A waterpark received backlash (Image: Getty)
Fury has erupted in Texas after a taxpayer-funded waterpark unveiled plans to host what was initially advertised as a “Muslim-only” event to celebrate Eid.
Epic Waters, a huge indoor waterpark in Grand Prairie near Dallas, faced fierce backlash after promotional material for the “Epic Eid” celebration on June 1 repeatedly stated the event was for “Muslims only” and included a strict modest dress code. The 80,000-square-foot attraction, which opened in 2017 at a cost of $88million (£65million), was funded through a local sales tax approved by residents in a 2014 referendum.
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The event has been amended to “modest dress only” (Image: Getty)
Critics accused the venue of discrimination and questioned how a publicly funded facility could appear to exclude people based on religion.
Texas radio host Dana Loesch blasted the plans online, writing: “How is a taxpayer-funded, city-owned entity allowed to discriminate against non-Muslims at a public water park?”
Another social media user described the situation as a “civil rights violation”, while others questioned whether a similar “Christians only” event would be permitted.
Following the backlash, organiser Aminah Knight said the event had been misunderstood and insisted it was not intended to exclude non-Muslims.
An updated version of the flyer removed the phrase “Muslim only” and replaced it with “modest dress only”, while adding the message: “Come and celebrate Eid with us, all are welcome!”
Ms Knight told The New York Post: “The core intention behind this event is to create a space where individuals and families who value modest dress and a modest environment can come together and feel comfortable enjoying a recreational space that often doesn’t naturally accommodate those preferences.”
She added: “While the event is rooted in celebrating Eid within the Muslim community, the guiding principle for attendance is the modest dress code.”
According to organisers, guests are expected to follow “Islamic etiquette” during the event, including lowering their gaze around members of the opposite sex. Men and women will not be segregated.
The event advertisement also promises halal food, a private prayer area and exclusive access to the waterpark, with tickets costing $65 including food or $55 without.
Ms Knight defended the arrangement by arguing the venue regularly hosts private functions and community events.
She said: “Guests are expected to follow that guideline; such as burkinis for women and swim trunks with shirts for men.”
A spokesperson for Epic Waters stressed the event was not being run directly by the waterpark itself.
The spokesperson said: “These groups regularly book our venue for birthday parties, celebrations, youth events, corporate programming, and other activities, including full-park buyouts for large-scale private or ticketed events.”
They added: “As with all rentals, the hosting entity, not the waterpark, determines the event’s programming.”
The controversy comes amid wider debate in Texas surrounding the proposed EPIC City development, a planned Islamic-centred community near Dallas backed by the East Plano Islamic Centre.
The project includes plans for homes, schools, shops, clinics and a mosque, but has drawn criticism from Republican figures including Greg Abbott.
In February 2025, Abbott said: “To be clear, Sharia law is not allowed in Texas. Nor are Sharia cities.”
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has also filed legal action connected to the project, alleging securities fraud.
