I love the idea of something different that doesn't scream "plastic turtle sandbox purchased at Walmart!". This is something that actually fits with the yard & the landscaping. However, my one criticism: I understand the use of the weed barrier fabric as a cover, but I think that ruins the overall look. In reality, her daughter will spend more time NOT playing in the sandbox than actually playing in it, therefore that is more time for the family, and guests, to have to look at that "cover". And the haphazard piling of rocks to keep the cover in place makes it look like an unfinished garden project. I understand the idea that you want to allow some water in to keep the sand moist. But I would get a large blue tarp, cut it to size & shape, affix a few grommets, perforate it, and lay that on top of the sandbox. A few mini bungee cords held down with the rock border can go into the grommets on the tarp to hold the tarp in place. The blue will look like a pond, and the sandbox will be more accessible than facing the daunting task of removing those strips of fabric and those rocks. The tarp can just be easily rolled back and again into place- even by the daughter. Sandbox won't be fun if the kid has to wait for an adult to move & lift those rocks & fabric & find someplace to put them off to the side. The project does show ingenuity!

Ecaudoriana1 - Thank you for the compliments. I agree that our cover isn't perfect. On my to-do list is to sew the sheets together and cut it to fit the sandbox. In my opinion, the black fits better with our yard because it blends in with the mulch. The grommets are a lovely idea, but it's way beyond my DIY skills. But a great idea for someone who is more handy around the house. Actually, removing the fabric takes about a minute and my daughter helps me so not a lot of time. Our family prefers functionality over aesthetics, so the sandbox works perfectly for us.

@ Rebekah :-) Excellent! What is so awesome here is that you came up with an idea that can help kick start others with thinking outside the Walmart plastic sandbox! Seeing your idea got me to thinking what I can do for my grandson when he comes to visit. Here in New Mexico we don't have a lot of water & so we are always on the conserve. I'm thinking about my dry sandy terrain & how it could use a little water life- even if in the form of a blue tarp! Rocks? Oh we got plenty of them!

Don't cut yourself short about the grommets. The hardware store sells kits & it's only a matter of seconds to punch them in. My grommet puncher is what I use to make curtains, drawstring shopping bags, etc. An investment that has really paid off. Enjoy your time with your little one!!!

@Rebekah,

I absolutely love this idea, and I think I'm going to try something similar. My only question is did you use 500lbs of sand all together or were they 500lbs bags of sand?

I have been reading a lot that "play sand" actually contains dangerous toxins. What kind of sand did you use?

@Sarahdactyl, I bought 10 bags of sand with 50 pounds in each bag. The guys at the hardware store got it loaded up for me, so I just needed to wheelbarrow the bags to the backyard.

@Caseyinto, that is the first I have heard of the toxins in child's play sand. Thank you for warning us of this possibility, and it would be wise for parents to look at ingredient lists and warnings on materials used for kids.

@ Ecuadoriana, ahhh, I love New Mexico. It's pretty dry and rocky here. Rocks are always a big hit with kids for toys. =) I bet your grandson would have fun in a dry rock bed, but not sure if you have a problem with scorpions like we do here.

I just discovered most play sands sold at hardware stores have California warnings on them, silica and a host of other nasties. There are a couple of products, Sandtastik (cheapest at discount school supply) and something called Safesand, that purport to be safer. They're a lot more expensive than regular play sand. Health info on their websites.