[HISTORY: Adopted by the County Board of McLean County 3-20-1986 (Ch. 35 of the 1986 Code). Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Alcoholic beverages — See Ch. 160.
Animals — See Ch. 165.
Fees — See Ch. 205.
Roads and highways — See Ch. 300.
The following definitions, rules and regulations apply to all areas and facilities owned, leased or supervised by the McLean County Board and maintained for public use as parks and/or recreational areas.
The following definitions shall apply to these words when used within this chapter:
BOAT
A vessel or watercraft.
CANOE
Any watercraft that is narrow and keelless with pointed ends, propelled by a paddle or paddles that can be constructed of wood, plastic, or aluminum and has a rigid, supporting structure.
[Added 12-14-2023]
COUNTY PARK OR RECREATIONAL AREA
Any area or facility owned, leased or supervised by the County of McLean and maintained for public use as a park or recreational area, including but not limited to the areas commonly known as "Comlara Park" and "West Park."
INFLATABLE WATERCRAFT
Any watercraft constructed of canvas, plastic, or rubber which is inflated and does not have a rigid supporting structure.
KAYAK
Any watercraft that is small and narrow propelled by a paddle or paddles that can be constructed of canvas, plastic, or rubber which could be inflated or has a rigid supporting structure.
[Added 12-14-2023]
LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
Any full-time employee of McLean County who is primarily responsible for the prevention or detection of crime and the enforcement of the Criminal Code, traffic, or highway laws of this state, and the Illinois Conservation Code,[1] upon any area or facility owned, leased or supervised by the County of McLean and maintained for public use as a park, recreational area, or nature preserve, including but not limited to the areas commonly known as "Comlara Park" and "West Park."
MCLEAN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
An agency authorized and controlled by the McLean County Board for the purpose of a park, recreational area and conservation development.
MOTORBOAT
A vessel propelled by machinery, whether or not such machinery is the principal source of propulsion.
NATURE PRESERVE
An area designated to maintain and protect all wildlife and fish within that designated area commonly known as "Comlara Park."
OPERATE
To navigate or otherwise use a watercraft.
PADDLEBOARD
Any rigid, floating type of board with one end rounded and the other tapered to a point that a person can stand on or sit down that uses a paddle to propel themselves through the water.
[Added 12-14-2023]
PERSON
An individual, partnership, firm, corporation, association or other entity.
SAILBOARD
Any sail-powered watercraft that is designed to be operated by a person in a stand-up position.
SAILBOAT
Any watercraft propelled by sail or canvas.
VEHICLE
Every device in, upon, or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway.
VESSEL or WATERCRAFT
Any description of watercraft, other than a seaplane on the water, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 17 Ill. Admin. Code Part 110 et seq.
A. 
Alcohol. No person shall possess or consume alcoholic beverages in any County park or recreational area.
B. 
Drug use. No person shall possess or use, in any County park or recreational area, any drug defined as unlawful in the Illinois Compiled Statutes, except those drugs which are prescribed and authorized for such person by a licensed physician.
C. 
Solicitation. No person shall place signs or distribute advertising of any type, nor make an attempt to make sales of any kind or solicit sales of any kind in any County park or recreational area, unless part of the County authorized event.
D. 
Removal of flora. No person shall willfully or wantonly cut, break, injure, or remove any flora (all vegetation) or attempt to remove or disturb any flora in any County park or recreational area.
E. 
County property. No person shall remove, take, mutilate, deface or destroy any equipment, property, improvement, sign, or building in any County park or recreational area, unless authorized to do so by the McLean County Board.
F. 
Fires. No person shall build a fire in a County park or recreational area except in camp grills provided by the McLean County Board or in charcoal or other types of metal grills which are furnished by the visitor and approved by the site manager or ranger. The McLean County Board may limit the use of metal grills in any area when there is an unusually high risk of fire.
G. 
Littering. No person shall discard scrap paper, garbage or rubbish of any kind in any County park or recreational area except in designated containers provided by the McLean County Board.
H. 
