Thank you for the pointer, some really nice lighting solutions on that site :). In fact I'd sketched the idea I wanted but for some reason the PDF with my sketch didn't upload with the other 2 images. Tried it again just now. Can't see anything anywhere like the this rounded half ball design

Happy to give some thoughts if they're still needed?

Hi lots of different options and ideas going on. I had a similar wall and understand how mean it can be to little ones. I bought and put up the expanding wood trellis. This instantly covered the area at a very reasonable price. I then planted quick growing climbing plants. I'm not a great gardener so I cant remember what i had but ask at the garden centre they will advise you. But at least you have a barrier in place to minimize accidents.

What are we looking at to the right of the photo that's white? Get some annuals in the flower beds. Check the amount of sun you have and plant accordingly. You can mix vegetables and flowers. From your photo, and in order, I would get a canvas gazebo both to give you privacy from the neighbors and to block your view of their houses and the kids stuff. Mine had the canvas you could zip up AND screens. We had our table and chairs in there. It was really lovely and lasted many years. There are ways to stabilize them on the blacktop without drilling into it. Looks like you could use a new shed, I'm not sure the one you have is being used