On August 21, 2023, The Boonies professional skateboarder and CEO Tim Pool tried to get involved in a skateboarding event at the Raleigh St DIY but was shut down by the local skaters.
He wanted to contribute $20,000 as prize money, but the skaters rejected his offer and even banned him from attending the event.
A local skater alleged that Pool's self-insertion was without the guidance or knowledge of the local skateboarders. To avoid any association with Pool, they declined the money offered and prevented Pool from attending the event.
The Martinsburg, WV Skatepark was an unofficial skate spot, and the property owner was not affiliated with the local skate scene.
The leaders of the Raleigh St DIY were in contact with the property owner and had permission to continue using the land for skating and making minor obstacle developments.
Later, the DIY spot at 310 N Raleigh in Martinsburg, West Virginia, was purchased for $850,000 by "Will of The People Production LLC," a company owned by Pool himself, according to Chace Amos.
The land where the Martinsburg, WV Skatepark also known as "Raleigh St DIY" was located was bought, and unfortunately, the local OGs were unhappy with the purchase.
One of the skaters, Cale, expressed disappointment, questioning why someone with no ties to the local scene would try to take over events and DIY spots that have been part of the community for a long time.
He said, "I realize that some of you who follow me have been skating with this person, and even helping generate content for his social media and website."
He added, "Ask yourself why someone with no ties to the local scene feels the need to co-opt events that real community members have worked hard on."
"Why does he feel the need to commandeer a DIY spot that has been here for years?" He explained. "If your response is that he's making the spot more accessible, you're ignoring his disgusting, very public attitude toward the LGBTQIA+ community as well as queer skaters who deserve our support, and would undoubtedly face discrimination when trying to skate a DIY which has been open to all skaters for a long time."
