The playground was first expected to cost $730,000 but wet-weather delays blew out that figure by $400,000.

The council has also spent another $250,000 since the playground opened in September on a concrete path, six picnic tables, drainage and re-sealing works on the extension of Ebden Street leading into the playground.

The council’s community and recreation director James Jenkins said the playground had become one of the city’s most popular attractions.

“It has been mind-boggling how many people have visited the playground,” he said.

“The usage has been quite incredible.

“On a regular basis the car park is quite full and overflow parking has been occurring near the Noreuil Park oval.

“The feedback we are getting is people from outside the city are also coming in to use the facility.”

The extra $250,000 spent was revealed in the council’s quarterly budget review, released this week.

In a blow to the council’s plans to further develop the Murray River precinct, the Wagirra Trail project, to link Noreuil Park with Wonga Wetlands in West Albury, has missed out on a $460,000 grant.

But the budget for the Kremur Street boat ramp project has been increased by $186,000 to complete the first and second stages.

Funding has also been brought forward to complete the Volt Lane car park, forcing $180,000 of works at Albury Entertainment Centre to be deferred.

The council’s acting general manager Michael Keys said several projects had been “re-prioritised” since the last review.

“We had to complete Oddies Creek and we had a chance to extend the Kremur Street boat ramp to stage two with funding available at the moment,” he said.

“But we made a promise to council to try to balance this budget at every opportunity.”

The council was hit with an unexpected increase in electricity and gas charges of $173,000.