Oakland County Parks invites teachers, homeschoolers and libraries to register for a program that combines reading and recreation.

"Oakie's Reading Ranger Reward Program encourages students in grades K-8 to read independently during 'March Reading Month,'" Kim Soncrainte, community liaison, said. "For meeting reading goals, students are awarded a free entry pass to Red Oaks or Waterford Oaks Waterpark during the 2008 season."

Program administrators can adapt the reading reward program to meet their individual needs and benchmarks.

"Our goals are to get kids away from electronics and TV and do two things that are of benefit to them - reading and recreating in the outdoors," Soncrainte said.

In 2007, 57 schools participated in the program, more than 1.16 million pages were read and 5,000 passes awarded.

The program is free. Registration deadline is February 29. Registration forms are available or call Soncrainte at 248.858.4636.