stronger – by connecting ideas, resources and people

Build Safer

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Projects

Gap Financing for Businesses and Residents
Diahoga Trail Project
Flood Control Feasibility
Workforce Housing
Block Captain Warning System
Housing Study
Cornell University Study
Visioning Project
Rebuild Valley Playland

About Futurescapes

Futurescapes began as a community steering committee after the 2011 flooding of Athens Borough, with a focus on long-term recovery for the community. Transitioning to a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization in 2012, the organization serves as the coordinating entity between local and regional organizations for establishing partnerships and developing funding strategies that support whole-community recovery. Although original focus was on the post-flood recovery of Athens Borough, the Board keeps a vision of the entire Valley community in its planning strategies.

In accordance with the Long-Term Community Recovery Plan, the board of Futurescapes plans to rebuild and recover Athens and the surrounding communities safer, smarter and stronger.

Board Members

Lori Allen Unger, Chair; Linda Politi, Vice-Chair; Damian Rossettie, Sec.;

Jean Ann Redman, Treas.; Jim Daly, Kathe Vergason, Scott Molnar, Todd Babcock

Get Involved

Be the change you want to see

Join the ranks of Futurescapes to help the Valley grow Stronger and Safer and help YOUR neighbors.

Or be a "Champion" of a project that you would like to see come to fruition.

Futurescapes meets on the first Wednesday of odd months at 6:00 p.m. in the Athens Borough Hall meeting room.

$241,000 Diahoga Trail Grant Awarded

Rebuilding Valley Playland

VALLEY PLAYLAND REBUILDING PROJECT- GREAT WAY TO GET INVOLVED, AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OUR COMMUNITY!!

Over 25 years ago, a very dedicated group of community volunteers constructed the Valley Playland. It has served the families of the Valley well, but it needs some attention to improve safety & handicap/ADA access.

Futurescapes has engaged Ithaca's Play By Design was to help develop and design the new layout. Due to the COVID-19 virus, the rebuild dates have been moved to May 18th-23rd, 2021.

You can sign up to be part of the process by calling Lori Unger at

717-433-0439 or send an email with your name, phone number and email address to friendsofvalleyplayland@gmail.com.

Shown above is the original Valley Playland. This structure was taken down in April 2020 to make way for the new playground, scheduled to be built in May 2021.

Above is the sketch of the new playground slated for installation in May 2021.

Athens and Sayre Boroughs Receive River Town Designation

In October 2014, Athens and Sayre boroughs were officially recognized as Susquehanna Greenway River Towns before the kickoff to the annual Rusty Rail football game between Athens and Sayre's high school teams. The River Town designation was led by Futurescapes, a non-profit organization created after the 2011 flooding to coordinate the Valley's long-term recovery process. The boroughs have been working collaboratively with Futurescapes, the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership, and other local partners to identify improvements and projects that will collectively enhance our river town experience.

In becoming a River Town, the boroughs agree to hold at least two events along the Susquehanna River each year. Sayre Borough holds its annual end-of-summer festival and fireworks and also a car show each year. The Diahoga Trail Team conducts a trail clean-up along the river each April.

Benefits to being a designated River Town include support in identifying need and in obtaining grants for projects along the river.

Diahoga Trail

Paving on the Diahoga Trail was completed in October 2019. The trail follows the Susquehanna River on the west side of the bank from the Athens bridge on Susquehanna Street to the Hayden Street/Higgins Avenue plateau in Sayre.

Click for more about the Diahoga Trail

FUTURESCAPES