"... disrupt it enough to keep it from growing back." A bulldozer maybe. But its effect will be only temporary as that's the way it works: wherever there's dirt, plants will move in take over. The key to overcoming weeds is diligence and a strategic approach. First, the weed must be killed, but this will not keep it away. There'll likely be a period where it tries to come back like a pesky fly so you must prevent that from happening. Usually, the weeds existing at the perimeter try to move back in. The standard methods of killing are herbicide or light starvation. (Covering with a layer of cardboard and then mulch is a popular method.) The standard method of regrowth prevention is a heavy layer of mulch. But the mulch will eventually give way to weeds again. After mulching, it's best to begin establishing a desirable plant that will that will shade the ground and heavily discourage seeds from sprouting. Always remove any weeds that crop up before they go to seed. Kill or dig out any perennial weeds that pop up from existing roots. When the "good" plant is well established, it will do a pretty good job of keeping weeds at bay, but the process must be monitored on a regular or periodic basis. It also makes a difference what plant is chosen to be the "good" plant. It must like the conditions in order to prosper and do its job.

Do you know what the ground cover is?

I think mulch may be the optimal solution, but the first step is getting the rid of the current weeds. It's probably just going to need some major manpower. As for plants to bed around the perimeter, I think I'll have to check with local garden stores.

No sure what the current ground cover is: I'll try to take a photo and post it this weekend.

Thanks!