The Lake Arthur Sailing Club has gained a close-up perspective of state bureaucracy's red tape. The beginning phase of a project to construct two picnic pavilions at Moraine State Park already has taken five years.

It's common knowledge that the "wheels of government" often move slowly, but five years is ridiculous. Are personnel of the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources really so backlogged in their responsibilities that picnic-pavilion approval is such a daunting task?

"Getting over all the state-related hurdles has been very daunting," said Scott Schell, a sailing club member.

According to Schell, the project bogged down over where the pavilions should be located.

Construction of the pavilions, which are being proposed for the Davis Hollow Marina area, would improve the utility of the marina, Schell said. He said people leasing boat slips at the marina would use the park more after the pavilions are built.

According to Obie Derr, park manager, construction of the two picnic shelters has been on the drawing boards since he came to the park in 1993.

The delay in the project has occurred because state officials must approve any building at the park.

That approval requirement isn't out of line, but the state should carry out its responsibilities efficiently and expeditiously.

Hopefully, state bureaucrats don't think those simple expectations were met in this instance.