Whether "kid friendly" or "55 plus", people purchase in a HOA community because of the protective and restrictive covenants.I can totally understand not wanting those things next to you, but this is supposed to be a kid friendly neighborhood. And there are LOTS of kids. I'm not sure, but I believe they have "55 plus" communities for those who are ready to settle into a nice, quiet solitude. And I don't really mind having an HOA, but I DO mind people taking photos of my house while standing in my backyard. CREEEEPY. I guess too, where I come from, if you have a problem with somebody, you talk to them face to face in a polite manner. That sneaky stuff just rubs me the wrong way. It shows a lack of spinal substance that I find intolerable.
To many, above ground pools and children's playcenters are an eyesore. That said....
Perhaps, the neighbor coming into the yard and taking pictures is a board member or a member of the architectural control board---whose job it is to oversee that the community guidelines are being followed and that violations are remedied.
And, it may not be meant as "sneaky". I know as a board member, I attempted to try to visit the sites when the owners were at home, but that wasn't always possible; sometimes I had 15 or so to visit before the next board meeting. The reason for my personal visits ??..... When neighbors or others would call and place a complaint against another, I wanted to go out and view the problem personally before I had to vote on the situation, thereby making it more fair for everyone. Many times, I too took pictures so that when it came to the vote, I could easily explain my vote, and other board members could understand the situation most clearly before they voted. A credible complaint gets a credible violation.....a frivolous complaint can easily be seen and gets no violation. Also, some board members wishing to remain annynomous, chose to purposefully not visit when a homeowner was home.
Through your Landlord, I hope you will begin to understand and appreciate how your HOA operates.