In preparation for the 2025 NATO Parliamentary Assembly Spring Session, the Dayton Police Department has provided new updates regarding the “NATO Village” secure zone planned for downtown. The changes, announced today, revise the originally proposed perimeter to better accommodate local businesses, workers, customers, and residents.
Last month, Downtown Dayton reached out with preliminary details for hosting this international event. At that time, the secure zone was outlined as a square area bordered by Monument Avenue, Wilkinson Street, Fourth Street, and St. Clair Street. However, responding to community concerns, the Dayton Police Department has now reduced the footprint of the secure zone and has shared additional information about pedestrian access.
Revised Secure Zone Details
According to the latest update from the Dayton Police Department:
“As the City of Dayton and the Dayton Police Department continue to plan for the NATO meeting in May 2025, we will routinely release information to the public as to the impact on the downtown Dayton community. Planning an event of this size and duration involves coordination with many different local, state, and federal entities. The location and the extended timeframe of this event will impact the downtown area regarding vehicle and pedestrian accessibility.
Below you will find a current map that identifies the area with limited vehicular accessibility during the event. This is not a finalized plan – changes may occur as warranted by the security situation as we get closer to NATO’s arrival to ensure all visiting delegates and dignitaries, as well as residents of Dayton, are protected.
As we continue to develop the footprint for NATO, we will provide updates on where the pedestrian access points will be located and how to access specific businesses and buildings. While some businesses and buildings will not have vehicle access, ALL buildings and businesses in the shaded area will have pedestrian access. The Dayton Police Department will reach out to all businesses and residents in the impacted area in the upcoming weeks to answer questions and provide more details on the specific impacts to their building.”
The revised plan is intended to maintain as much access as possible for those living, working, and shopping downtown while ensuring security for the approximately 300 parliamentarians and their accompanying families and staff members expected to attend (with total visitors potentially approaching 1,000).
Event Timeline and Impact
The NATO Parliamentary Assembly Spring Session is scheduled for Thursday, May 22, through Monday, May 26, 2025. Restrictions related to the secure zone will likely begin on Wednesday, May 21, and conclude on Tuesday, May 27. Parliamentary sessions will be held at key downtown venues, including the Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center, Victoria Theatre, and CareSource facilities, with entry limited to credentialed participants and media.
Community Involvement
Downtown Dayton is seizing the opportunity to shine on the international stage. In the spirit of community, local organizers are inviting residents to participate in the “First Bloom” Community Cleanup & Beautification effort on April 26. Volunteers will help with flower planting, painting, graffiti removal, and more to ensure downtown looks its best for the event. Interested participants are encouraged to sign up through the online RSVP form available on the event’s website.
Looking Ahead
Planning for the NATO Assembly will continue through early spring 2025, with additional details to be released in the coming months. For continuous updates, visit the Dayton NATO committee’s dedicated website at www.natopa-dayton2025.org.
Stay tuned to DowntownDayton.com for further news as the city prepares to welcome the international community in what promises to be a landmark event for downtown Dayton.