For one local family, a complete reimagining of their backyard has resulted in nothing short of a recreational entertainment masterpiece.
Annie and Robb Rosen began with what they call “pretty ambitious” plans to invest in their existing backyard. “We wanted to have a backyard that we could enjoy year-round,” Annie says. “We have always been an outdoor family, and we love playing games. We wanted to create a space that would be enjoyable for our kids and their friends.”
Ambitious, indeed. Their plans included installation of a 20' x 44' swimming pool with custom waterfall, bench seats at each end, and an ability to take things up a notch with a volleyball net and basketball hoops.
The problem was, they weren’t sure how to pull it off. Then they met Donnie.
Donnie Powell of Finer Lawn & Landscaping knows a thing or two about turning ho-hum patio spaces into ultimate backyard setups. From hardscapes to landscapes, pergolas to pavers, and drainage to driveways, he’s been helping families in Greater Cincinnati make the most of their existing spaces for more than 20 years.
“The work that I do improves home values and creates places for families to enjoy for many, many years,” he says. “And that’s what I like most about what I do—creating a space for families to come together, so that they can enjoy spending time together.”
Some jobs are bigger than others, of course. Once work began on the Rosens’ yard, they decided to additionally add a Sport Court, where the family could play basketball, pickleball, badminton, and volleyball ... day or night. The space also benefited from multitiered paver areas around the pool, artificial turf, landscaping, and fencing.
The results were unanimously declared a huge success, and the project even elevated curb appeal by completely changing the property’s entire look and feel. Of course, it also impacts home value.
“Some of my favorite things about taking on this project were just the scope of it,” Donnie says. “The pool itself is huge, and has a lot of neat elements to it. The pavers are built on a concrete base, which makes it a very low-maintenance space for the homeowner, and the Sport Court is an incredible space that this active family can use for many, many years to come.”
The Rosens report being pleased that Finer Lawn & Landscaping was also excited about their vision, and allowed them flexibility to make changes as the project progressed. “Summers are so hot and humid in Cincinnati,” Annie says. “And now we love being outside, because the option to cool off is right in our yard.”
The best endorsement they can offer might come in the form of advice Annie has for other homeowners who are interested in tackling a similar project. “Hire someone you get along with,” she says, “because there will be a lot of interactions necessary throughout the project.”
It’s all in a day’s work for Donnie and the rest of his Finer Lawn & Landscaping team.
“This was a fun project to do for a family that is active ... that loves the outdoors and loves sports,” Donnie adds. “The customers were great to work for, and I will always be thankful to have worked with them on this project.”
“I love the pool, I love the entire setup of this backyard, because there was so much to do! We maximized every bit of space.”
FinerLawn.com | 513.260.6466
“I love the pool, I love the entire setup of this backyard, because there was so much to do! We maximized every bit of space.” - Donnie