Good Material for area surrounding pit?

[indestructo]

We currently jump on the largest landing pits USC offers with "grass" surrounding it. I say "grass" because the little bit of grass that grows during the fall and winter generally turns to mud during the Spring outdoor season. This obviously ends up in the pads (which ends up in the eyes) and on the runway. We are looking at the possibility of adding a 3-4ft path around the pits and in front of the pits made of loose pea stone. The only holdup we have is the legality of this material. I don't see this being an issue, but I wanted to see if anyone has any insight or any other recommendations to fix the situation.

Thanks!!

[rainbowgirl28]

Could you use bark or rubber?

[indestructo]

We could. Good suggestion. I will take a look at those materials too. Thanks!

[rainbowgirl28]

Bark would probably absorb the mud best, though it would probably need to be touched up from year to year. Rubber would be the best landing material, but probably the most expensive and not sure how well it would mix with the mud.

[master]

Could you use bark or rubber?

If you choose bark, be sure it is a kind that is not full of tiny splinters!

[vaultdad]

something simple is foam rubber (like for under carpets) wrapped in cheap astroturf. you just make a sandwich of it by putting the foam in the middle and overlapping the carpet . It looks nice, and you can clean it with a garden hose later . . . . plus it adds some protection in the process that usually ends up being a couple of inches worth of cushy .