Ideas needed for sidewalk

I would try and dig out rock, replace with dirt and plant petunias or marigolds

There are several different metal drain grids on the market that could be used and if installed properly could be set as the same level as concrete and still have drainage in that small strip and be easy for snow removal.

I agree with Daisy, but maybe the rocks are there for a reason, drainage maybe?

You could still fill with dirt and put solar lights with a little bit of liriope lining the edge.

These were put around for Drainage reasons, to keep Soil and water from getting above the Damp proof level. Suggest some sort of Grid be used over the top for your purpose.

There is a good chance that under all that is a drainage system which may be protecting your foundation. If you have a basement, the odds go up that there is a drainage system there. To find the answer, you might wait for a really good downpour and follow the line to the street to see if a heavy flow emerges. It is possible that it goes directly into the street sewage system. If you need an immediate answer which will not upset any possible drainage system, I might suggest you put in and artificial grass.