Volunteer helps clean up park to help lose weight

HEARTHWOOD — The pandemic didn’t stop Karen Bean from staying active. The lone volunteer has been cleaning and weeding Hearthwood Park every day “since they closed the gym,” according to friend Laura Albright. “She weeds and cleans everyday. She was on a path of losing over 100 pounds and turn her health around by going to the gym,” Albright said. “But the gym was shut down so she turned to the park for her outlet of exercise and emotional support.” Bean has continued to lose weight and leaves a sort of “signature” around the park by placing heart-shaped rocks. “Karen is definitely an inspiration for me and I know she will be for others when they hear her story,” Albright said.