An interesting and legitimate question was raised during Wednesday’s meeting of Lumberton City Council. It’s a question that deserves consideration.

But first, some background information.

The question was raised after Council approved a new site plan for Dr. Raymond B. Pennington Athletic Complex. The plan was a prerequisite for the city applying for a North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund grant, the money from which would be needed to pay for planned improvements at the recreational complex. The plans call for adding a splash pad, dog park, expanded playground, band shell/concert lawn, new soccer and softball fields, an 18-hole disc golf course, fitness stations, a skate park, facilities for court sports like tennis or basketball, and about 5 1/2 miles of walking trails.

The site plan was approved, clearing the way for pursuing the grant.

Now the question, which was — paraphrasing here: What about making improvements at the city’s other public parks?

This is a legitimate question, worthy of thought and discussion by city leaders.

There are numerous public parks scattered about the city, not the least of which is Luther Britt Park. Each is deserving of improvements and additions, and in some cases some needed repair work. As was pointed out Wednesday, making those upgrades would avert the need for residents around the less up-kept and equipped parks to drive to Northeast Lumberton to relax and play at a well-maintained park with more attractions.

Hard to argue with that.

But, there is a fiscal reality to consider: There’s only so much money to go around each budget year, and of all the city’s parks the Pennington complex has the most money-making potential.

Remember, the Pennington complex already has played host to a Dixie Youth Baseball tournament and was to be the host site of the 2021 tournament until the COVID-19 pandemic forced its postponement. The tournament that was was an economic boom for Lumberton.

With the upgrades, the park could offer residents more recreational and entertainment options and be used to lure more travelers off Interstate 95, particularly if the city and county advertises it from Miami to New York City. People motoring from north and south would know they can stop in Lumberton, rest in a nice hotel, eat at a fine restaurant and then go to the Pennington complex and walk off the meal or burn off the calories in any number of fun ways.

And if the softball fields are built, that kicks open the door to pursuing softball tournaments. If the band shell and concert lawn are built it means musical festivals that will draw people to the city.

More events mean more revenue for the city. More revenue for the city means more money for quality-of-life projects, like improvements at other local parks.

No one is turning their backs on the city’s other public parks and the residents who use them. It’s just that city leaders recognize the fact that money invested in the Pennington complex will return to the city’s coffers in the form of tax revenue. Expanding the complex also generates the very real possibility of more profits for local businesses.

That’s not to say money can’t be found in next year’s budget to make improvements at other city parks. But, right now the city is making the wise decision to invest in what can be a source of steady income.