Run progression idea- silly or ok?

[CBabs]

The spot that I have picked out for my run is in the only shade my yard has so I'm fairly stuck in that spot. The coop/run will be the chickens whole world as it's hard to free range here.
For reference I'm in Coastal SC, about 30mi from the ocean, and when it rains it pours!
The ground where the run will be gets soggy in a heavy downpour and if it lasts for about half the day, there may be soggy ground the next morning (along with 1/3 of my yard).
Here's my question: I wanted to let the girls completely destroy the grass before I started adding to the run. My grass is the centepede kind so it's THICK, like 3" of vines and stems. Could I wait until they uncover the dirt and then add sand to bring it higher than the surrounding grass/yard and THEN put in all of my pine straw and leaves?

 

[TalkALittle]

Yes, you can let them turn it into a barren wasteland first, then add stuff to it. You may want to make the door to the run wide enough to get a wheelbarrow in and out for convenience.

 

[CBabs]

Yes, you can let them turn it into a barren wasteland first, then add stuff to it. You may want to make the door to the run wide enough to get a wheelbarrow in and out for convenience.

Thank you! I felt like it was a silly question but I just couldn't wrap my head around it.

We have sandbags left from the first (of two ) 100 year flood. Would that be appropriate to start with? I have about 10 of them and nowhere to put them
Edited to add: it'll be 8x12

 

[TalkALittle]

Yes, you can use the sand. I originally tried sand alone in my run that is in a low point in my yard and prone to wetness. The sand didn't work (long story) and I instead opted to try deep litter. I left the sand in place and dumped my material right on top and it has turned out really well for me.

You may want to box in the bottom of your run to help hold in the litter material. I have two 1x6" boards that go around mine. It keeps the 8-10" of litter in the pen.

 

[CBabs]

Thanks! The splashback here can be pretty crazy so I may just box in the bottom 12" all the way around. Less hardware cloth, more reclaimed materials! Score! I would have to step over a lip into the coop but that should be manageable and will keep in the litter.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Ditto to all @TalkALittle has had to say, spot on