A taxpayer-funded water park in Texas has announced a “Muslim-only” day event, prompting widespread criticism over its inclusion of religious restrictions. Epic Waters, located in Grand Prairie, Texas, will host the June 1 gathering featuring a halal food menu and enforced modest dress codes for attendees.
Promotional materials state that participants must adhere to Islamic etiquette guidelines, including “lowering the gaze” throughout the event. The water park specifies that swimwear must meet Muslim standards while emphasizing that men and women will not be separated during the activity. Tickets for the event begin at $55.
The initiative has drawn significant backlash on social media, with critics questioning whether a publicly funded facility can exclude non-Muslims from its programming. Conservative commentator Dana Loesch highlighted concerns about discrimination, stating: “How is a taxpayer-funded, city-owned entity allowed to discriminate against non-Muslims at a public water park?”
Epic Waters’ event has been criticized for imposing religious compliance requirements on attendees without broader public consultation, raising debates about the scope of inclusion in publicly supported spaces.