Exhibit 23.1


                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8) pertaining to the Park National Corporation Employees Stock Ownership Plan,
formerly known as the Park National Corporation Employees Voluntary Salary
Deferral Plan and Trust, of our report dated May 30, 2003, with respect to the
financial statements and schedules of the Park National Corporation Employees
Stock Ownership Plan included in this Annual Report (Form 11-K) for the year
then ended December 31, 2002.


                                        /s/ Ernst & Young LLP


Columbus, Ohio
June 25, 2003