Midtown in San Antonio in Bexar County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Lambert Beach

Photographed by James Hulse, December 30, 2022

1. Lambert Beach Marker

Inscription. Brackenridge Park Was A Popular Destination from the time it opened in 1901. Early visitors flocked here to picnic, swim, and enjoy drives through dense woodlands. But it was not until 1915 that Parks Commissioner Ray Lambert added new, purpose built recreational features. Lambert's first project was transforming this river bend into a gravel-lined pool with iron bathhouses and a suspension bridge. Barbecue pits, a softball diamond, and a playground were added, and the area soon became known as Lambert Beach. Lambert later transformed the river channel into a concrete-lined pool with a stone bathhouse and steps leading to the river. New roads were added to improve park access, and a massive iron truss bridge relocated from downtown. Lambert's final project, before he died in 1927, was construction of the imposing Joske Pavilion, a memorial to local merchant Alexander Joske. Today the area, still known as Lambert Beach, remains one of the most popular locations in Brackenridge Park.

Captions
Left: Ray Lambert, who served as parks commissioner from 1915 to 1927, expanded the city's park system and added modern recreational features. His most enduring accomplishment was the transformation of Brackenridge Park with attractions including Lambert Beach, the golf course, Witte Museum, zoo, Lions Field, and the Japanese Tea Garden.
Courtesy: Lambert Family; San Antonio

Lower Middle: Swimmers enjoyed the San Antonio River's cool waters at Lambert Beach during the day. After dark, movies were projected on a screen hung from the old water works pump house. Swimming in the river was prohibited in 1950 because of health concerns.
Courtesy: University of Texas at San Antonio Libraries Special Collections.

Lower Right: In 1925 Ray Lambert moved this elaborate iron truss bridge to the park from its original location at the St. Mary's Street river crossing downtown. Manufactured by the Berlin Iron Bridge Company, it replaced an old wooden bridge. The suspension bridge seen here was used by pedestrians.
Courtesy: University of Texas at San Antonio Libraries Special Collections

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This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Parks & Recreational Areas • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1901.

Location. 29° 27.797′ N, 98° 28.194′ W. Marker is in San Antonio, Texas, in Bexar County. It is in Midtown. It can be reached from Brackenridge Drive 0.1 miles north of Tuleta Drive. The marker is located in the northeast section of Brackenridge Park by the Brackenridge Park Conservancy. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 531 Brackenridge Drive, San Antonio TX 78212, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in South Texas.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Upper Pump House (within shouting distance of this marker); Confederate Tannery (about 400 feet away,

The Lambert Beach Marker in front of the Pump House by the river image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, December 30, 2022

2. The Lambert Beach Marker in front of the Pump House by the river

measured in a direct line); Donkey Barn (about 700 feet away); Brackenridge Park Before 1899 (about 700 feet away); Brackenridge Park Since 1899 (about 700 feet away); The Utility Log Cabin (about 700 feet away); The Twohig House (about 800 feet away); The Celso Navarro House (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Antonio.

Also see . . . History of the Park. Brackenridge Park Conservancy

The casual visitor to Brackenridge Park is totally unaware that the 349-acre park, with its picnic areas, ball fields, museum, zoo, and golf course, occupies some of the most historically rich land in the City of San Antonio. Traffic and pavement abound, urban congestion and noise intrude, and interpretation is virtually nil. Nothing tells the visitor that the park represents a long timeline reaching back at least 12,000 years. It is a rich tapestry of history linked by the San Antonio River that rises from springs above and in the park and flows through the park on its southerly course.

(Submitted on January 10, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

The view of the Lambert Beach Marker from the street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, December 30, 2022

3. The view of the Lambert Beach Marker from the street

The marker is located on the far left in the photo.

A view of the Lambert Beach on the right side image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, December 30, 2022

4. A view of the Lambert Beach on the right side

The truss bridge over San Antonio River next to Lambert Beach image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, December 30, 2022

5. The truss bridge over San Antonio River next to Lambert Beach

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 10, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,230 times since then and 157 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on January 10, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.