As a manufacturer whom has completed projects all over the world, we often get asked if we can "transition" from one thickness of rubber playground tile to the next in order to reduce costs" and fall within budget. Our answer is YES.
Here is a playground project where openness was a key factor for this private school. They only wanted one playground unit (a net climber) for children to use and play on with a different color surfacing underneath (Blue). The rest of the area was to receive Green pigmented tiles to give the children the atmosphere that they are playing on grass.
We feel we have accomplished this goal accordingly by providing a reducer/transitional ramp between the two areas.