DELPHI — Hikers, walkers and joggers on Delphi's sprawling trail system will notice a series of safety improvements beginning as early as September.
Delphi launched a fundraiser for the improvements nearly five months after the deaths of 14-year-old Liberty German and 13-year-old Abigail Williams, who were killed in February while hiking near Monon High Bridge in a secluded area east of the city.
In less than two months, the community contributed roughly $120,000, said Jacob Adams, director of community development for Delphi.
"We weren’t afraid to have that tough conversation," Adams said.
Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority matched $50,000 of donations, bringing the total to more than $170,000.
"It is inspiring to see the response Delphi citizens and officials have had to the tragic murders of Abby Williams and Libby German earlier this year," Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch said in a July news release. "This project will make the historic trail system safer and renew a sense of security for residents and visitors of Delphi."
Delphi's trail safety task force — a collaboration between law enforcement, government and the community — was formed less than a month after German and Williams were killed. The task force recommended several enhancements along the city's 13 miles of hiking trails, including improved lighting and security cameras at five access points.
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