Nature preserve areas. The Director of the McLean County Department of Parks and Recreation or his designated representative shall cause nature preserve areas which he deems necessary for the protection of natural flora, fauna, and fish to be posted prohibiting entry to persons, motor vehicles and motorboats. No person shall enter or remain on any portion of such posted nature preserve area in violation of such prohibition. In addition, no person shall remain in any such posted area when advised by an authorized law enforcement officer or park director that he is in violation of this regulation and that the area in question is prohibited to persons, motor vehicles and motorboats.
I. 
Horses. No person shall ride or lead a horse in any County park or recreation area except on designated bridle paths or equestrian areas, with the exception of law enforcement officers of McLean County in the performance of their official duties. Persons may only engage in equestrian camping in the Comlara Park campground upon campsites designated by the Department of Parks and Recreation.
[Amended 12-14-2023]
J. 
Restricted animals. Dogs, cats, and horses shall be allowed in County parks and recreational areas subject to the following restrictions:
[Amended 12-14-2023]
(1) 
No person shall allow any animal to run at large in any County park or recreational area. Any animal found running at large may be taken up and turned over to the McLean County Animal Shelter or otherwise disposed of without liability on the part of any officer performing such duty for the McLean County Board.
(2) 
No person shall bring or possess any other animal in a County park or recreational area except as permitted by this section.
(3) 
No person shall keep a noisy, vicious, or dangerous dog, cat, or horse, or one that creates a nuisance for other persons, in any County park or recreational area.
K. 
Leashed animals. All leashed animals shall at all times be under the specific physical control of a responsible person. No person shall allow or otherwise permit a leash longer than 10 feet on any dog, cat, or horse in any County park or recreational area. Leashed animals shall not be tied or tethered to any tree, bush, or shrub.
[Amended 12-14-2023]
L. 
Animal waste. No person in control of a dog, cat, or horse shall allow animal waste to remain in any County park or recreational area.
[Amended 12-14-2023]
M. 
Operating hours. The area known as "Comlara Park" and any other County park or recreational area will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. prevailing time. No person shall be permitted to use the parks or recreational areas between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. prevailing time, except persons registered as required in § 282-4C when using the designated campgrounds and persons legally engaged in fishing.
N. 
Disorderly conduct. No person shall act in such disorderly or unreasonable manner so as to alarm or disturb another, provoke a breach of peace, or enter any County park or recreational area for a lewd or unlawful purpose, such as to deliberately look into a tent dwelling, trailer, or other camping device through a window or other opening in the camping unit.
O. 
(Reserved)[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Former Subsection O, Horseshoe pitching, was repealed 12-14-2023.
P. 
Refuse containers. No person shall misuse any refuse container or receptacle by depositing into it any hot coals or other hot or burning substances, or by depositing into it any garbage, trash, refuse or other unwanted material that was not generated on the site in the course of normal use of County park or recreational area facilities.
[Amended 12-20-1988]
Q. 
Garbage, trash and refuse. No person shall deposit or place garbage, trash, refuse or other unwanted material into any refuse container or receptacle located within the park boundaries that was not generated in the course of normal use of any County park.
[Amended 12-20-1988]
R. 
Firewood. It shall be unlawful for any person to bring or possess on Department of Parks and Recreation properties firewood from any geographical area where wood exportation has been prohibited by either state or federal quarantine; or to distribute firewood on Department properties without prior written agreement with the Department. Department staff or Sheriff's Department officers may confiscate any firewood brought onto Department properties found to be in violation of this chapter.
[Added 11-21-2006]
S. 
Sound amplification. No person shall play or operate any sound amplification devices in such a manner as to be audible beyond the immediate vicinity of such device or in such a manner as to disturb the quiet of the campgrounds, picnic areas, or other public gathering places. Exceptions to this include special events, in which the Park Director will issue a special event permit.
[Added 12-14-2023]
A. 
Usage capacity. No person shall violate any of the rules and regulations pertaining to the usage capacity of campgrounds, picnic grounds, or any other park or recreational area where limited facilities make it necessary to control such use by persons and motor vehicles. Site managers and law enforcement officers of the McLean County Board are authorized to close such facility to additional persons until such time as the number of users falls below the capacity of the area.
B. 
Designated campgrounds. No person shall use a tent, trailer, or any other type of camping device except in designated campgrounds. All persons engaged in camping activities must do so within the restricted areas of said designated campgrounds.
C. 
Registration of campers. All campers must register with the park authority.
D. 
