Sue Sitter/PCT Area residents use the Rugby Armory for walking and recreation Wednesday.

Many locals enjoy a brisk walk down Rugby’s streets for exercise, but thick ice and chilly winds like Monday’s 61 mile per hour gusts can test even the hardiest folks.

Fortunately, there’s an option for those who want to keep to their fitness goals without braving the elements.

Rugby residents Rita Dokken and Melissa Larson are two of several locals who visit the Rugby armory for exercise in winter.

Dokken and Larson are neighbors who use the walking path on the east side of town in warmer months. “We use that in the summer time, and go the whole two miles. We use the armory because of the ice outside,” Dokken said as the two walked the perimeter of the armory gym floor.

Across the building, two young men shot hoops on the basketball court.

Dokken said she had worked at Dokken Construction before she retired.

“We like that (the armory is) open for us, and it’s nice.”

Larson, who works at D & S Motors, said she enjoys spending lunch breaks with a brisk walk.

Rugby City Auditor Jennifer Stewart said the Rugby armory opens to the public from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

“We charge when people use it for an event and they want exclusive use of it; that’s when there’s a fee,” Stewart explained. “There are basketball practices, and the school has priority for that, because they do pay a yearly rent for that, but then, typically, people can walk around and exercise in there if they like, around their practices, and it’s fine.”

“I’ve heard good things about people using it (for exercise), Stewart continued. “That’s what we want.”