TEXAS: Growing outrage over “MUSLIM ONLY” event that will be held at a taxpayer-funded water park

A popular city-owned waterpark in Grand Prairie is facing growing backlash after booking a “Muslim-Only” private event that will close the facility to non-Muslims, require women to wear modest clothing and will only serve barbarically-slaughtered halal beef. Just imagine the national outrage if a group of Christians decided to ban Muslims from a theme park.

Dallas Express (h/t Nita) A flyer circulating on social media advertising the “3rd Annual DFW Epic Eid” event – scheduled for June 1 – quickly went viral after X user @SaraGonzalesTX sounded the alarm. Gonzalez posted the flyer showcasing how the city-owned park would be hosting a “Muslim-only” event featuring halal food and a private prayer area, closed entirely to the general public who do not identify as Muslim.

Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark, which receives public funding through a voter-approved sales tax, is scheduled to host the “3rd Annual DFW Epic Eid” celebration organized by the East Plano Islamic Center. The event, which requires attendees to be Muslim, has sparked widespread debate over whether a taxpayer-supported public venue can legally restrict access based on religion.

Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark in Grand Prairie has earned recognition as one of the Top 3 Indoor Waterparks in the Nation by USA Today for three consecutive years, according to its website (2023, 2024, and 2025). The 80,000-square-foot facility sits in the heart of the Grand Prairie area and advertises itself as a premier year-round destination for families.

However, it now appears that only certain families can enjoy the park on June 1. The event page notes that men and women will not be separated, but attendees are urged to “uphold Islamic etiquette” and adhere to a modest dress code aligned with Muslim guidelines. A private prayer room is also allegedly being made available at the waterpark.

“Please follow the event’s modest dress code, and practice ḥayāʾ (modesty) through respectful behavior—such as maintaining personal space and lowering the gaze,” states the event FAQ page.

After backlash online, organizers updated the messaging, now stating it is a “modest dress” event and that “all are welcome.”

Nationally syndicated radio host Dana Loesch questioned the event, asking how a taxpayer-funded, city-owned entity could legally exclude non-Muslims from a public water park, adding that “There would be literal riots if Muslims were similarly excluded and we all know that’s 100% accurate.”

Most of the backlash centers around how the waterpark is funded. Epic Waters is part of the larger Epic development in Grand Prairie, which is funded in part by a 0.25% sales tax approved by voters in 2014. That tax was created to support improvements and new facilities across the EpicCentral district, including the waterpark.