Dumping of waste material. No person shall empty any storage tank, rinse water or other waste material on the ground in any area of the park. Campers must use the designated dump station for the dumping of any waste material.
E. 
Quiet hours. Noise shall be kept to a minimum between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. prevailing time to preserve the peace and quiet of any camping area.
[Amended 12-14-2023]
A. 
No swimming areas. No person shall swim, wade, or bathe in any portion of the body of water known as "Evergreen Lake" except at F. Russell Glasener Beach. Swimming in Evergreen Lake may be authorized as part of a special event pursuant to a permit issued by the Director of the McLean County Department of Parks and Recreation. Said permit shall impose reasonable requirements to protect the public health.
[Amended 8-16-2005]
B. 
Scuba and skin diving. No person shall scuba or skin dive in Evergreen Lake, unless such diving is for the purpose of recovering property, maintaining public property, or training of search and rescue teams and prior written permission is granted to parties by the Director of the McLean County Department of Parks and Recreation, an appointed representative of the County Board, or such diving is for the purpose of emergency rescue and recovery required due to the declaration of an emergency condition by either the Director of the McLean County Department of Parks and Recreation, the McLean County Sheriff or their authorized representatives.
[Amended 12-20-1988; 8-16-2005]
C. 
Food consumption at Glasener Beach. Food consumption is permitted at Glasener Beach, but all glass products or materials are prohibited on the sand at Glasener Beach. Smoking is prohibited at Glasener Beach.
[Amended 12-14-2023]
D. 
Reservations. Reservations will be made available to groups and organizations for their exclusive use of the F.R. Glasener Beach during those park hours (prior to dusk) when such beach is not open to the general public, beginning Memorial Day weekend and continuing through Labor Day weekend. Reservations may be arranged by telephone, by mail or in person at Comlara Park Headquarters Building, 13001 Recreation Area Drive, Hudson, Illinois, and must be made at least one week in advance. Reservations requested by telephone will be held open for three days pending receipt of the required deposits, provided such telephone request is made at least one week in advance of the date to be reserved. Fees and deposits shall be as required in § 282-12 herein.
[Amended 12-14-2023]
A. 
Illinois Fish Code. It shall be unlawful for any person to violate any of the laws and regulations of the Illinois Fish and Aquatic Life Code, 515 ILCS 5/1-1 et seq., in any County park or recreational area.
[Amended 2-18-1997]
B. 
Closing of fishing by County Board. The McLean County Board may at any time close any County park or recreational area to fishing for the safety of the public or to improve the facilities of the area or the water quality by posting an authorized sign. In addition, the following rules and regulations shall pertain to any County park or recreational area under the jurisdiction of the McLean County Board.
C. 
Restricted methods. No person shall take, catch or attempt to take or catch any fish or other aquatic life in the reservoir known as "Evergreen Lake" or any County park or recreational area by any method whatsoever except as follows:
(1) 
By means of not more than two poles and lines with no more than two hooks or lures attached to each.
(2) 
By means of bow and arrow for the taking of carp, buffalo, suckers, gar and bowfin only, except during the archery deer season.
(3) 
By means of a gig for the taking of frogs in open season and carp, buffalo, suckers, gar and bowfin only.
D. 
Size limits.
[Amended 2-18-1997; 12-14-2023]
(1) 
Largemouth and smallmouth bass. No person shall take in his daily catch limit any largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 15 inches in total length. Largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 15 inches in total length must be returned to Evergreen Lake immediately without undue harm to the fish. No person shall take, either singly or in aggregate, more than three largemouth or smallmouth bass. Exemption permits for the fifteen-inch minimum size limit for Illinois high school bass fishing tournaments are the responsibility of sponsoring Illinois high Schools to obtain a size waiver exemption permit issued by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. A copy of the exemption must be filed with the McLean County Department of Parks and Recreation.
(2) 
Muskellunge. No person shall take in his daily catch limit any pure muskellunge less than 48 inches in total length. Pure muskellunge less than 48 inches in total length must be returned to Evergreen Lake immediately without undue harm to the fish.
