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                                                                      Exhibit 23


                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
                         -------------------------------



We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No.
333-20417, Registration Statement No. 333-30858, and Registration Statement No.
333-53038, all on Form S-4, and Registration Statement No. 33-92060 and
Registration Statement No. 333-52653, both on Form S-8, of our report dated
January 16, 2001, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Park
National Corporation incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.



/s/ Ernst & Young LLP


Columbus, Ohio
March 20, 2001