1 Exhibit 23(a) [ERNST & YOUNG LLP LETTERHEAD] CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and to the use of our report dated January 6, 1996, in the Registration Statement (Form S-4) and related Prospectus of Park National Corporation for the registration of 2,345,000 shares of its common stock. Ernst & Young LLP Columbus, Ohio January 22, 1997