(3) 
Walleye, sauger or hybrid walleye (saugeye). No person shall take in his daily catch limit of any walleye, sauger, or hybrid walleye (saugeye) less than 18 inches in total length. Walleye, sauger, or hybrid walleye (saugeye) less than 18 inches in total length must be returned immediately without undue harm to the fish. No person shall take, either singly or in aggregate, more than three walleye, sauger, or hybrid walleye (saugeye).
(4) 
White, black, or hybrid crappie. No person shall take, either singly or in aggregate, more than 15 white, black, and/or hybrid crappie daily with no more than five fish greater or equal to 10 inches.
E. 
Tournaments.
[Added 12-14-2023]
(1) 
No person shall coordinate, conduct, or participate in a fishing tournament without first securing a fishing tournament special use permit from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for any tournament with more than 20 participants. All fishing tournaments regardless of the number of participants must secure a fishing tournament special use permit with the McLean County Department of Parks and Recreation. A fishing tournament is defined as any organized competitive angling event conducted on Evergreen Lake or its tributaries that falls within COMLARA Park boundaries for the purpose of awarding prizes or for personal gain or promotional consideration, except for tournaments conducted by the McLean County Department of Parks and Recreation.
(2) 
The application and review process for a permit allows the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Parks and Recreation Department to determine that the event being planned: 1) is allowable within the statutes, rules, and policies which apply; 2) will not harm resources involved; 3) is compatible with the facilities available; 4) does not conflict with other previously scheduled events; 5) does or does not carry a higher than usual risk of injury to participants or others and greater liability for event organizers and employees of McLean County.
(3) 
Tournaments may be held at times and places which require that special conditions be imposed. These provisions may be included after the sponsor or organizer has applied for the permit, through review by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Parks and Recreation. Special provisions may include, but are not limited to, requiring a special use permit, completion of formal application; reporting requirements, designating a safe start area; providing for a weigh-in area away from the boat launch or docks; limiting tournaments to catch and release; requiring tournament limits to be less than daily creel or size limits; requiring the use of a release boat; prohibiting tournaments for muskie and walleye/sauger/saugeye during periods of significant stress due to high water temperatures, designating special parking areas for tournament participants; limiting the number of boats; and identifying tournament boats with markings or flagging.
A. 
Any form of hunting or trapping is prohibited in any County park or recreational area. In addition, no person shall posses, fire, or discharge any firearm of any description or any crossbow or bow and arrow [except for bow fishing as provided in § 282-6C(2) herein], BB or pellet gun, or sling shot, except peace officers of McLean County or of the state in the performance of their official duties.
B. 
No person shall trap, catch, kill or wound, or attempt to trap, catch, kill or wound any bird or animal, take any bird egg or molest or rob any nest of any animal or otherwise cruelly treat any bird or animal in any County park or recreational area.
C. 
Special authorization. The County Board may license or authorize any person to use firearms or traps or other means to destroy or capture any predatory or otherwise undesirable animal, bird, or aquatic life. Such authorization does not relieve said person from compliance with any applicable laws of the State of Illinois.
A. 
Illinois Vehicle Code. It shall be unlawful for any person to violate any of the laws and regulations of the Illinois Vehicle Code, Chapter 625 of the Illinois Compiled Statutes. Violations of the code shall be handled in the manner prescribed by the code. In addition, the following rules and regulations shall pertain to any County park or recreational area under the jurisdiction of the McLean County Board.
B. 
Driver's license required. No person shall operate any motor vehicle on any roadway or land in any County park or recreational area unless such person possesses a valid driver's license and the vehicle is properly licensed and equipped in accordance with the Illinois Vehicle Code or in accordance with a federally approved vehicle code of another state, when applicable.
C. 
Specified trafficways. No person shall operate any motor vehicle, except for authorized maintenance and emergency vehicles, other than on roadways specifically designated as trafficways by the McLean County Board unless special permission is obtained from the Director of McLean County Parks and Recreation. Persons who operate a motor vehicle in violation of this section shall be guilty of negligence.
D. 
Prohibited vehicles. No person shall operate in any County park or recreational area any snowmobile, dirt bike, motor scooter, all-terrain vehicle, or other vehicle not licensed for highway use.
E. 
Closed roads. No person shall drive any motor vehicle onto any road if such road has been closed by the authority of the McLean County Board.
F. 
Speed limits.
