Grant to aid Latino use of East End parks

The largest civic group in Montauk received a $750 grant Tuesday for Spanish language translators to help increase Latino use of East End parks.

Concerned Citizens of Montauk, which works to preserve Montauk and protect the environment, also wants to start community forums conducted by Spanish speakers as a further way to engage the Latino population in its work.

Concerned Citizens of Montauk will provide print materials such as fliers and letters in Spanish to be distributed to the Latino population, said Frances Gotcsik, director of programs and policy at the statewide advocacy group Parks and Trails New York, which gave the grant.

The new program is part of an ongoing effort by Concerned Citizens of Montauk to find “the best approach to introduce nature” to Latinos, said Lori Gordan, outreach coordinator for the nonprofit.

The group also is starting a new internship program funded by the Andrew Sabin Family Foundation and geared toward bilingual students from East Hampton High School. The students would serve as trail walk leaders for Spanish speakers participating in walks.
Concerned Citizens of Montauk received one of 11 grants of various sums totaling $18,000 from Parks and Trails New York.

Photo: The inlet to Lake Montauk. (July 24, 2011)