Unfortunately, I have to agree with theproffesor on this one. If you did it, you would have to get some serious landscaping in there to make it look like a lil park
A dirt track would be easier to get away with because it isn't permanent and much more flexible to change or what not.
In either case, the wife or the girlfriend will have to get something out of it too. lol. Whether its a pretty garden, bench, or bird bath they will add something to the plans...