San Mateo's Par 3 closed following water seeping concerns

Airborne testing showed signs indicative of a wastewater source, though Public Works Director Matt Fabry said there still remain many unknowns.

“We don’t know what the source of the problem is yet. That was initial information that came to us from initial testing, but we don’t know what the issue is,” Fabry said. “In a facility like that, there are numerous water lines, restaurant lines and drain lines that we are looking into. … The only indications of potential mold was from the air testing. I don’t think we’ve done any kind of surface testing.”

Representatives at Par 3 or Poplar Creek Golf Course did not respond to requests for comment.

According to an email newsletter released by the city, staff also observed dark areas that could potentially be mold.

San Mateo resident Charlie Young said via email that the closure has not only caused layoffs, but it’s caused a poor experience for patrons like himself. Using the temporary sanitation facilities are “substandard” and the social aspect of playing a round of golf has been “greatly compromised,” he said. 

While Fabry said the city will likely have more information about the source of the issue over the next few weeks, there remains uncertainty over how long the restaurant will be closed. 

“The investigation will give us more clarity in the coming weeks. But, the challenge is, we are tearing floors and removing Sheetrock, so if we find that something has to be replaced, it’s like remodeling your house — it takes time to find the issue, fix the issue and restore everything and do any remediation work to make sure it’s safe.”