The Park is poised to dial up its great work on the airwaves, thanks to a generous donation from the local Rotary Club.

Named this year’s top high school radio station in Michigan for the seventh consecutive year, P-CCS student-run radio station The Park WSDP 88.1 will receive a $200,000 donation from the Rotary Club of Plymouth. The donation will help support upgrades to the station that will benefit students and listeners for years to come.

Rotary President Chris Porman said the donation reflects the organization’s core mission of investing in education.

“By supporting the student radio station, we are providing a platform for students to gain hands-on experience in broadcasting, journalism, communication and media production,” Porman said. “The student radio station serves as a vital medium for fostering dialogue, promoting diverse perspectives and amplifying voices that may otherwise go unheard. During an era when media consolidation can limit access to alternative viewpoints, supporting independent and studentrun media outlets is crucial.”

The Rotary Club’s donation will help the station raise $517,000 for upgrades to its studio at Salem High School. The project will include three production studios, an interview studio, student workspace and storage space. The upgraded studio will also improve access for people with disabilities.

“Plymouth-Canton Community Schools is very grateful to the Rotary Club of Plymouth for this generous donation, which represents an investment in the future leaders and changemakers in our community by investing in our student-run radio station,” said P-CCS Superintendent Dr. Monica L. Merritt. “The Park is a radio station where our students learn the importance of teamwork, leadership, creativity and innovation – all essential qualities for success in anything they do.”

The Park’s station manager and staff advisor Bill Keith said: “Our students collaborate with local organizations, nonprofits and businesses. Beyond promoting great programs and student achievements at P-CCS, The Park is a robust platform for public service and community engagement that benefits everyone who lives and works in our district.”

In March, the Michigan Association of Broadcasters recognized The Park as Michigan’s top student-run high school radio station for 2024. The Park has been named Michigan’s best student radio station every year since the 2017-18 school year. The award is the station’s 13th since 2001.