Recreation for Individuals with Disabilities

Outdoor Recreation Opportunities

  • Fishing – Evergreen Lake has three accessible floating fishing piers with accessible restrooms nearby. These sites are located in the Main Recreation Area (MRA) near the Boat Marina, at White Pines Cove, and the White Oak Area (WOA) near the boat launch. The department has installed underwater fishery attraction structures near these piers. In addition, there is an accessible fishing overlook at the pump station and also a challenge level one dock at the Deer Island Access with a hard surface access path with a 1:10 slope.
  • Swimming Beach – Glasener Beach at Evergreen Lake provides a concrete accessible ramp entry into water levels. Type II personal flotation devices are also available at the beach.
  • Boat Rental Marina – A hand-operated paddle boat is available, as are motorized rowboats. A fully accessible boat transfer dock with transfer box and lift are also available.
  • Boat Launches – Both the Main Recreation Area boat launch and the White Oak Area boat launch have accessible courtesy docks next to the launches. These are docks which provide access to a floating pier from which individuals may transfer to a watercraft in the water.
  • Camping – The developed campground facility at COMLARA County Park in the Main Recreation Area features 10 accessibility-improved sites with limestone accessible pads, elevated fire rings, and accessible picnic tables. In addition, COMLARA County Park has campsites that are exclusively reserved for campers with disabilities.
  • Picnic Areas – COMLARA County Park and West County Park include accessible shelters and individual picnic sites. These locations are connected to parking areas by limestone screened paths.
  • Trails – The department has a limited number of natural limestone accessible paths and trails providing access to developed areas of COMLARA Park.
  • Hunting – The department offers archery / shotgun deer hunting opportunities for disabled hunters. Fully accessible paths are provided to ground blinds. An appropriate Illinois Department of Natural Resources deer tag is required to participate.

For More Information

If you have any questions, please email the McLean County Department of Parks and Recreation or call (309) 434-6770.