‘MUSLIM ONLY’ Event at Public Park — Governor STEPS IN

Gov. Greg Abbott forces cancellation of “Muslim only” event at Texas taxpayer-funded water park, defending equal access for all citizens against religious discrimination.[1][2]

Story Highlights

City-owned Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark in Grand Prairie planned “Muslim only” Eid event on June 1, featuring halal food, prayer areas, and modest dress codes like burkinis.[1][2]
Gov. Abbott condemned the event as unconstitutional religious discrimination, threatening to withhold $530,000 in state public safety grants unless canceled by May 11.[1][2]
City and water park canceled the event Wednesday evening, citing best interest after review, upholding taxpayer-funded facilities for all Texans.[1][3]
Abbott referenced HB 4211 banning Muslim-only zones and compared exclusion to hypothetical “Whites only” events at public pools.[1][2]

Event Details and Initial Promotion

Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark, owned by Grand Prairie and funded by a voter-approved 0.25% sales tax, scheduled the third annual DFW Epic Eid celebration for June 1.[1][2] A flyer on the park’s social media explicitly advertised it as a “Muslim only event,” requiring modest dress: burkinis for women and swim trunks with shirts for men.[1][2] Organizers planned halal food, a private prayer area from 5:30-7:30 p.m., and Islamic etiquette like maintaining personal space.[2] Tickets cost $55 or $65 with food.[2]

Local Islamic group rented the 80,000-square-foot facility, opened in 2017 at $88 million cost.[2] Initial promotion targeted the DFW Muslim community exclusively, sparking outrage over use of public funds for a closed religious gathering.[1] Rep. Lance Gooden questioned taxpayer support for such religious exclusivity.[2]

Governor Abbott’s Swift Intervention

Gov. Greg Abbott posted on X calling the “Muslim only” policy unconstitutional discrimination, invoking HB 4211 that bans such no-go zones in Texas.[1] In a letter to Mayor Ron Jensen, Abbott’s office equated the event to a “Whites only” pool, violating civil rights laws tied to five active state grants totaling $530,000.[1][2] City leaders had agreed to nondiscrimination upon accepting funds.[1]

Abbott demanded cancellation by May 11 or loss of grants, emphasizing facilities funded by all taxpayers serve everyone, not subsets.[1] This action aligns with conservative principles of equal access and limited government favoritism toward any group.[1]

Cancellation and Broader Implications

By Wednesday evening, Epic Waters and Grand Prairie issued a joint statement: “After further review and in the best interest of the City of Grand Prairie, the June 1 EID event at Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark has been canceled.”[1][3] Organizers had revised the flyer to “modest dress only” and “all are welcome,” but pressure mounted.[2]

GOV. ABBOTT THREATENS TO CUT $530K IN GRANTS UNLESS GRAND PRAIRIE CANCELS “MUSLIM-ONLY” WATERPARK EVENT

Abbott’s office sent a letter to Mayor Ron Jensen demanding cancellation of the June 1 “DFW Epic Eid” at taxpayer-funded Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark by May 11 or risk losing… pic.twitter.com/b2RUmknzXG

— The Dallas Express News (@DallasExpress) May 6, 2026

Water park officials clarified they rent space to various groups but distanced from hosting.[2] Critics note private rentals at public venues must not discriminate, protecting constitutional equal protection.[2] Abbott’s stand prevents erosion of public access, resonating with frustrations over special privileges amid past overreach on cultural impositions.[1] This victory reinforces Texas leadership prioritizing all citizens equally.