Mallard, thank you for the great ideas! Yes I overbuilt using what I had on hand. The alternative would have been to take the plywood top off, and move the support.
My intent is to have a building or buildings in front of that spot that will block the view of the opening unless I lean way over. A retaining wall may be needed behind to make it plausible. I like the lumberjacks and scratching heads. Those would be fun.