(1) 
No person shall drive a vehicle within the boundaries of any County park or recreational area at a speed which is greater than the applicable maximum speeds hereby established as follows:
[Amended 3-21-2007]
Name of Street
Speed Limit
(mph)
Location
Bi-County Launch Road (1300 East Road)
20
From its northern termination point to 1/4 mile south of that point
Campground area roads (Camper Lane)
10
Entire length
Comlara Park Main Entrance Road leading to F.R. Glasener Beach (Recreation Area Drive)
20
Entire length
Parking lots or parking areas
10
Entire lot or area
Spillway Road (Evergreen Lake Road)
45
Entire length
(2) 
Recreation Area Drive, Camper Lane, and 1300 East Road from its northern termination point to 1/4 mile south of that point shall be designated under 625 ILCS 5/11-605.3 as "park zone streets."
[Added 3-21-2007]
(3) 
Resulting directed fines under 625 ILCS 5/11-605.3 shall be placed in a designated fund for park zone safety education, the purchase, installation, and maintenance of signs, roadway painting, and caution lights mounted on park zone signs, and any other expense associated with park zones and park zone streets.
[Added 3-21-2007]
(4) 
Notwithstanding the above, no vehicle may be driven upon any roadway or in any parking area within the County park or recreational area at a speed which is greater than is reasonable and proper with regard to traffic conditions, the use of the roadway or parking area, and the safety of persons or property.
(5) 
The fact that the speed of a vehicle does not exceed the applicable maximum speed limit does not relieve the driver from the duty to decrease speed when approaching and going around a curve, when approaching a hill crest, when traveling upon any narrow or winding roadway, or when any special hazard exists with respect to pedestrians or other traffic, or by reason of weather or roadway conditions.
G. 
Parking. No person shall park a vehicle in any County park or recreational area:
(1) 
In any area other than designated parking lots;
(2) 
In any prohibited area which is posted with signs;
(3) 
In front of the F.R. Glasener Beach, as posted by signs;
(4) 
In any turnaround;
(5) 
In any launch area or launch ramp for a period of longer than 10 minutes. Launch areas shall be used for the purpose of boat launching only;
(6) 
On the shoulders or in the ditches of the Bi-County Launch Road or the Comlara Park Main Entrance Road leading to the F.R. Glasener Beach;
(7) 
On the Evergreen Lake spillway as designated by posted signs and guardrail;
(8) 
On the grass in any County park or recreational area, unless instructed to do so by an enforcement officer or site manager; or
(9) 
In any parking area for the purpose of repair, except those immediate repairs necessary to remove the vehicle from the County park or recreational area.
H. 
Abandoned vehicles.
(1) 
No person shall leave any vehicle abandoned in any parking area or on other property in any County park or recreational area. Site managers and law enforcement officers are authorized to remove the vehicle in question after a period of 24 hours has elapsed. Towing and other removal costs of the vehicle shall be at the owner's expense.
(2) 
No persons shall abandon any vehicle on a roadway within any County park or recreational area. Site managers and law enforcement officers of McLean County finding such vehicle obstructing traffic shall cause the vehicle to be removed at the owner's expense without delay.
I. 
Stop intersections. All vehicles must stop for the following posted signs:
Intersection
Direction of Travel
Bi-County Launch Road and the launch ramp
North
Campground Road and the Comlara Park Main Entrance Road
East
Comlara Park Main Entrance Road and County Highway 33
East
A. 
Boat Registration and Safety Act. It shall be unlawful for any person to violate any of the laws and regulations of the Boat Registration and Safety Act, 625 ILCS 45/1-1 et seq. Violations of the Act shall be enforced in the manner prescribed by the Act. In addition, the following rules and regulations shall pertain to any County park or recreational area under the jurisdiction of the McLean County Board.
B. 
Prohibited devices. All other floating devices not subject to Boat Registration and Safety Act, including, but not limited to, inflatable mattresses, toys and inner tubes, are hereby prohibited in or on the waters in any County park or recreational area.
(1) 
Boats shall be limited to boats propelled by oar, paddle, sail and outboard motors not to exceed 10 horsepower, except that no restrictions shall be placed upon the horsepower of electric motors. Inflatable watercraft shall be limited to those designed and manufactured with the intent of operation independent of other vessels and with construction of reinforced fabric.
