Updated May 14, 2025
Prepare for closures ahead of NATO Parliamentary Assembly this May
Dayton will host the Spring Session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly this May, with a portion of downtown Dayton being transformed into “NATO Village.” The NATO Village footprint will include sections of the downtown Great Miami River Trail, the Deeds Point MetroPark pedestrian bridge and all of RiverScape MetroPark, which means access to these amenities and facilities will be restricted to the public for the duration of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly (May 20 through May 27). These closures are for the safety and security of NATO attendees as well as the surrounding Dayton community. The latest information on closures will be available closer to the event at metroparks.org/alerts.
For specific Great Miami River Trail alternative routes during this time, visit miamivalleytrails.org.
Parkgoers are encouraged to explore the many other MetroParks’ parks, facilities, trails and hidden gems across Montgomery County during this time:
- Enjoy riverfront views at Wegerzyn Gardens, Aullwood Garden or Eastwood MetroParks.
- Celebrate National Bike Month by cycling on the Creekside, Iron Horse or Wolf Creek Trails.
- Island, Eastwood and Englewood MetroParks offer paved paths for those who enjoy walking, jogging and cycling.
- Many parks are boasting spring color in May, including Wegerzyn Gardens, Aullwood Garden and Cox Arboretum MetroParks.
- Paddlers should take advantage of the Twin Creek in late spring. Put in at the Germantown dam and take out at Eckhart Road near State Route 123.
- MetroParks is not encouraging use of the rivers near the NATO Assembly, including the RiverScape River Run. Paddlers who choose to go on that section of river should carry proper identification and be prepared to interact with law enforcement due to proximity of NATO Village.
Discover more outdoor adventures at metroparks.org.
What is the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, and why is it coming to Dayton?
The NATO Parliamentary Assembly was created in 1955 to serve as a link between the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the parliaments of the now 32 NATO nations, with the most recent additions being Finland (2023) and Sweden (2024). The United States has not hosted a session since the Annual Session in Orlando, FL, in the Fall of 2003. The U.S. has never hosted a Spring Session of the Assembly until Dayton 2025, commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Accords.
Stay up to date on public communications – including closures, public transportation changes and more – by visiting www.natopa-dayton2025.org.
