In 1915, Ray Lambert, San Antonio’s newly elected Commissioner of Parks and Sanitation, focused his attention on improving the northern area of Brackenridge Park. Adjacent to the old Water Works pumphouse, Lambert built a playground and swimming beach. A corrugated iron bathhouse for women and children was constructed and the river bottom was improved by removing mud and laying gravel.

The bathing beach was an instant success and the newspaper reported that the daily dip is the thing. Lambert made plans to enlarge the beach and in 1925, permanent swimming pools for adults and babies were completed, along with dressing rooms designed by architect Emmett Jackson.

The beach area was further improved in the 1920s when the old iron truss bridge that crossed the river downtown at St. Mary’s Street was moved to the park and Joske Memorial Pavilion was constructed (also designed by Emmett Jackson). Ray Lambert completed these projects shortly before his death in December 1927. Though the pool has been closed to swimmers for almost 50 years, it still carries Lambert’s name as a reminder of his enduring vision for Brackenridge Park.