When it comes to footing for athletic fields, there are many different options available. Depending on your location, climate, budget and other factors, there may be more than one type of material that could be suitable for your field. The most common type of footing for outdoor sports fields is sand. Sand is cheap and easy to install and maintain, but it can get messy and be a hazard for spectators and athletes alike. Other materials such as rubber and plastic have also become more popular as alternatives to sand. But which one is best for your needs? Read on to learn more about each type of footing material and how it can affect your decision when designing or renovating a sports field.

Sand

Sand is probably the most common type of footing for outdoor sports fields. It’s cheap and easy to install and maintain, but it can get messy and be a hazard for spectators and athletes alike.Sand is usually made from a mixture of quartz sand (which is very fine and almost transparent), organic sand (made from shells or coral), and sometimes other materials like cinders, pebbles, or gravel.Sand can come in different grades, depending on how coarse or fine it is. Grades like “sand” and “silt” are usually the most common types used for athletic fields.Sand is not only used for horse arenas but also for baseball fields, tennis courts and golf courses. It’s a good choice for areas with lots of foot traffic, but it also can get messy and be difficult to clean up after games or practices.

Rubber

Rubber is a more recent addition to the list of footing materials. It’s a synthetic material made from recycled tires, which is then mixed with other materials like pea gravel and sand. It’s designed to be low-impact and provide a more natural feel to the ground, which is why it’s often used for synthetic turf. However, it can also be used for outdoor fields, especially for smaller areas like indoor tennis courts or smaller soccer fields. It’s a good choice for areas with lots of foot traffic, but it also can get messy and be difficult to clean up after games or practices. It’s also not very eco-friendly because it’s made from tires, which are a byproduct of the automobile industry.

Plastic

Plastic is another synthetic material that’s been used in the petrochemical industry to make building materials and other products. It’s now being used to make artificial turf, which is sometimes called plastic turf or plastic sports surface. It’s a good choice for areas with lots of foot traffic, but it also can get messy and be difficult to clean up after games or practices. It’s not very eco-friendly because it’s made from petrochemicals, which are a byproduct of the petroleum industry. It’s also not very cost-effective, especially for large areas like horse arenas.

Gravel/Sand Mix

Gravel/sand mix is a combination of sand and gravel. It’s a good choice for areas with lots of foot traffic, but it also can get messy and be difficult to clean up after games or practices. It’s not very eco-friendly because it’s made from sand and gravel, which are naturally occurring materials that can be found in almost any part of the world. It’s not very cost-effective, especially for large areas like horse arenas.

Conclusion

When designing or renovating a sports field, it’s important to choose the right type of footing material. There are many different types of footing materials available, but they all have their pros and cons.Sand is a good choice for areas with lots of foot traffic, but it can get messy and be difficult to clean up after games or practices. It’s not very eco-friendly because it’s made from sand, which is a naturally occurring material that can be found in almost any part of the world. Plastic is another synthetic material that’s been used in the petrochemical industry to make synthetic turf. It’s a good choice for areas with lots of foot traffic, but it also can get messy and be difficult to clean up after games or practices.

Frequently Asked Question

The best surface for a horse arena is sand. The sand should be a medium, to coarse, sharp sand that has been cleaned (washed) so it becomes less compacted over time and give off less dust
Olympic Equestrian Arena surfaces tend to be made up of sand with a small percentage of polyester textile fibres.
Normally 8 - 12 centimeters of fine sand combined with a small amount of textile fibres and a sand additive will be sufficient for dressage or show jumping.
Olympic Equestrian Arena surfaces tend to be made up of sand with a small percentage of polyester textile fibres.