Parks & Recreation

Our Mission

It is the mission of the McLean County Department of Parks and Recreation to ensure adequate provision for high-quality regional parks and related outdoor recreational activities for all citizens of McLean County in the most cost-efficient manner.

2021 Evergreen Lake Watercraft Decals ARE HERE!!!!

The 2021 Evergreen Lake Watercraft Decals are NOW AVAILABLE!  If you’d like to get your Boat Permit for Evergreen Lake, you can do it a couple of ways.  On-line at http://webapp.mcleancountyil.gov/webapps/ParksAndRec/eventdetail.aspx?EID=77  OR  In-person at the Park Visitor Center during operating hours.  Operating hours are currently  8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.       

Please remember if you put something on Evergreen Lake and it floats, you must have a Lake Registration Decal.  This includes all boats, canoes, kayaks, sailboats, sailboards, paddleboards, etc.  Fees remain the same for 2021.  An Annual Registration for NON-COUNTY Residents is $48.00 and for McLean County Residents it is $38.00.  Thank you!

ICE FISHING IS AT YOUR OWN RISK AT EVERGREEN LAKE!

When is ice safe?

There really is no sure answer. You can't judge the strength of ice just by its appearance, age, thickness, temperature, or whether or not the ice is covered with snow. Strength is based on all these factors -- plus the depth of water under the ice, size of the water body, water chemistry and currents, the distribution of the load on the ice, and local climatic conditions.  PLEASE USE EXTREME CAUTION!!

Did you know?

New ice is usually stronger than old ice. Four inches of clear, newly-formed ice may support one person on foot, while a foot or more of old, partially-thawed ice may not.

Ice seldom freezes uniformly. It may be a foot thick in one location and only an inch or two just a few feet away.

Ice formed over flowing water and currents is often dangerous. This is especially true near streams, bridges and culverts. Also, the ice on outside river bends is usually weaker due to the undermining effects of the faster current.

The insulating effect of snow slows down the freezing process. The extra weight also reduces how much weight the ice sheet can support. Also, ice near shore can be weaker than ice that is farther out.

Booming and cracking ice isn't necessarily dangerous. It only means that the ice is expanding and contracting as the temperature changes.

Schools of fish or flocks of waterfowl can also adversely affect the relative safety of ice. The movement of fish can bring warm water up from the bottom of the lake. In the past, this has opened holes in the ice causing snowmobiles and cars to break through.

                                 PLEASE USE EXTREME CAUTION!!

ALL CAMPSITES ARE NOW ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS! RESERVATIONS ARE NO LONGER BEING ACCEPTED. 

Sections 2 & 3 (Campsites 34-126) of the Main Campground and Shower house will be closed down, and the water in the whole Campground will be shut off, by November 10, 2020.

Only the 1st or front section (Sites 1-33) of the Main Campground remain open year around.

The White Oak Primitive Campsites are now closed for the season.

BOAT RENTAL & BAIT SHOP* NOW CLOSED FOR THE SEASON

* - The Evergreen Lake Bait Shop is now closed for the season.  Thank you for your patronage!  See you in the Spring!

Adopt-A-Tree Program

Would you like to Adopt-A-Tree at COMLARA Park?

In the last couple of years, the park staff has had to cut down several Ash Trees that were destroyed by the Emerald Ash Borer, specifically in the Campground and Main Recreation Area (MRA).  For a donation of $100.00, the Park’s Dept. will purchase a 5-6 ft. tree and have a small plaque made with it to say you donated it and/or in memory of someone who was special to you.  For a donation of $200, the Park’s Dept. will purchase an 8-12 ft. tree and have a larger, more decorative plaque made with it to say you donated it and/or in memory of someone who was special to you.

FMI CONTACT MIKE AT (309) 242-5806 OR TALK TO A STAFF MEMBER AT THE PARK VISITOR CENTER.  THANK YOU! 

Join Us On The Park's Facebook Page!

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