In the wake of the Washington Pam Pack boys’ swim team winning a state championship earlier this month, there should be little consideration, if any, by city officials regarding reducing or cutting funding for the city-owned pool where the team practices and hosts competitions.

Granted, the pool is not a money-maker for the city. It never has been and might never be an income producer for the city. The pool has produced a state championship team for Washington High School, the first state championship for the school in about 30 years.

The city, during the City Council’s meeting Monday, honored the swim team for its accomplishments. Coaches, parents and supporters of the pool took the public-comment portion of the meeting to ask the city for continued support of the pool. Coach Spencer Pake said the championship run did not start recently.

“I just want you to know that it didn’t start when the season started in October. It started 12 years ago when this group of boys found their love for swimming. It’s because of that pool that they found their love for swimming. They’re not traveling to Greenville and practicing every day. They’re doing it in their own backyard,” Pake said.

Pake continued: “It would just be devastating to know we couldn’t continue this tradition of love of swimming in this city.”

Pake said the pool is important to the community. “I just left the pool before coming here. The gym was packed. Of course, the swim team was practicing. There was probably 20 families waiting for swim lessons to begin, not to mention a couple of random lap swimmers. So, it’s getting used. … Just know it’s really needed and appreciated in this town,” he said.

Yes, the city will continue to spend money to operate and maintain the pool. Perhaps city officials should consider money spent on the pool as an investment in the community, an investment that has paid off in a state championship.