Fed up with how Sprague’s Cove has been maintained, a Marion has woman started a petition to give control of the stormwater basin to a new subcommittee.

Annie Rockwell, whose husband John helped design the system, has gathered more than 80 signatures so far.

Built in 1995, the basin was a joint venture between Marion and the Buzzards Bay Project National Estuary Program. The basin holds runoff for a two-week period as plants remove bacteria and pollution.

Since being built, plants, reeds and other vegetation have grown up around the basin. Some say the plants must be managed to remove phragmites, an invasive species. The area was last cleared in 2012.

“It was horrible,” Annie said. “That destroyed a beautiful area that was home to otters, turtles and heron.”

Selectmen currently are in charge of the basin. Previously, the Recreation Committee managed the area; however, that board has no members at present.

The petition calls for the creation of a subcommittee overseen by the town’s Open Space Acquisition Commission. John Rockwell is the commission’s chair and said there are a number of qualified people prepared to serve. His background is in flood plain management, and he also consults the state on wetlands issues.

“It makes sense to utilize our expertise,” John said. “It’s a public space that has seen drastic changes. There should be a way for the public to express concerns and that hasn’t happened.”

Town Administrator Paul Dawson brought the issue to Selectmen’s attention at their previous meeting.

He suggested that both the Open Space Commission and the Conservation Commission develop proposals for how to best manage the site.

Selectmen would then back the best solution. The transfer of management would have to be formalized at Annual Town Meeting.

To view and sign the petition, visit Annie Rockwell’s Facebook page.