Texas waterpark hosts 'Muslim only' day with Halal meat, modest dress

A Texas waterpark paid for by taxpayer funds has sparked backlash after the waterpark announced a Muslim-only day at the park to celebrate Eid.

The June 1 plan for the “Muslim only” day at Epic Waters waterpark in Grand Prairie sparked controversy when promotional materials were released this week. The event requires a “modest dress code” and will only provide Halal-slaughtered meat.

Marketing materials indicate the occasion is “for Muslims-only” to establish a “family-friendly environment.” Admission starts at $55 per person.

According to the facility's online information, male and female participants won't be divided during the gathering, though guests are instructed to “uphold Islamic etiquette” by “lowering the gaze” during their visit, per the Daily Mail. “Please follow the event's modest dress code, and practice ḥayāʾ (modesty) through respectful behavior,” the event said.

Participants are “expected to dress in accordance with Islamic values,” with swimming attire required to comply with Muslim standards. There was wide backlash on social media, with numerous individuals asking whether publicly-funded venues can legally bar specific groups from their activities.

Conservative commentator Dana Loesch posted to X in response to the event, “How is a taxpayer-funded, city-owned entity allowed to discriminate against non-Muslims at a public water park? There would be literal riots if Muslims were similarly excluded and we all know that’s 100% accurate.”
After the event received public attention, a flyer for the waterpark that was advertising for the event changed the text "Muslim Only Event" to "Modest Dress Only."

Conservative commentator Sara Gonzales said, "The event organizer is trying to cover their tracks. They’ve now updated the graphic to read 'Modest Dress Only' instead of the previous 'Muslim Only.'"

The suggested swimwear for the event includes head-to-toe swimsuit coverings for women as well as covering for children. According to the outlet, the waterpark costs taxpayers $88 million and was funded by a sales tax that was approved by Grand Prairie residents in 2014.