(2) 
No motorboat shall exceed five miles per hour within 300 feet of the shoreline on the waters in any County park or recreational area or on any portion of such waters between sunset and sunrise.
(3) 
No motorboat shall be permitted to operate on the waters in any County park or recreational area in areas which, as authorized under and in compliance with § 282-3H of this chapter, have been posted prohibiting motorboat entry.
[Amended 9-16-1997]
(4) 
All motors used on the waters in any County park or recreational area shall bear unaltered factory serial numbers.
(5) 
No person shall operate a motorboat having in tow or otherwise assisting a person on water skis, aquaplane, or similar contrivance upon the waters in any County park or recreational area.
(6) 
Violations of this section by persons under the age of 18 years, while operating a watercraft upon waters of any County park or recreational area with the knowledge of a parent or guardian, shall be deemed a violation by the parent or guardian and punishable under § 282-14.
C. 
Registration of boats with State of Illinois. All motorboats and any sailboats over 12 feet in length must have a registration number issued by the State of Illinois in accordance with the Illinois Boat Registration and Safety Act, 625 ILCS 45/3-1 et seq., or issued in accordance with federal law or a federally approved numbering system of another state. Exceptions to the requirement to register recreational vessels include unpowered vessels, including canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards.
[Amended 12-14-2023]
D. 
Registration of watercraft with McLean County. No person shall operate or anchor any watercraft on the waters of Evergreen Lake unless such watercraft has been registered with the McLean County Department of Parks and Recreation in the then-current calendar year.
E. 
Light requirement. No person shall operate or anchor any watercraft on the surface of Evergreen Lake between sunset and sunrise without being equipped with at least one white light visible from all quarters for a distance of not less than two miles, and lighted at all times while underway, anchored, or drifting.
F. 
Personal flotation device requirement. No person shall operate any sailboard type of watercraft unless said person is wearing a personal flotation device.
A. 
Reservations will be made available to groups and organizations for the exclusive use of designated picnic shelters at Comlara Park, depending on the size of the group, beginning Memorial Day weekend and continuing through Labor Day weekend.
[Amended 2-17-1987]
B. 
There shall be only one reservation per day per picnic shelter, and other parties may utilize the facility prior to arrival and after departure of the reserving party.
C. 
The reserving party will receive a one-hour grace period for arrival. If the group does not arrive within one hour of the stated arrival time, the McLean County Department of Parks and Recreation reserves the right to cancel the reservation and permit the use of the designated picnic shelters by another group.
D. 
A maximum group size per shelter will be set at 150 people. Groups larger in size must reserve both picnic shelters if available.
E. 
Reservations may be arranged by telephone, by mail or in person at Comlara Park Headquarters Building, 13001 Recreation Area Drive, Hudson, Illinois, and must be received at least one week in advance of the date to be reserved. All such requests shall be accompanied by the fees as required in § 282-12E herein except for reservations requested by telephone which will be held open for three days pending the receipt of such fees.
[Amended 12-14-2023]
F. 
Reserved picnic shelters will be posted "Reserved For," "Name of Group," "Date" and "Time."
A. 
Equine activities.
[Added 7-23-1996]
(1) 
It shall be unlawful to bring into, unload, use or ride any horse, except on those fields, lots, areas, trails, paths or roadways designated by the County for horse use and then only after obtaining an annual or daily equine participant permit and registration from the County.
(2) 
It is unlawful to ride any horse on County property which is not equipped with either an equine participant permission tag that is attached to the upper left of the bridle or rider who does not have a daily equestrian permit on his person.
(3) 
Disclaimer.
(a) 
Written registration for an annual equine participant permission tag or daily equine participant permit shall include the following warning, as prescribed in 745 ILCS 47/1 et seq., and require each registered equine participant or parent or guardian of a registered minor equine participant to execute a release assuming responsibility for risks of engaging in equine activities.
"WARNING: UNDER THE EQUINE ACTIVITY LIABILITY ACT, EACH PARTICIPANT WHO ENGAGES IN AN EQUINE ACTIVITY EXPRESSLY ASSUMES THE RISKS OF ENGAGING IN AND LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR INJURY, LOSS, OR DAMAGE TO PERSONS OR PROPERTY RESULTING FROM THE RISK OF EQUINE ACTIVITIES. RISKS OF ENGAGING IN EQUINE ACTIVITIES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
1.
