is this a japenese style sand pond?

Well what I intend to do is dig a hole the size and shape of the sand pond I want. In my case at least 18 inches deep and however large around as I can get in my tiny side yard I'm then going to line it with either a cheap tarp or landscape fabric and then fill it in with sand. you would also want to place large rocks around the pond to hold the liner in place and give it that pond feel. Maybe in a corner make a dry waterfall.Just a small stack of rocks that look as if water could run down and in to the pond. My son likes to dig holes and if I do not make this deep enough he won't stop digging in my flower bed.I'm tired of all the no's in an area that should be all yes. You will also need Something to cover the "pond" with or the neighborhood cats will think you just made them the biggest catbox they have ever seen. I'm going to use more landscape fabricand weigh it down with some of the edge rocks.
Goodluck.
I can't wait to start digging mine.
colleen

Do you mean this to be a sandbox? Then I think it will be a problem in areas that get any amount of rain, especially if you line it with a non-permeable tarp. Won't it collect water and be perpetually damp? Ones that I've seen in books have been in California, Florida, or Arizona.

Yes, generally this used as a nice looking sandbox. One that blends in nicely with one's landscaping. In an area that gets rain one would need to use landscape fabrick or if they choose to use something like a tarp they would need to poke small holes in it to provide drainage. Wet or damp sand is best to play in anyways. I guess it could also be used for a zen garden.