Every Monday evening at Neil Cummins Gym, the Seals take the court. The basketball team, made up of adults with developmental disabilities, plays against Corte Madera police officers, firefighters, community groups and celebrities. Everyone plays because the game adapts to each player's abilities.
The Seals are part of REC Inc, a suite of recreational programs for adults with developmental disabilities that the Corte Madera Recreation Department absorbed in 2020 and made a permanent part of the town's programming. According to the town's program page, the department stepped in to save the programs when the organization faced an uncertain future.
REC Inc's mission is to bring people with developmental disabilities into recreational activities, local events and community service. The programs run year-round at venues across town, with most costing $4 to $5 per session.
Basketball for Winners
The Seals practice and play Monday evenings, 6:35 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Neil Cummins Gym, 58 Mohawk Ave. Drop-in cost is $5; a full seven-week fall session runs $21 and an eight-week winter/spring session costs $24. Spectators attend free. Fall 2026 session dates have not yet been published.
Comedian Michael Pritchard, who has played with the Seals for years, wrote on the REC Inc website: "When I join REC Inc to play basketball, a feeling of incredible joy and laughter comes to me, always."
Doug McConnell, author and longtime host of "Bay Area Backroads," wrote on the same site about playing against the Seals with his son Patrick. He described laughter and encouragement filling the gym and noted his side has never won a game.
3rd Friday Dance and Party Night
The 3rd Friday Dance draws participants to the Corte Madera Community Center, 498 Tamalpais Drive, on the third Friday of every month from 7 to 9 p.m. Each month features a different theme, with music by Ebony Slam by Feeve, a Pop-a-Shot basketball station, an art table and a quiet outdoor garden patio. Admission is $4 (exact change required).
Party Night, organized by Steph Suess, runs on the fourth Friday of select months, including February, March, April, May, September and October. The August 2026 party has been canceled. Each themed evening includes art, a photo booth, snacks, music and themed bingo. Capacity is 40 participants; cost is $5. RSVPs go to [email protected] or 415-523-9225.
Other programs
A Lions Club chapter tied to REC Inc meets roughly once a month at the Community Center. Members serve as the program's advisory board and perform community service. Membership is $35 to join and $35 per six months; scholarships are available.
Sports Night, a free Monday evening program underwritten by volunteer coaches the Herz Family, ran April 13 through May 18 at Neil Cummins Gym and featured rotating activities like giant bowling, indoor foam hockey and wiffleball.
Special events include Movie Night at The Lark Theater in Larkspur and a summer barbecue.
How to volunteer
Volunteers must register each school year for either the REC Inc Youth Volunteer Club or the Adult Volunteer Club through the Corte Madera Recreation Department at secure.rec1.com/CA/-corte-madera-ca/catalog. After registering, volunteers sign up for specific events at signup.com/go/AKsgysP. Unregistered volunteers will be turned away.
Author Anne Lamott wrote an essay about volunteering at a Marin County rec center dance class for adults with disabilities, linked on the REC Inc page as a resource for prospective helpers.
Residents can request a full REC Inc calendar by emailing [email protected]. The Recreation Department is reachable at 415-927-5072, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
