Audrey Spalding, of Milford, and Alecia Fink, of Amherst, walk the track at the Hampshire Dome, taking part in a free exercise program for people 70 and older. Telegraph photo by KATHY CLEVELAND

MILFORD – Sally Hogan started walking for exercise with a group in Mont Vernon more than 20 years ago. It was a great way to start the day, and people called them the “Walkie Talkies,” because they gabbed while they walked.

But walking outside when it’s bitterly cold and there’s ice underfoot has had no appeal, especially as Hogan and her friends got older.

So she was delighted when the Hampshire Dome started a weekday program for people 70 and older that allows residents Milford and eight surrounding communities to walk the cushioned track for free.

Now, during bad weather the Walkie Talkies can “meet and walk and chat,” Hogan said. “It’s been a wonderful idea.”

The program started last year when Rick Katzenberg, president of NH Wellpoint Foundation, a local nonprofit, got together with Rick Holder, owner of Hampshire Hills Athletic Club and the Hampshire Dome, and started what they called the Active Healthy Living Program.

Last winter more than 300 people signed up for the program, doing a total of 2,804 individual walks around the fifth of a mile track.

Besides the cushioned track and moderate temperatures, the Dome is a lively place to walk. The 94,000 square foot arena with an air-supported roof is used for lacrosse, soccer and flag football and has a driving range, so there’s often a lot to watch as walkers make their circuits around the track. It has also been a venue for big political rallies, and both President Trump and President Obama campaigned here.

It’s also safe. Staff are trained in emergency medicine and there is an AED defibrillator on the premise.

Katzenberg is happy the program makes it possible for seniors to keep active, maintain their physical conditioning, and enjoy what the Dome offers during the months of most challenging weather. He also wants Wellpoint to do more with young people and has sent letters to schools and organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club of Souhegan Valley.

Many students are involved in organized sports, he said, but a third of them don’t do any sports.

“The funds are there … if someone comes up with a good idea, we can cut a check,” he said, and Wellpoint can help pay for a new exercise program.

The winter walking program is available free to residents of Amherst, Bedford, Brookline, Hollis, Lyndeborough, Mason, Milford, Mont Vernon and Wilton. The Dome is generally available for winter walking (except during special events) from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. weekdays.

Membership in the program (but not membership in Hampshire Hills) is required, and a free card to enable participation is issued at the Dome on the first visit. A current driver’s license or official ID must be presented upon sign up.

For more information, go to hampshiredome.com or call the Hampshire Dome at 673-8123 and leave contact information.