3. Put the "park" in parking space.
The cool checkerboard yard below is actually a driveway, devised using turf pavers (from $2 per square foot; belgard.biz for stores). Basically shallow planters, these interlocking stone blocks can handle heavy traffic and accommodate topsoil and grass seed. You'll need to plant a durable variety like tall fescue or buffalo grass and, of course, excavate the site before laying the pavers. When it's time to mow, opt for a high setting.