Case Study: Deck Renovation at the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden

Project Location: Dallas Arboretum – T. Boone Pickens Pure Energy Zone
Client: Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden
Project Duration: 2018 – 2021
Deck Size: ~8,000 square feet

Project Background

The T. Boone Pickens Pure Energy Zone at the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden in the Dallas Arboretum is an interactive educational space where children learn about solar, wind, and water energy. Built in the early 2000s using Kabony 2×6 organically treated hardwood, the decks supported demonstrations in a water-feature environment.

Over time, the original deck design began to fail. Boards were installed too close together, preventing proper drainage. Combined with constant exposure to water, this led to rot, weakened structures, and unsafe walking surfaces where visitors could step through compromised boards.

Challenges

• Poor Drainage Design: Deck boards were too tightly spaced, trapping water.
• Structural Issues: Support beams were set 4 feet apart, inadequate for commercial decking standards.
• Safety Concerns: Rotting wood posed hazards for staff and visitors.
• Complex Railing System: The original welded railings—approximately 500 feet—were bolted and welded into place, requiring engineering modifications for safe removal and replacement.
• Environmental Factors: Work was performed during winter, including through snowstorms, while ensuring minimal disruption to the garden’s operations.

Our Solution

78 Fence provided a complete deck renovation designed for durability, safety, and long-term performance:

• Demolition & Assessment: Removed all rotting hardwood and evaluated the structural supports.
• Reinforced Framework: Added steel supports to reduce spacing from 4 feet to 2 feet, meeting commercial standards.
• Composite Decking Installation: Installed composite boards for superior resistance to moisture, rot, and heavy foot traffic. Boards were spaced 3/8 inch apart for optimal drainage.
• High-Quality Fastening: Used stainless steel screws to secure boards and prevent corrosion in the damp environment.
• Railing Engineering: Carefully dismantled welded railings, then reinstalled with a new fastening system to improve long-term maintenance and safety.
• Project Scale: Renovated approximately 15,000 square feet of decking and 500 feet of custom railings.

Results

The project transformed the Pure Energy Zone into a safer, stronger, and longer-lasting environment for education and exploration.

• Enhanced safety by replacing rotted wood and upgrading supports.
• Improved durability with composite decking and stainless steel components.
• Delivered aesthetic appeal that complements the garden while withstanding heavy visitor use.
• Minimized downtime with careful scheduling during the winter months.

Today, the T. Boone Pickens Pure Energy Zone continues to serve as a dynamic educational space, backed by the engineering expertise and craftsmanship of 78 Fence.