THE PROPENSITY OF AN EQUINE TO BEHAVE IN WAYS THAT MAY RESULT IN INJURY, HARM OR DEATH TO PERSONS ON OR AROUND THEM.
2.
THE UNPREDICTABILITY OF AN EQUINE'S REACTION TO SOUNDS, SUDDEN MOVEMENT, AND UNFAMILIAR OBJECTS, PERSONS, OTHER ANIMALS OR OTHER THINGS.
3.
CERTAIN HAZARDS SUCH AS SURFACE AND SUBSURFACE CONDITIONS.
4.
COLLISION WITH OTHER EQUINE OR OBJECTS.
5.
THE POTENTIAL OF A PARTICIPANT TO ACT IN A NEGLIGENT MANNER THAT MAY CONTRIBUTE TO INJURY TO THE PARTICIPANT OR OTHERS, SUCH AS FAILING TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OVER THE ANIMAL OR NOT ACTING WITHIN HIS OR HER ABILITY."
(b) 
Each registered equine participant, or parent or guardian of a registered minor equine participant, shall be required to execute a release assuming responsibility for risks of engaging in equine activities.
(4) 
No person shall ride a horse on County property which is lame, overloaded, injured, vicious, unmanageable, treated with a pain-killing drug or tranquilizer, afflicted with any painful disease or open sore, severe parasitism, improperly trimmed or shod, malnourished, dehydrated or otherwise unfit for riding.
(5) 
It is unlawful to ride a horse in such a manner as to injure or endanger the person or property of any other person or property of the County Parks Department.
(6) 
It is unlawful to race horses. Horses must be kept under control and ridden at permitted gaits: walk, trot, or slow canter.
(7) 
No person under the age of 18 shall ride a horse on County property without adult supervision.
(8) 
No person shall treat a horse cruelly or knowingly permit such treatment on County property.
B. 
Bicycling.
(1) 
It is unlawful to ride a bicycle on any path, trail, roadway or other area designated and posted as prohibiting bicycles.
(2) 
No person shall fail to ride a bicycle as closely as possible to the right-hand side of any roadway, trail or path, as conditions shall permit.
(3) 
No person shall ride a bicycle other than single file when overtaking or approaching other bicycle, pedestrian or equestrian traffic.
(4) 
Persons riding bicycles on trails or paths shall yield to pedestrian and equestrian trail users.
(5) 
It is unlawful to ride a bicycle on any path or trail more than two abreast.
(6) 
It is unlawful to ride a bicycle on any trail, path, roadway or parking area in a manner which endangers the safety of persons or property, or at a speed which is greater than is reasonable and proper for the safe operation of the bicycle with regard to existing conditions, including but not limited to trail or road surface, hills, curves, intersections and other bicycle, pedestrian or equestrian traffic.
[Added 7-23-1996]
[Amended 2-17-1987; 4-18-1989; 5-16-1989; 10-17-1989; 1-15-1991; 12-15-1992; 12-21-1993; 5-17-1994; 5-21-1996; 7-23-1996; 12-17-1996; 2-18-2003; 12-21-2004; 12-18-2007; 5-20-2008; 11-20-2012; 2-17-2015]
Fees for the following are set forth in Chapter 205, Fees:
A. 
Campsite fees.
(1) 
The campsite fees shall be discounted by 20% when levied for terms exceeding six consecutive days. All disabled veterans, POWs, or active-duty personnel from McLean County will be charged half price on their daily camping fees Monday through Thursday.
(2) 
Reservation fees shall not be refunded; however, an alternative reservation may be made if the reservation is canceled at least one day in advance of the date for which the reservation is made.
B. 
Watercraft registration fees.
C. 
Beach fees (Glasener Beach).
(1) 
Reservations will be accepted only when accompanied by a deposit of the required fee.
[Amended 12-14-2023]
(2) 
The fee deposit shall be forfeited upon cancellation unless notice of such cancellation is given at least one hour prior to the beginning of the period of reservation. In the event that the reserving party does not begin use of the facility within one hour after the beginning of the reservation period, the reservation shall automatically be considered to be canceled. In event of cancellation by the McLean County Department of Parks and Recreation for any reason, the fee shall be refunded on a pro-rated basis for that period of time unused except if the cancellation is due to inappropriate use of the facility by the reserving party.
