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

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