Ever feel the pull of open space? Lapstone Oval offers just that. It is nestled within Darks Common. This oval is more than just a field. It’s a hub of community activity.
Lapstone Oval is home to the Blue Mountains District Rugby Football Club. Their junior club, Blue Tongues Rugby, also calls this place home. Here you will find a Rugby Union field. There is also an artificial cricket pitch.
In the summer months, the Glenbrook/Blaxland Cricket Club takes over. They play their matches right here on Lapstone Oval. Imagine the cheers and the thwack of the ball.
But that is not all. There are also two tennis courts at Lapstone Oval. And for the little ones, there is children’s play equipment. It is truly a place for everyone.
Darks Common itself has an interesting story. It became a public reserve in the 1970s. This prevented further housing development in the area. Local Michael Dark was a leading voice in this conservation effort. He was the son of author Eleanor Dark and her husband Dr Erick Dark. The reserve is now named after the family.
The suburb of Lapstone was developed in the 1960s. Arthur J. Hand, an alderman of the Blue Mountains Council, bought the land. He developed the suburb and a railway station opened in 1964. It serviced this new housing estate.
Lapstone’s name has an interesting origin. It comes from the water-worn stones found in the area. These stones resemble those used by cobblers. Cobblers used to hold these stones between their legs. They did this to work the leather when making shoes.
Lapstone is the first town on the eastern escarpment of the Blue Mountains. It sits at an elevation of 160 meters. In 2016, the population was 961.
Lapstone offers more than just sports and recreation. You can explore walking tracks throughout Darks Common. The Spur-Line walking track leads to Glenbrook Creek. It also leads to views of Glenbrook Gorge at Bluff Lookout.
Consider the history beneath your feet. Imagine the echoes of laughter. Think of the cheers from rugby and cricket matches. Lapstone Oval is a place of community and recreation. It is a testament to preserving green space. It is a place where memories are made.