D. 
Boat concession fees; rental of watercraft and related equipment.
E. 
Picnic shelter reservation fees for the reserved use of designated picnic shelters in County parks and recreational areas as permitted in § 282-10 herein.
(1) 
If tabulation of participants at the designated shelter exceeds the reservation total, the organization or group shall be required to remit any and all remaining fees necessary to fulfill the obligations of this section and are bound by attendance totals determined by the Department of Parks and Recreation.
(2) 
Reservations will be accepted only when accompanied by the required fee and shall not be transferable to another party or parties.
[Amended 12-14-2023]
(3) 
The fee shall not be refundable; if notice of cancellation is received at least 24 hours in advance of the time reserved, an alternate date shall be reserved.
(4) 
All such fees for the reserved use of shelters shall be waived when the reservation is for an event sponsored or co-sponsored by the McLean County Department of Parks and Recreation.
F. 
Park entrance fees.
(1) 
The County Board, by adoption of a resolution, may set and levy fees which it deems appropriate for entrance to designated parks, recreational areas, or specified areas of such parks or recreational areas during the period of designated special events. Such levies shall be for stipulated periods of time coinciding with such special events.
(2) 
Vehicles with, in tow or aboard, watercraft registered pursuant to § 282-9 herein shall be exempt from such entrance fees.
(3) 
Vehicles transporting Comlara Park camping participants with valid reservations pursuant to § 282-12A(2) herein shall be exempt from such entrance fees during the period encompassed by such reservation.
(4) 
Vehicles transporting participants in reserved shelter activities pursuant to § 282-12E(1) herein shall be exempt from such entrance fees.
G. 
Equine participant fees for permission to participate in equine activities on designated bridle trails at County parks.
H. 
Assessment of fees. In the assessment of fees, residency shall be determined by employees of McLean County responsible for the acceptance of fees. Residency status shall be determined based upon the drivers license or other valid identification document as may be available at the time of fee collection. Primary residency of the park visitor shall be the determining factor.
I. 
Deposit of fees. All the fees established under this section shall be deposited in the general fund of McLean County.
J. 
Friends of McLean County Parks membership fee: the annual fee for membership in the Friends of McLean County Parks, entitling the member to a subscription to the County Department of Parks and Recreation newsletter; a window decal; and discounts on parks and recreation special events and activities as determined on an annual basis by the Director of Parks and Recreation.
[Amended 4-18-1989; 2-17-2015]
A. 
Food vendor permits. Permits for the sale of food items during a special event at County parks or recreational areas shall be set forth in Chapter 205, Fees, and shall permit such activity for the designated length of the event.
B. 
Non-food vendor permits. Permits for the sale of non-food merchandise during a special event at County parks or recreational areas shall be set forth in Chapter 205, Fees, and shall permit such activity for the designated length of the event.
C. 
Deposit of fees. All the fees established by this section shall be deposited in the Parks and Recreation Special Activities Fund of McLean County.
A. 
It is unlawful for any person to do any act forbidden or fail to perform any act required in this chapter, as in force and effect now or as hereafter amended.
B. 
No person shall willfully fail or refuse to comply with any lawful order or direction of any park director, peace officer, site manager, or other employee vested by this chapter with authority to regulate and supervise the use of park grounds, equipment, or facilities.
C. 
A violation of any of the provisions of this chapter as in force and effect now or as hereafter amended is punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.
D. 
A subsequent conviction within one year of violation of § 282-9B of this chapter as in force and effect now or as hereafter amended shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $500 and revocation and refusal of all watercraft operation and registration privileges of any County park or recreational area for a period of one year.
E. 
Any watercraft registrant with the McLean County Department of Parks and Recreation whose registered watercraft is (are) the vehicle(s) of in excess of one convicted violation, within one year, of § 282-9B of this chapter as in force and effect now or as hereafter amended shall have all such registration privileges revoked and refused for a period of one year.
F. 
Any person who operates any watercraft during the period when he is denied the privilege to so operate by virtue of § 282-14D of this chapter shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.