Fury erupts as waterpark unveils plans to host ‘Muslim only’ event | World | News
There was a reaction to the water park (Image: Getty)
Anger has erupted in Texas after a taxpayer-funded water park announced plans to host what was initially billed as a “Muslims-only” event to celebrate Eid al-Adha.
Epic Waters, a massive indoor water park in Grand Prairie near Dallas, faced harsh backlash after promotional material for its June 1 “Epic Eid” celebration repeatedly stated that the event was “Muslims only” and included a strict, modest dress code. The 80,000 square meter attraction, which opened in 2017 at a cost of $88 million (£65 million), was funded by local sales tax approved by residents in a 2014 referendum.
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Event changed to “modest attire 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 can a taxpayer-funded, city-owned entity be allowed to discriminate against non-Muslims at a public water park?”
Another social media user called the situation a “human rights violation” while others questioned whether a similar “Christian-only” event would be allowed.
Following the backlash, organizer Aminah Knight said the event had been misunderstood and insisted it was not her intention to exclude non-Muslims.
In the updated version of the brochure, the phrase “Muslims Only” was removed and replaced with “modest attire only” and the following message was added: “Come and celebrate Eid with us, you are all welcome!”
“The primary goal behind this event is to create a space where individuals and families who value modest attire and a modest environment can come together and feel comfortable while enjoying a recreational space that often does not naturally align with these preferences,” Ms. Knight told The New York Post.
He added: “Although the event is based on the celebration of Eid within the Muslim community, the guiding principle for participation is the modest dress code.”
According to organisers, guests are expected to follow “Islamic etiquette” during the event, including lowering their gaze towards members of the opposite sex. There will be no discrimination between men and women.
The event advertisement also promises halal food, a private prayer area and special access to the water park; The price of tickets is 65 dollars including food, 55 dollars without food.
Ms Knight defended the arrangement, arguing that the venue regularly hosts private and community events.
She said: “Guests are expected to follow this guidance, such as burkini for women and swimsuits and shirts for men.”
A spokesperson for Epic Waters emphasized that the event was not directly run by the water park itself.
“These groups regularly book our venue for birthday parties, celebrations, youth events, corporate programs and other events, including the purchase of the entire park for large-scale private or ticketed events,” the spokesperson said.
They added: “As with all rentals, the host organization, not the water park, determines the event’s schedule.”
The controversy comes amid a broader debate in Texas over the EPIC City development project, an Islam-centered planned community near Dallas supported by the Islamic Center of East Plano.
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. Sharia cities are not allowed either.”
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton also filed legal action alleging securities fraud in connection with the project.
