Madelyn Shaeffer had just lost 100 pounds and felt confident enough in her skin to wear a bikini to the Adventure Oasis Water Park. After employees told her to cover up or leave, the Independence woman decided to speak out. The woman was in the swimming pool with her niece and nephew when two park employees allegedly walked up to her and asked her to throw on some shorts. They said her bottoms were too small.

I just felt like I was singled out,” Sheaffer said, “I felt like it was both age and body discrimination and I felt like I could look around me and I could see a handful of other girls half my age, wearing the same size swimming suit and not being singled out and told to put on clothes or leave.”

“There are 16- or 18-year-old girls wearing just the same amount and no one’s criticizing them or making them feel ashamed or feel uncomfortable in their bodies,” Sheaffer said.

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Ms. Shaeffer was shown the exit by the managers, then asked if she could call the police to file a complaint. The police arrived, and escorted her out. She has filed a complaint against Adventure Oasis Water Park

The Water Park employees don't feel like they discriminated against Ms. Shaeffer despite the fact that other (younger) women were nearly identically dressed:



The City of Independence says it’s up to the manager to decide if a person’s attire is appropriate or not and they don’t feel like they discriminated against Sheaffer.

The facility is part of Independence, MO Parks and Recreation. Not a private business.



Parks & Recreation Administration



Eric Urfer, Parks & Recreation Director

Parks and Recreation Offices

Truman Memorial Building

416 West Maple Avenue

Independence,MO 64050

(816)325-7843