Summit offering $2 deal

The Daily Inter Lake

The Summit Medical Fitness Center announced a $2 a day admission deal Thursday to help Flathead Valley residents exercise safely by moving into its air conditioned facility.

"Because of the continuing heat and air pollution, we made the decision to open up The Summit," said Gordon Opel, manager.

Opel said the offer was not a membership marketing special. He said the reduced price was made out of concern for people's health.

"People still want to exercise when it's smoky, but they know it's not a good thing," he said.

The offer includes use of the indoor running/walking track, swimming pool, strength and cardio equipment and locker room privileges. Opel said it remains in effect until the air is clean.

The announcement came just as the Montana Department of Environmental Quality issued an alert Thursday that smoke trapped in the Flathead Valley had reached unhealthy levels in Kalispell and Whitefish.

Areas reaching the less hazardous "unhealthy for sensitive people" level included Polson, Ronan and Helena. Sidney recorded three hours of heavy smoke, putting it temporarily in the unhealthy category.

Libby and Hamilton remained in the moderate level Thursday but department officials expected that to change.

According to the environmental quality alert, smoke levels rise during the morning as the day heats up before thinning out somewhat in the afternoon.

People interested in taking advantage of the Summit Medical Fitness Center offer have access Monday through Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.