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.

2022 EVERGREEN LAKE BOAT STICKERS ARE HERE!!!

ALL watercraft, including all boats, canoes, pontoons, kayaks, paddleboards, etc. must be registered with the McLean County Dept. of Parks & Rec.  Annual decal fees are $48.00 (McLean County Residents receive a $10.00 discount).  You can register in-person at the COMLARA Park Visitor Center (Office) from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday OR On-line at   https://parksandrec.mcleancountyil.gov/eventdetail.aspx?EID=77

ALL ICE ACTIVITIES ON EVERGREEN LAKE ARE AT YOUR OWN RISK!

WHEN IS ICE SAFE?

There really is no sure answer, and no such thing as 100 percent safe ice. You cannot judge the strength of ice by one factor like its appearance, age, thickness, temperature or whether the ice is covered with snow. Ice strength is based on a combination of several factors, and they can vary from water body to water body. Ice strength can also vary in different areas of the same body of water.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Because ice conditions vary, it is important to know before you go. The McLean County Parks Department does not monitor local ice conditions or the thickness of the ice. Local bait shops, fishing clubs and resorts serve winter anglers every day and often have the most up-to-date information on how thick the ice is on local lakes and rivers, as well as areas that are especially dangerous.

SAFETY TIPS

  • Dress warmly in layers.
  • Don't go alone. Head out with friends or family. Take a cell phone if available, and make sure someone knows where you are and when you are expected to return.
  • Know before you go. Don't travel in areas you are not familiar and don't travel at night or during reduced visibility.
  • Avoid inlets, outlets or narrow that may have current that can thin the ice.
  • Look for clear ice, which is generally stronger than ice with snow on it or bubbles in it.
  • Carry some basic safety gear: ice claws or picks, a cellphone in a waterproof bag or case, a life jacket and length of rope.

ALL CAMPSITES ARE NOW ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS!

WE ARE NO LONGER TAKING RESERVATIONS FOR THE CAMPGROUND UNTIL THE FIRST SATURDAY IN APRIL 2022.

The second and third sections of the Campground, the Water, and the Campground Shower House will be closed up/shut down starting Monday, November 1st, 2021.

Boat Rental  & Bait Shop - CLOSED FOR SEASON

EFFECTIVE APRIL 1, 2021

NEW CRAPPIE REGULATION AT EVERGREEN LAKE

Starting April 1, 2021, Evergreen Lake will have a New Crappie Regulation.  The New Regulation will state:  

CRAPPIE - White, Black, or Hybrid - 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 5 fish greater or equal to 10 inches

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

facebook logo Opens in new window