325 ft. of sledding fun at Oakland County Parks

Waterford Oaks Parks and Rec has a big surprise for the kiddies this year — a massive 325 ft. slide that's meant to put the fun into the most freezing of winter days. This massive sledding slide is free of charge, though guests must bring their own sleds. The hill is open daily from sunrise to sunset, and portable restrooms are available.

"Sledding is a wonderful outdoor recreational opportunity to spend quality time together at no cost," Parks Supervisor Katie Stavale said. "Sledding is fun for all ages and with the new increased slope of the hill, it is a great way to exercise."

 In other parks news, Oakland County is making it easier to be green this holiday season. 11 Oakland County Parks will offer holiday tree recycling free for residents. The recycling program runs Dec. 26, 2010 — Jan. 16, 2011, from 9 a.m. — 4 p.m., seven days a week. Two locations, Independence Oaks and Orion Oaks, will accept trees through Jan. 30.

 Self-serve recycling sites include Addison Oaks in Leonard; Catalpa Oaks in Southfield; Glen Oaks Golf Course in Farmington Hills; Groveland Oaks near Holly; Independence Oaks in Clarkston; Lyon Oaks in Lyon Township; Orion Oaks in Orion Township, Red Oaks Golf Course in Madison Heights; Springfield Oaks Activity Center in Davisburg; Waterford Oaks Activity Center in Waterford; and White Lake Oaks Golf Course near Pontiac.

There is no charge to drop off trees. All decorations, plastic, tinsel and wire must be removed. The parks system processes the trees to make compost and wood chips, which will be available to the public in 2011, free of charge.

For more information, contact 248-858-0906 or visit DestinationOakland.com.