A Durham County Health Department "Keep Out" sign remains posted at the water feature near El Futuro, though no fence or barrier prevents people from entering the area.
The closure follows a state-led investigation into the death of 17-year-old Moses Mendoza. Investigators found the manmade creek outside El Futuro, a community-based mental health center, was the likely location where the teen was exposed to Naegleria fowleri, commonly known as the brain-eating amoeba.
One shopper at nearby Lakewood Park Plaza, who asked not to be identified, said she never expected the source of the deadly infection would be found in a small, manmade water feature.
"When we heard about the news, we were expecting it to be at Falls Lake or Jordan Lake or maybe even one of the rivers," she said. ABC11 previously spoke with organizers at El Futuro in 2020 when they described the outdoor space as a therapeutic garden and gathering place for community connection.
The site is now at the center of the amoeba investigation.
Another community member said the entire water feature should remain closed. "Maybe shut down the whole creek," the person said. "I say shut down the whole creek." State officials said the Durham County Health Department closed the manmade creek Aug. 28.
According to El Futuro, the water feature was maintained through chlorine treatments and power washing. The feature used a recirculating water system with a pump and multiple fountains.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said samples collected from the fountain's storage tank water, rocks, and a fire hydrant at El Futuro tested positive for Naegleria fowleri. State officials said the water feature was not effectively disinfected.
One resident said the case raises concerns about how similar incidents can be prevented in the future.
"I am curious what precautions are being done to prevent events like this in the future," the resident said.
In a statement provided to ABC11, El Futuro said: "Our hearts are broken for the young boy who lost his life and for his family. We are committed to supporting his family and our community through this devastating loss. We will continue to fully cooperate with public health officials. The water feature has been closed since we were first contacted by county officials."
The Durham County Health Department also told ABC11 that El Futuro never completed the required application, evaluation, and permitting process needed for the water feature. Officials have not announced when or if the manmade creek will reopen.