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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.
2023 Central Illinois Open Water Swim-Saturday, June 24th
The Main (East) Boat Launch will be closed to Boaters, Fishermen, and all Watercraft usage on Saturday, June 24, 2023 until 1:00 p.m. for the Central Illinois Open Water Swim. That Boat Launch will reopen at 1:00 p.m. Boaters, Fishermen, and all Watercraft users are urged to use the West (White Oak) Boat Launch that morning.
For more information or to register for the this event, please go to: https://www.usms.org/events/events/2023-central-illinois-open-water-swim-12-miles-amp-24-miles?ID=9860
This event hosted by the Central Illinois Masters Swim Team.
NOW ACCEPTING ARCHERY
ANTLERLESS DEER HUNT APPLICATIONS
The McLean County Department of Parks & Recreation is, once again, offering the ARCHERY Antlerless Deer Hunt at COMLARA Park for 2023. The Park's season is broken down into Six (6) one-week blocks. Successfully drawn hunters will have 7 days (1 Week) to hunt and to try to harvest an antlerless deer. this Year's Dates are: Week 1: October 2 - 8 Week 2: October 9 - 15 Week 3: October 16 - 22 Week 4: October 23 - 29 Week 5: Oct. 30 - Nov. 5 Week 6: November 6-12 If you are successfully drawn you will receive a letter in the mail and there will be a orientation meeting that you will be required to attend. Drawing is usually conducted the first week of August. A Non-Refundable Application Fee of $5.00 must accompany the application.
To Register On-Line: https://parksandrec.mcleancountyil.gov/eventdetail.aspx?EID=78
In-Person: COMLARA Park Visitor Center - Hours are 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Daily
If there are any questions, please feel free to call the park at (309) 434-6770.
BAIT SHOP/BOAT RENTAL NOW OPEN (EXPANDED HOURS)
Bait Shop Hours - 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Daily
Boat Rental Hours - 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Daily
F.R. Glasener Beach Now Open!
F.R. Glasener Beach will again be a "Swim At Your Own Risk" area (No Lifeguards on Duty). The Beach is open from Noon to 5:30 p.m. daily, weather permitting. Beach Fees are $3.00 for Adults (13 Yrs. Old and Up), $1.00 for Kids (6-12 Yrs. Old) and Kids 5 Yrs. Old and Under are Free. Don't forget there is Food and Soft Drinks available at the Concession Stand. Beach Rentals are available for $35.00/hr. before and after normal operating hours. Rentals must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance.
NOW ACCEPTING CAMPING RESERVATIONS!
On-Line reservations at www.camplife.com/COMLARA
Walk-In reservations from 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. at the COMLARA Park Visitor Center.
Phone-In reservations at (309) 434-6770.
Order Your 2023 Evergreen Lake Watercraft Decal On-line Here!
https://parksandrec.mcleancountyil.gov/eventdetail.aspx?EID=77
We Now Have Two Pontoons for Rental!
The Evergreen Lake Boat Rental now has two Pontoons to rent! Prices remain the same! $100 for 2 hours, $175 for four hours, and $325 for eight hours! Call Now to reserve yours for that special occasion at (309) 434-6770. Reservations can be made for dates through October 8, 2023
2023 Calendar of Events
DATE | EVENT | INFORMATION |
---|---|---|
Dec - Feb | Cross Country Ski Trails Open | Available when conditions permit |
April 1 | Camping Reservations Accepted | In Person & Online Reservations April 1 (Phone-in & Mail accepted Monday, April 3) |
April 1 | Boat Rental/Bait Shop Opens | Weekends Only |
May 27 | Swimming Beach Opens | 7 Days/Week |
May 27 | Boat Rental Opens | 7 Days/Week |
June & July | Archery Deer Hunt Applications | Available |
June 3 | Tri Shark Triathlon | Swim, Bike & Run (www.tri-shark.org) |
June 24 | Central Illinois Open Water Swim (CIOWS) | |
July & August | Firearm Deer Hunt Applications | Available |
July 8 | COMLARA Park Ice Cream Social | Ice Cream, Soft Drinks, Children's Games & More |
July 15 | Take A Kid Fishing Tourney | Evergreen Lake. Registration Day of Event |
July 20-23 | Evergreen Lake Knap-In | Arrowhead and Spear Point Crafting Demonstration + Additional Vendors |
July 31 | Archery Deer Hunt Application Deadline | |
August 7 | Swimming Beach Closed | Weekdays Only |
August 19 | Painful Elimination Run | |
August 31 | Firearm Deer Hunt Application Deadline | |
September 4 | Last Day Swimming Beach Open | |
September 5 | Boat Rental Closed | Weekdays Only |
Oct 1 - Nov 11 | Deer Management Program - Archery | COMLARA Park - Designated Areas Closed |
October 8 | Boat Rental Closed for Season | |
October 14 | Last Day Bait Shop Open | |
October 14 | Fall Colors Family Day | Marshmallow & Weiner Roast, Hayrack Rides, Music, Children's Games, Haunted Hayrack Rides, Children's Candy Hunt & More |
October 15 | Last Day - Camping Reservations | |
November 17 - 19 | Deer Management Program - Shotgun | COMLARA Park - Closed to General Use |
November 30 - December 3 | Deer Management Program - Shotgun | COMLARA Park - Closed to General Use |
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
CONTACT INFO
Parks & Recreation
Physical Address
13001 Recreation Area Dr.
Hudson, IL 61748
Phone: (309) 434-6770
SUMMER VISITOR CENTER HOURS 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
7 Days/Week
Park Staff
Mike Steffa - Park Director
Brad Wood - Operations Supervisor
Brett Murphy - Maintenance Supervisor
Dave Grizzle - Maintenance Mechanic