Fitz’s Fish Ponds Revives Historic Waterford Gardens and Hosts a Grand Opening Event!
May 19th 2025
SADDLE RIVER, NJ — Fitz’s Fish Ponds has officially opened its newest retail location in Saddle River, New Jersey, marking a significant expansion for the company and the restoration of one of the oldest water gardening properties in the country.
A Historic Property Brought Back to Life
The site, formerly known as Waterford Gardens, had fallen into disrepair in recent years. Overgrown ponds, a damaged greenhouse, and declining infrastructure left the space in need of substantial investment. Fitz’s Fish Ponds acquired the property and immediately began renovations to bring the iconic location back to life.
Originally founded in 1895 by William Tricker, Waterford Gardens is recognized as one of the first water lily farms in America. The Fitz’s Fish Ponds team worked to preserve that legacy while modernizing the facilities for a new generation of pond and plant enthusiasts.
“We knew how important this place was to so many people,” said Brian Fitzsimmons, owner and founder of Fitz’s Fish Ponds. “Our goal was to respect that history while creating something that could thrive today.”
A Community-Focused Grand Opening
The store’s grand opening event, held over two days, drew large crowds from across the region. Customers new and old turned out to see the revitalized space, explore the product offerings, and meet the Fitz’s Fish Ponds team. Many longtime Waterford Gardens customers expressed their appreciation for the effort to preserve the site’s identity while giving it a new life.
Saddle River Mayor Albert Kurpis also attended the event and addressed the crowd, applauding the transformation and expressing his support for the business.
“This property has been a landmark in Saddle River for more than a century,” Kurpis said. “We’re proud to see Fitz’s Fish Ponds take over and carry this legacy into the future. The community stands behind them.”
Giveaways and Celebratory Highlights
To celebrate the occasion, Fitz’s Fish Ponds hosted a series of product and koi giveaways throughout the weekend. More than 10 high-quality koi were given away to attendees, along with gift cards and pond care essentials. Customers of all ages participated, and the excitement surrounding the giveaways created a welcoming, family-friendly environment.
Educational Seminars and Demonstrations
In addition to the giveaways, the opening event featured multiple educational opportunities for attendees. An aquascaping demonstration held by FFP Aquariums and Aquascaping Manager, Jennifer Bujalski, allowed guests to see live tank designs and learn about plant placement, hardscape options, and layout techniques from experienced aquascapers. The tank that was crafted during the Grand Opening will live within the Saddle River location.
Fish health seminars were also offered by Dr. Ben Rosenbloom, Fitz’s Fish Ponds Director of Fish Health and Aquatic Veterinarian, covering important topics such as water quality, parasite prevention, seasonal care tips, and disease management. Attendees were able to ask questions directly to staff and specialists, reinforcing Fitz’s Fish Ponds’ commitment to customer education and long-term pond success.
“We’re not just here to sell products—we want to educate and empower pond owners to create thriving ecosystems,” Fitz said.
A Full-Service Pond & Aquatics Destination
Today, the Saddle River location is fully operational, offering a wide range of Japanese koi, aquatic plants, pond equipment, and supplies. The greenhouse has been restored, the ponds have been rebuilt, and the grounds are fully stocked and landscaped to showcase the potential of water gardening at any scale.
Behind every koi and bloom is a dedicated team committed to quality, service, and customer experience. Fitz’s Fish Ponds sources koi from leading breeders in Japan and maintains one of the most comprehensive selections of aquatic plants in the region.
Looking Ahead
The opening of FFP Saddle River is a major step forward in Fitz’s Fish Ponds’ ongoing mission to make pond ownership more accessible and enjoyable. With the support of the Saddle River community and loyal customers from across the region, the team looks forward to continuing to grow its presence while staying true to the company’s family-owned roots.
“This is more than a retail store—it’s a place where people connect over a shared passion for ponds, plants, and fish,” Fitz said. “We’re excited to serve this community for many years to come.”
For more information, visit www.fitzfishponds.com or stop by the new Saddle River location to see the transformation for yourself.
