Grand Prairie Waterpark Eid Event Draws Criticism Over Muslim-Only Ad

Epic Waters, a taxpayer-funded indoor waterpark in Grand Prairie, Texas, drew criticism on social media after promoting an Eid celebration event initially advertised as open to Muslims only. The June 1 gathering, organized by event planner Aminah Knight, requires modest dress in line with Islamic values, features halal food options and a private prayer area, and offers exclusive access to the 80,000-square-foot facility from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Tickets are priced at $55 without food and $65 with it. The event website specifies no separation of men and women, but asks attendees to practice modesty, including maintaining personal space and lowering their gaze around the opposite sex. Suggested attire includes burkinis for women and swim trunks with shirts for men.

An early version of the promotional flyer referenced "Muslim only" attendance in three places, prompting questions about discrimination at a publicly funded venue. The waterpark, which opened in 2017 at a cost of $88 million financed by a 0.25 percent local sales tax approved by voters in 2014, rents its space for private events including birthdays, corporate gatherings and full-park buyouts.